How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

If you’ve ever felt that you have hair that grows in unflattering places or grows back much faster than you’d like, you may have considered reaching out to a laser hair removal expert. Laser hair removal is a specific non-invasive procedure that works to remove any and all unwanted body hair. It is often used on the back, underarms, and bikini-based areas of the body.

What Is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal works by using heat from a laser to perform a specific process known as selective photothermolysis. The heat generated from this procedure works to destroy the pigmented cells in that particular part of the body. When focused on hair, the heat is absorbed into the hair follicles, destroying them so that the hair essentially falls off and can’t grow back.

Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?

One thing many people ask is if a laser hair removal procedure is permanent or if you’d need to get several sessions over time. The answer is that, while it isn’t permanent, you can reasonably expect the effects of the procedure to last considerably longer than from shaving or waxing.

What Happens During/After A Laser Hair Removal Procedure?

It should be known that laser hair removal, as a procedure, isn’t all that long. In fact, for most cases, it takes anywhere from 15-20 minutes up to an hour. During the procedure, you’ll be given protective eyewear before being laid down on the table. There, you’ll experience several slight stings on the various areas of your skin where the laser’s heat makes contact. Many people have equated the sensation to that of a flick or the snapping of a rubber band.

Once the procedure is finished, you may experience a bit of red or swollen skin around the affected areas. Simply use a cold compress while avoiding active sunlight for a day or two.

How To Prepare For Laser Hair Removal

As you’ll need to schedule your sessions out for several weeks ahead of time, there are a few things you should do prior, namely avoiding natural sun and tanning beds as much as possible. As the laser focuses on pigmented areas, the more pigmented your skin is, the less effective the procedure may be.

You’ll also want to shave the areas at least within two or three days prior, as any hair longer than a grain of rice will not effectively transmit the heat down to the follicles, instead just having very warm hair.

Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?

While laser hair removal is safe, there are a few side effects that may happen as a result. These primarily include the following:

  • Burns
  • Blisters
  • Slight Scarring
  • Hyper/Hypopigmentation (Based on the severity of the laser effects)

Where Can I Get The Procedure Done?

Laser hair removal procedures can reliably be performed at numerous specialized hair removal and aesthetic-based doctor firms. If you are in the Montreal area, Wisdom Esthetics is well-known for creating high-quality results with very little side effects. They also have several other beauty and aesthetic-based services, such as body contouring, Botox, and dermal fillers.