How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Today, laser hair removal is emerging as a popular alternative to tiresome and frustrating hair removal methods, such as waxing, plucking, shaving, etcetera. More and more people are following this trend which falls under the category of medical hair removal. Interested clients, before opting for this procedure, may most likely want to get to know what laser hair removal is all about.

Let’s get into the details to know how this technology actually works and bust some of the most common myths (keep reading till the end!) people associate with laser hair removal.

How Does It Work? 

This medical procedure makes use of a laser (a concentrated ‘beam’ of light) to get rid of unwanted hair. This treatment can be used on nearly all areas of the body, including face, armpits, legs, bikini line, etcetera. However, special care is taken to avoid the eyelids and the surrounding areas during the procedure, because the laser can cause mild or severe eye injuries.

During the laser hair removal procedure, the laser that is used emits a light that is ‘absorbed’ by the pigment in the client’s hair. This light energy converts into heat, which damages hair follicles (sacs within the skin that produce hair). This damage retards, delays or inhibits future hair growth on the treated areas.

When Are Sessions Scheduled? 

Laser hair removal therapies are very effective in successfully delaying hair growth, but they still don’t usually result in permanent growth retardation.

During the initial stage of hair removal, multiple sessions are needed. After the initial stage, treatment sessions for maintenance will also need to be accommodated.

In normal laser hair removal cases, a series of 2-6 treatment sessions are required. The time interval between sessions varies, depending on the site (area) that is being treated. For areas where hair growth is slow (e.g, back), a treatment session is usually needed every 12-16 weeks. For areas where hair growth is quick (e.g. upper lip & arms), treatment is usually repeated in about 4-8 weeks.

What Affects A Laser Hair Removal Treatment? 

Since the inception of this hair removal method, it has been based on the contrast between pigments. The laser targets the pigment in the unwanted hair and should be absorbed by the pigmented hair, not the pigment in the skin. The laser is meant to damage just the hair follicles and avoid causing any damage to the skin.

This is where the skin type and the hair color influence (not too greatly now) the success of this procedure. A conventionally ideal laser hair removal case would involve a visible contrast between skin and hair color-light skin & dark hair. In cases when the contrast between these two is mild, the risk of skin damage is greater.

However, technological advancements have paved the way for people of all skin and hair types to benefit from laser hair removal technology. Today, laser treatment options for even those with hair colors which aren’t good at absorbing light, such as blond, grey, white, red, are being developed.

What To Expect During A Laser Hair Removal Procedure? 

During the procedure, your medical practitioner will use a hand-held laser device, usually with a cooling component attached to its tip to protect the skin from side effects. Alternatively, a cool gel may be used for this purpose.

The doctor will press the instrument on the skin being treated and activate the laser. Upon activation, the light beam emitted transmits intense heat to the hair follicles, damaging them and inhibiting hair growth.

How much pain an individual experiences cannot be defined for certain, because it varies greatly from person to person. Some might feel as less as a pinching sensation while others might feel a lot of discomfort. The cooling device or cool gel help in alleviating feelings of discomfort and irritability during the procedure.

How To Prepare? 

For those interested in getting laser hair removal therapy, it is important to hire the services of an experienced and board-certified cosmologist or dermatologist. This is the first step that is crucial for a laser hair removal treatment to be executed the right way.

It’s also important to understand that your skin will need to be prepared for your laser treatment. Here’s how you can prepare your skin for a laser hair removal treatment.

  • Stay out of the sun. Clients are usually advised to avoid sun exposure for up to 6 weeks before the treatment day. Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen is also essential in avoiding the sun.
  • Avoid other methods of hair removal. Methods such as electrolysis, waxing, and plucking should be abandoned completely for about 4 weeks before treatment. This is necessary because these methods ‘disturb’ the hair follicles, which can often hinder success during laser hair removal treatments.
  • Try lightening your skin. For those with recent tans or darker skin tones, doctors might prescribe skin bleaching or lightening creams to help in generating a better contrast. It is not necessary though.
  • Avoid blood-thinners. Consult your doctor and ask about the medications you should avoid taking before the procedure. These might include anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirin.
  • Shave the treatment area. Most people view this component of laser hair removal treatment negatively. However, this is done before the treatment just to remove excess hair spread above the skin. Removing these is important as burnt hairs are likely to result in surface skin harm. Shaving removes the hair above the surface, leaving the hair shaft intact below it.

