INTRODUCTION
You have reached the right laser clinic if you have been considering laser hair removal. Whether you’re looking for a clinic or thinking about buying an at-home device, you should do your homework first because there’s a lot to think about.
It’s impossible to know if laser hair removal is right for you without first learning about the potential benefits and risks associated with the procedure.
For people with darker skin tones, ingrown hairs are a common source of hyperpigmentation that laser hair removal can help alleviate.
Even though society as a whole has made great strides toward accepting natural body hair, we recognize that for some people, complete elimination remains the ultimate goal. In this case, laser equipment would be well worth the cost.
There are many alternatives to laser hair removal, including waxing, threading, shaving, and tweezing, and it’s important to keep in mind that lasers don’t always result in permanent hair removal.
There is only one certainty with laser hair removal, and that is that it is expensive and time-consuming. Regrettably, this is not a quick fix; instead, it typically requires 8-12 treatments, spread out over 4–6 weeks. On the other hand, this may change depending on the patient and the affected area.
As well as sharing our own experiences with laser treatment, we consulted with professionals at the Pulse Light Clinic and a skin clinic to answer some of your most pressing questions.
Read on to learn the truth and have the myths surrounding lasers dispelled, such as the belief that they can cause hair growth or that you must avoid the sun for a specific period of time to achieve the best laser hair removal before and after results.
1. THOUGH IT MAY SOUND UNPLEASANT, THE PROCEDURE ACTUALLY CAUSES VERY LITTLE DISCOMFORT.
Laser hair removal involves passing a laser’s light through the pigment in the hair. The hair follicle and bulb are destroyed when this light is transformed into heat. In our patient’s experience, the pain was sudden and sharp, especially in areas of thinner skin, such as the cheeks, the nose, and the temples. The lasers that were used on us thankfully had a cooling mechanism (basically a constantly running cold blast of air right where the laser was pointing) that significantly mitigated any potential adverse effects. Running across town to get to an appointment on time raised our body temperature, which made the pain worse. Time management is useful, then.
2. HAVING PATIENCE IS REWARDED.
Your results won’t be optimal until 8-12 treatments have been completed, and you won’t see any change for at least two weeks after the first treatment. Because your hair follicles are at different stages of development and need to be treated at different times, you must be very consistent with your appointments. Hair will grow back if you stop pulling it out.
Laser hair removal gets to the root of the problem, literally. When a laser is used, it only affects hair that is actively growing. It is possible that clients will notice a reduction in the thickness and visibility of their hair after the first treatment, but a series of treatments is necessary to achieve the best possible results.
3. BEFORE YOU LASER THE AREA, YOU SHOULD TRIM OR SHAVE THE HAIR.
We learned firsthand that the laser’s interaction with surface-level hair can lead to irritation and, occasionally, that awful burnt-hair odor. Fortunately, we were aware that the claim “shaving equals thicker, darker hair” was a widespread beauty myth, so we both came to our subsequent appointments already shaved.
Always make sure you’ve done your homework before each appointment for the best possible outcomes.
The most important points are:
- Ideally, the area would be shaved no more than 24 hours before the treatment. Because the hair is usually left too long, electric razors are not suggested.
- Avoid touching the treated area with tweezers, wax, or pluckers in the time between sessions. Just shave the affected area.
- Makeup, lotion, deodorant, and sunblock should not be present in the treatment area; if you need wipes, please let the doctor know before the procedure begins.
- If the area has been exposed to sun within the previous 4 weeks, treatment will not be successful.
- Three to four weeks before treatment, the area must be completely exfoliated to remove all traces of fake tanning products.
4. HAIR TREATMENT OUTDOOR REMINDERS
It moves along at a surprisingly rapid pace.
Time spent on a full face treatment, including preliminary conversation and makeup removal, can be completed in as little as 20 minutes.
You won’t be able to work out afterwards.
Keep in mind that the laser’s heat will continue to affect your skin for up to a full day after treatment. This means you won’t be able to use the gym, sauna, or hot water showers. By doing so, you may be encouraging the growth of bacteria, which can lead to the development of acne and other skin irritations.
Now is the time to start giving the sun some serious thought.
The best course of action will be recommended by your dermatologist, but it may be recommended that you limit your time in the sun before and after treatment. In addition, your treatment cannot begin until your tan has faded. In the same vein, your dermatologist will double-check that no upcoming holidays will preclude you from scheduling a visit.
In some cases, laser treatment can promote further development.
It’s true that some hair types can be made to grow longer and thicker with the right care and attention. Your dermatologist will tell you if your hair isn’t suitable, though.
A small percentage of people who get bikini laser hair removal actually experience increased growth. “The most common reason for stimulated hair growth is when the light from the laser stimulates the growth of certain types of finer hair, known as vellus hairs,” the researchers wrote.
5. YOU COULD BENEFIT FROM A CHANGE IN YOUR COSMETICS AND BEAUTY ROUTINE.
Preventing the use of scrubs, glycolic acid, and retinol creams two days prior to and after treatment is recommended. As we noticed our skin becoming drier, we also incorporated face mists into our routine and increased the amount of hydration we were applying.
Both chemical peels and fake tans should be avoided in the weeks leading up to and following laser treatment.
6. LASER HAIR REMOVAL HAS MORE THAN ONE ADVANTAGE.
Indeed, we were astonished to find out that laser therapy can alleviate painful ingrown hairs. Laser hair removal has many advantages, including the reduction of ingrown hairs and fewer skin irritations, in addition to the permanent reduction of hair. This is because the treatment promotes hair to grow straight.
7. HAIR TREATMENT PIGMENT REMINDERS
8. YOU MAY REQUIRE ADDITIONAL SESSIONS OF TREATMENT.
While most people do experience a permanent reduction of hair growth of around 90%, fluctuations in hormones can cause hair to grow back. Once your treatments are complete, you get touch-ups every few months to a year, depending on how quickly your hair grows in between sessions.
ABOUT NEXUS CLINIC
You want to feel confident and good about yourself. At Nexus Clinic, we view “Aesthetics” as both an art and science. Founded in 2001, Nexus Clinic (Formerly known as Mediviron UOA) is a top-notch aesthetic center which is sited in the heart of KL’s Golden Triangle, providing a comprehensive range of non-surgical aesthetic procedures and advanced laser treatments.
Nexus Clinic is dedicated to serve our clients’ needs by providing confidential, professional and personalized aesthetic services to both local and regional markets. Our highly experienced doctors and expert medical staff will make sure you feel confident and knowledgeable about your treatment options. It is our desire to help determine the best treatment for the results you seek.
