Before you decide if laser hair removal is the right option for you, it is good for you to take time to learn about how the treatment is performed and about the benefits that you can receive from it. Knowledge is power. It allows you to make a balanced decision and to have realistic expectations.
How the Treatment is Performed
There are a lot of misconceptions out there about how laser hair removal is performed, what a person needs to do in order to prepare for it, and the kind of results they should expect.
Many have the idea that the treatment is designed to burn the hair, which will permanently get rid of hair in a specific area. This idea is not accurate. Energy from the laser is attracted to the pigment in the hair. This energy actually causes the hair follicle to become damaged, which means that it will not produce hair in the future. If an individual has dark skin, the energy from the laser will be attracted to the blood in the hair follicle, which will also damage the hair follicle and not allow hair growth in the future.
It is common for people to think that they cannot shave before or in between treatment sessions. They get this treatment confused with waxing. You do not need to let your hair grow out to a certain length in order to enjoy the benefits of laser hair removal. You can shave in between treatment sessions. This is great news for many people, especially when they know that they will have several treatment sessions that are spaced a couple of weeks apart. The one thing that a person needs to avoid doing is removing the hairs by their roots. So no plucking or waxing.
These treatments are best described as semi-permanent hair reduction. While hair follicles will be damaged by the energy in the laser and are not likely to produce hair again, there are things that can affect hair growth in the future. One example is hormones.
Benefits You Can Enjoy
Laser hair removal is beneficial for individuals who have sensitive skin. Because you will no longer need to shave with a razor, you will no longer have to worry about razor bumps, skin irritation, or all of the discomfort that comes from ingrown hairs. A lot of people just treat problem areas, like their neck.
Our laser hair removal professionals at Southwest Michigan Plastic and Hand Surgery would be happy to help you to determine if you are a good candidate for this treatment. We are conveniently located in Portage and Battle Creek, MI. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!
