Having unwanted body hair is a big stressor for many people, especially women. Shaving, waxing, and plucking all the time can be tiring, right? So you've probably heard of this 'laser' treatment, that is, Laser Hair Removal. Although many people have talked about it, you may have many questions in your mind, such as what it really is, how it works, and whether it's safe. So today we thought we'd answer all those questions you have in mind.
Simply put, what is Laser Hair Removal?
This is not surgery. That means no cuts are made to your body. This is a non-invasive treatment. This treatment is often done:
- On the face
- Under the armpit
- Bikini area
- Outside
- Legs
To remove unwanted hair in places like...
How does this laser treatment work?
This uses a very amazing technology. It's called ``Selective Photothermolysis.'' Although the word is difficult, the rest is very simple.
Think of a laser beam as a small, targeted heat beam. This beam is aimed directly at the black pigment in your hair. We know that black objects absorb more heat. So, the hair absorbs the heat from the laser beam very well. Then, the heat travels along the hair and destroys the hair follicle , where the hair begins. When the hair follicle is destroyed, the hair will no longer grow back.
But there is one thing. For this treatment to be successful, the hair must be in its anagen/growth stage. Not all hairs on our body are in this stage at the same time. Some grow, some rest. That is why this treatment cannot be completed in one go, it has to be done several times, repeatedly.
Who is this treatment best suited for?
In fact, anyone with unwanted body hair can consider this treatment. Most often, it is done for cosmetic reasons. It is also a good solution for excessive hair growth caused by certain medical conditions.
For example:
- Hirsutism: In this condition, black, coarse hair appears on the face and chest, just like in men.
- Hypertrichosis: This can cause excessive hair growth anywhere on the body in women or men.
These conditions can sometimes be caused by hormonal imbalances, especially conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), certain medications, or genetic causes.
Let's see who gets the best results from this treatment.
| Who is more successful? | Who has less success? |
|---|---|
| For those with light skin and dark, black hair . Because the color difference between the skin and the hair is greater, it is easier for the laser beam to target the hair precisely. | For those with dark skin . Because the skin pigment can absorb the laser heat. (But now there are new technology lasers that are suitable for dark skin too). |
| For those with thick, coarse hair. | For those with very light (blonde), gray, white, or red hair , because these hairs do not have enough pigment to absorb the laser beam. |
Are there people who should not undergo this treatment?
Yes. It is important to talk to your doctor before starting this treatment. This treatment may not be suitable for you, especially if you have any of the following conditions:
- If you are pregnant .
- If you are using certain medications for acne.
- If you have genital herpes (HSV-2) or if you frequently get cold sores on the sides of your mouth.
- If you have keloid scars on your skin.
- If you have or currently have skin cancer.
How should I prepare before treatment?
Okay, let's say you've decided to go for treatment. Before that, you need to do these things exactly.
- Avoid sun exposure: For a few weeks before treatment, limit sun exposure as much as possible. Avoid using tanning beds. Doing this treatment on sunburned skin can cause side effects.
- Shave: Shave the area thoroughly two to three days before the treatment. Laser treatment will not work well on areas with hair longer than a grain of rice.
- Do not wax/pluck: Once the treatment has started, completely stop waxing or plucking the hair in the affected area. This will damage the hair follicle and leave the laser with nothing to target.
What happens during treatment?
On the day of treatment, your doctor will follow these steps:
1. First, the area to be treated is thoroughly cleaned .
2. You will be given special glasses to wear to protect your eyes. The doctor will also wear safety glasses.
3. The skin is then treated with a laser device. At this time , the skin may feel a slight tingling sensation. Some people even say that it feels like a slight burning sensation, like being hit with a rubber band.
Depending on the size of the area being treated, this can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. You may notice a burning hair smell during the treatment. This is normal, don't worry. It's the smell of the hair being burned by the heat of the laser.
Are there any side effects after treatment?
It is generally very safe when performed by an experienced, qualified doctor. After the treatment, the skin may be slightly red, slightly swollen, and slightly painful . You can apply a cold compress to it. It is also best not to expose the treated area to direct sunlight for a few days.
As with any medical treatment, there are some rare side effects that can occur. The risk of these is much lower when treated by an experienced practitioner.
| Possible side effects | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Blisters | Water-filled blisters. |
| Burns | Skin burns (if done incorrectly). |
| Hyperpigmentation | The treated areas of the skin become darker than the surrounding skin. |
| Hypopigmentation | The treated areas of the skin become lighter in color than the surrounding skin. |
| Infections, Scars | Infection or permanent scarring. |
Is this a permanent solution? How long do the results last?
A question that many people ask is whether this will permanently remove hair. To be honest, this is not a 100% permanent solution. This is called long-term hair reduction.
Typically, you will see between 10% and 25% hair reduction after the first treatment. After a full course of treatments (about 6-8 sessions), you may stop growing new hair for months, or even years. The hair that does grow back after a while is often finer, lighter in color, and less abundant than before.
Take-Home Message
- Laser hair removal is a long-term, safe way to remove unwanted hair. However, it is not a 100% permanent solution.
- The best results are achieved by those with light skin and dark, thick hair.
- For best results, you will need to receive treatments every 6-8 weeks for about 6-8 sessions.
- Before starting this treatment, talk to your doctor to make sure it's right for you.
- Always seek this treatment from a qualified, experienced doctor or center. There are higher risks when using do-it-yourself devices at home.
- Follow the instructions given before and after treatment (such as avoiding the sun) exactly.
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