Laser Hair Removal Details
This therapy might sound a little high-tech, but the science behind it is pretty simple. The laser uses a concentrated beam of light that selectively destroys hair follicles by targeting the pigment in them. The pigment absorbs the pulse, and the follicle becomes damaged enough to slow hair regrowth. Eventually, the hair dies and stops growing.
The complete process requires a series of treatments, but you can start to see results after your first therapy. In the following one to three weeks, the treated hair falls out. Fewer hairs grow back with every subsequent treatment, leaving you with smooth, silky skin.
How to Prepare for Treatment
Before your first session, you’ll want to take a few at-home steps to properly prepare your skin. We recommend the following:
Shave First
Completely shave the treatment area, and avoid irritation to legs by shaving them not less than 24 hours before your appointment. Be sure to use a clean, new razor to prevent contact dermatitis caused by bacteria.
Do not wax, epilate, tweeze, or use chemical depilatories. Because the laser targets the hair’s root, it needs to be present for treatment to be effective. Shaving is fine because it preserves the hair shaft and follicle.
Stay Sun Smart
It’s a good idea to avoid sun exposure to the treatment area, and this means foregoing UV tanning beds as well. You should also use a broad-spectrum sunblock with an SPF of 30 or higher on a daily basis to protect your skin from damaging rays.
Talk About Medications
When you speak with our office, it’s important you inform us of all medications you’re taking, both oral and topical. Some medicines may interfere with your treatments and render them less effective. Other medications can increase skin sensitivity, such as birth control, antibiotics, and ointments for acne.
It’s unlikely you’ll need to stop taking your medication, but having this knowledge will allow us to adjust your treatment accordingly. In addition, if you begin taking any new treatments during the course of your treatment, please let us know before your next appointment.
Look at Your Skincare Regimen
Some anti-aging products contain ingredients that can cause irritation after your treatment. You should, therefore, stop using skin creams, oils, and washes that contain alpha-hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, retinol, and benzoyl peroxide. Instead, on treated areas, use a gentle cleanser and lotion with minimal ingredients to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
Forget Bleach
Bleaching your hair alters your natural pigment and makes the hair more difficult to target. For this reason, we advise stopping bleaching at least several weeks prior to your appointment. This will allow hair roots to grow back in their natural color so they can absorb the laser’s light.
Keep Skin Clean
On the day of your session, be sure to cleanse your skin and leave it free of lotions, creams, fragrances, oils, and cosmetics. If you’re removing underarm hair, it’s a good idea to forego deodorant.
Be Comfortable
For your appointment, wear clothing that is breathable and comfortable. We may apply a soothing topical cream to the treated area that you don’t want to get on clothing. Also, tight or abrasive clothes can rub treated skin, so keep it loose.
Our Technologies
Our office uses two technologies from the manufacturer Cynosure: Icon and Vectus Laser. The Icon is a suite of treatments conveniently in one place. Using a single machine with seven different handpieces, we provide comprehensive therapies that include hair removal, wrinkles reduction, and treatment for stretch marks and scars.
The Vectus Laser provides high-volume permanent hair reduction for a range of skin and hair types. For you, this means a safer, more effective, and more efficient treatment, even on large surface areas like the back or full leg. Additional reasons we use this technology include:
- A uniform laser beam that reduces hot spots for optimal treatment
- An advanced cooling system throughout treatment that enhances patient comfort
- Maximized treatment results
- Advanced melanin reading to provide safe and effective treatment settings
Benefits of This Therapy
In addition to permanent hair removal, this therapy comes with a number of benefits. The first we’ll mention is cost savings; no longer will you have to buy endless supplies of razors, shaving creams, and depilatory creams.
As we mentioned earlier, you’ll also save time on waxing, tweezing, and shaving, allowing you to get out of the house more quickly or focus on more enjoyable parts of your beauty routine. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. Additional benefits are listed below.
No More Ingrown Hairs
Painful, ingrown hairs commonly follow shaving and waxing. But laser hair removal targets hair at the roots, which prevents ingrown hairs from cropping up. Even better, regular laser treatments can eliminate these problems entirely, so you never have to worry about them again.
Softer Skin
After you shave, a prickly stubble can return in a day or two. Plucking can similarly leave your skin red and bumpy with irritation. But laser removal means no stray hair or stubble left behind, and the damage caused by plucking will be a thing of the past. You’ll have velvety smooth skin that stays that way.
