Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that helps remove undesirable body hairs from different body regions such as the face, chest, legs, arms, underarms and bikini line.
Laser hair removal, as the name suggests, is done via a powerful laser or intense pulsed light (IPL), which sources heat and destroys hair follicles in the skin, disrupting hair growth.
It is worthwhile to note that laser hair removal is a safe procedure and there is no evidence claiming that this procedure causes skin cancer.
What does the procedure involve?
For a complete hair removal, you will need to take multiple sessions (a single session may last 15-60 minutes). The number of sessions required will depend on the area to be lasered and the system used.
You’ll need to shave the area of your skin the day before your appointment. On the day, you’ll wear specially designed safety glasses to protect your eyes. The practitioner usually applies a cool gel or cooling air spray to the area of the skin. Next, they press a handheld device on your skin and trigger the laser. You may feel like an elastic band snapping at your skin.
After the procedure, you may feel the treated skin a bit red with raised rash for a few hours to days. Avoid sun exposure and outdoor activities shortly after the treatment since your skin will be sensitive after the procedure. You must use sunscreen (minimum SPF30) for at least four weeks (regardless of the weather), especially on your exposed treated skin.
Additionally, it is important to note that laser hair removal is not permanent, and you may need to take regular sessions to avoid hair regrowth.
We recommend that you must have laser hair removal done by only certified and expert professionals to prevent avoidable side effects and future complications.
References:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/non-surgical-cosmetic-procedures/laser-hair-removal/