Laser hair removal may be an excellent long-term solution if you’re sick of shaving, tweezing, and waxing to eliminate unwanted hair. This medical procedure uses a concentrated beam of light to target the dark pigment in hair follicles.
The pigment absorbs the light energy and transforms it into heat, causing the follicle to disintegrate and preventing regeneration.
Laser hair removal Long Beach can target almost any area of the body that you’d like, including but not limited to: the face, neck, chest, back bikini region, limbs, and arms. It’s the most popular treatment for both men and women! We’ll give you all the information you need about laser hair reduction so that you can make an educated decision about whether it’s appropriate for you.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Hair removal with a laser focuses a solid light beam on the dark pigment (Melanin) in hair follicles. The pigment absorbs the light energy and transforms it into heat. The follicle destruction and prevention of regrowth result from this heat.
The face, neck, chest, back, legs and arms are just a few areas where laser hair reduction may be utilized.
The most common areas for women are the bikini line, underarms, and upper lip, while men often have treatments on their backs, chests, and necks.
Types of Lasers
Alexandrite and diode are the two most common lasers used in laser hair removal.
Alexandrite lasers are better for treating larger areas, such as the back or chest, while diode lasers are better suited for small spaces, such as the upper lip. Your dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon will choose the type of laser based on your individual needs.
Is Laser Hair Removal Right For Me?
If you’re considering laser hair removal in Long Beach, double-check that you’re a good candidate by looking at these three factors:
- skin tone
- coarse vs. fine hair
- budget
Skin Tone:
Good candidates for this procedure have light skin tones and dark hair because lasers target melanin in the hair follicle. People with darker skin tones are usually at risk for burns or permanent pigment changes if they undergo this treatment.
Coarse vs. Fine Hair:
Coarse hairs are easier to treat because they have more melanin. Conversely, fine hairs are more difficult to treat because they have less melanin.
Budget:
Laser treatments can be expensive, depending on how many sessions you need. However, each subsequent session is usually cheaper than the first, as fewer hairs will remain after each treatment.
Before you decide whether or not to have laser treatments, check to see if they cover your insurance policy.
Here’s What Happened Before and After Laser Treatment
I’ll be honest; I was a little bit nervous about trying laser hair removal. We listen to many horror stories about people facing burns from the lasers or ending up with permanent patches of missing hair. But decided to go for it no matter what because I was tired of dealing with shaving all the time. Here’s what happened.
Before the Treatment
Before I even set foot in the laser treatment center, I had to do much research. I read articles and reviews and talked to friends who had already tried it. I wanted to ensure that I went to a reputable place and knew exactly what to expect.
The treatment itself was not as bad as I thought it would be. The technician placed a small hand-held device over my skin and zapped each spot with the laser. It felt like a tiny rubber band repeatedly snapped against my skin. The entire process was no more than 30 minutes.
After the Treatment
My skin was red and puffier the day following my treatment. The redness went away within a few hours, but the swelling lasted for a day or two. But, overall, it wasn’t too bad.
The results of the treatment were pretty impressive. After just one session, most of my hair was gone. The hair that did grow back was much more refined and lighter than before. I only had to go for a few more sessions to eliminate all my unwanted hair.
Things to avoid when planning laser hair removal
- Don’t shave the area you want to have lasered
People frequently try to shave before their visit, which might appear obvious. But you’d be shocked how many individuals attempt to shave on the day of their appointment. Shaving removes the protective top layer of skin, making you more susceptible to burns.
- Don’t sunbathe or use a tanning bed
It’s risky to get laser hair removal if you’ve recently exposed yourself to UV light. This is because the laser targets hair pigment. If you have a tan, that makes the pigment darker, and there’s a greater risk of burns.
- Don’t wax or use depilatory creams
Just like shaving, waxing, or using depilatory creams removes the top layer of skin, making you more susceptible to burns. If you must wax or use one of these creams, do so at least two weeks before your appointment.
- Don’t wear perfume, cologne, or scented lotion
You should avoid using cosmetics, perfumes, or fragrances on your face to minimize the chance of adverse effects.
- Don’t work out right before your appointment
Exercise can also irritate your skin, so it’s best to avoid it for at least a few hours before your treatment.
- Don’t go into the sun without sunscreen
If you get sun exposure after your treatment, apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to avoid burns.
Conclusion:
You can achieve the long-term goal of reducing unwanted hair growth with laser hair removal. First, however, you must research to ensure you’re a good candidate for treatment. Then, once you choose the right laser treatments for you, find a reputable dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. They should be experts in this area to get started!