An added bonus is this: without having to fight through a layer of hair, your skincare products will work more effectively. This means moisturizers and serums will actually do what you want them to, which can also promote softer, healthier skin.
Shave Between Sessions
With treatments like waxing, you’re advised not to shave between sessions so the hair reaches a certain, optimal length. But laser allows you to shave before the next session – remember, it will take multiple appointments to completely stop all hair growth – so you can keep your skin as smooth and fresh as possible.
No Nicks or Cuts
Threading, another technique for hair removal, is a very painful cosmetic procedure. While shaving may not pose direct pain, it leaves you vulnerable to cuts and nicks that bleed. Waxing always exposes you to the risk of being burned. But with laser removal, there’s no risk of being cut or experiencing side effects like scars or bruises. It is a mess-free process that can remove hair on nearly any part of the body.
The Treatment for Everyone
At one time, laser hair removal was considered a treatment for women. Today, this ideology no longer stands. The therapy is well-suited for both men and women, allowing smooth skin on the chest, back, and abdomen areas.
Additionally, this therapy works for small, medium, and large areas of the body. Examples include the upper lip, chin, sideburns, knees, and underarms. Essentially, a laser can be used on nearly any body part, and we’ve listed as many examples as we could think of here:
- Fingers
- Toes
- Ears
- Front and back of the neck
- Lower face
- Bikini line
- Happy trail
- Feet
- Hands
- Full Brazilian
- Full face
- Abdomen
- Chest
- Upper and lower back
- Upper and lower legs
Different Hair Types
A person’s hair type refers to both density (number of hairs on your head) and thickness (the width of one hair strand). This means there are many different hair types, and that which you want to treat will largely determine the plan we develop for removal.
Fine Hair
This density has the smallest diameter, meaning each individual strand is the thinnest. Fine hair generally creates less contrast with the skin, and we’ll adjust our technology appropriately during your treatment.
Medium Hair
Patients with medium hair have a larger diameter than that of fine. This allows it to be readily spotted by laser technology. Medium hair also tends to have more pigment per strand, allowing us to target the follicle with ease.
Coarse Hair
Coarse hair has the largest diameter and is undeniably the easiest to locate with laser technology. In addition, it has the most pigment per strand, meaning coarse hair typically heats up the fastest during treatment.
An Important Note
Years ago, patients with fine and/or light hair were advised not to try laser hair removal. This was because, as you might have guessed, these qualities could make it difficult for the laser to find its target. But this is no longer true.
New advances in technology have allowed the development of lasers that work on all hair types. The technologies we use in our office are specially designed to remove even minimally-pigmented hair colors. In addition, this treatment is effective for all skin tones, so nearly anyone can enjoy the benefits of smooth, hair-free skin.
What to Expect
During your treatment, you will be required to wear protective eyewear. You might still be able to see flashes of light, but your eyes will be completely covered. Our staff will wear protective eyewear as well.
In addition, all areas of the body not being lasered will be kept covered. Only those parts that are to receive treatment will be exposed. Our friendly, well-trained staff are always mindful of your comfort and peace of mind. Rest assured we’ll let you know ahead of time what to expect. Never hesitate to ask questions, and remember we welcome your feedback at all times.
After Your Treatment
After your first session, it’s fine to gently cleanse the treated area. Remember to use mild soap and avoid makeup, deodorant, and moisturizers for about a day. Dead hairs will begin to shed, and exfoliating while in the shower can help speed this process along.
It’s important that you avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen. Also avoid waxing, threading, and tweezing the area. We’ll provide some additional tips at your appointment to keep you smoothly transitioning throughout your therapy.
The Choice for You
Unwanted hair on the body or face can have a negative impact on life. You might experience a loss of confidence or generally worry about your appearance. We want you to know a solution is in sight, one that’s remarkably safe and effective. Laser hair removal, which is ideal for nearly anyone and can permanently eliminate hair in the places you choose.
The benefits of this therapy are numerous and can include a boost to your self-esteem. Physically, you’ll enjoy smoother, softer skin without the hassle of shaving, waxing, or threading. Call the experts at H-MD Medical Spa in Oklahoma City, OK, today to schedule your appointment. We look forward to helping you achieve your beauty goals.