Some Common Myths About Laser Hair Removal And The Truth About Them 

Several myths and misconceptions about the modern laser hair removal technology are circulating among the public, despite its widespread use and popularity. They unnecessarily instill a sense of fear among interested clients, which ultimately results in them going for other ‘better and safer’ hair removal options.

Below are the most common myths about this procedure.

  • The treatment can lead to skin cancer.

This is a completely baseless statement. Laser hair removal treatment is approved by the FDA, is fail-proof & extremely safe. No solid and evidence-supported links or connections between this treatment and the development of cancerous cells has been found to date.

  • The procedure is extremely painful. 

Laser hair removal is actually relatively less painful when compared to other methods, such as waxing or threading. As we discussed earlier, pain varies from person to person. Even the maximum amount of pain experienced by an individual falls within a bearable window. Professionals take sufficient and necessary measures to ease the client’s discomfort.

  • Laser beams cause harm to internal organs. 

This is not true. The light beams are not intense enough to penetrate your skin that deeply and affect your internal organs.

  • The treatment does not work on dark-skinned people. 

As we discussed earlier, this might have been the scenario years ago, during the initial stages after the introduction of this procedure. Today, thanks to modern technology, treatment machines have been developed that treat both dark and light-skinned clients.

If you want a professional, experienced team who can provide a long-lasting solution that has you looking and feeling better than ever then contact Louisville Laser Med Spa or visit us at 2114 South Hurstbourne Pkwy Louisville, KY 40220 or Call us at (502) 890-9726.

5 Questions to Ask Before Getting Laser Hair Removal

Perfect skin. Lasting results. Saving money. These are all reasons to consider laser hair removal.

Don’t spend your time waxing, shaving, or applying depilatory creams time and time again. Cut through the hassle with laser hair removal. It is a safe and easy alternative with more than a few benefits. Not only will you be saving time and money, but you will also able to enjoy smooth skin longer than ever before.

The procedure is not something we talk about in public that often. There are often misconceptions that come with the thought of using a laser, especially when we think of those powerful beams of light that are shown in movies.

To make sure laser is right for you, we give you everything you need to know before scheduling your laser hair removal appointment. We’ll review a handful of key questions to ask yourself before undergoing this treatment.

How does laser hair removal compare with electrolysis?

If you’ve tried both laser hair removal and electrolysis, you unequivocally know electrolysis is more painful. That is because it is similar to getting a tattoo. During electrolysis, a professional electrologist inserts a very fine needle into the natural openings of your skin that contain hair follicles. The needle, which is typically thinner than the hair follicle itself, then sends electric currents into the opening to destroy the hair growth cells.

As you can imagine, getting jolt after jolt of electric current, no matter how small, is not pleasant. During electrolysis, it may feel like your skin is being constantly pinched or exposed to temporary heat sensation. This can lead to discomfort, which can vary greatly depending on your tolerance for pain. Not only that, but you must be treated every few weeks for up to 18 months.

And while electrolysis can be time-consuming and downright uncomfortable, laser hair removal is none of that. The pain is minimal. There are no burns. And best of all, it gets rid of hair more effectively. In short, laser hair removal is as simple as it sounds.

During the procedure, a laser emits light onto your skin, which the pigment in your hair absorbs. The energy from this light is then converted to heat, damaging the sacs with the hair follicles, and inhibiting future growth of the hair. Patients getting laser hair removal often find the intensity of the heat is bearable, so you’ll be able to get the results you want with minimal discomfort. Best of all, this happens in as little as four months.

Is laser hair removal right for you?

Young Woman Receiving Epilation Laser Treatment On Face At Louisville Laser

Laser hair removal is typically more expensive than other procedures, which may make potential patients shy away. That said, when you undergo laser hair removal, you are not paying for a temporary fix. Instead, you are paying for a lifelong beauty treatment.

Think of it like buying kitchenware. Instead of buying the cheapest pots and pans that will inevitably need replacing, you should make a long-term investment. Buy stainless steel pots and cast-iron pans that will last you a lifetime. Not only will your meals be easier to make and come out tasting better, but you’ll also never have to worry about finding replacements.

The same is true of laser hair removal. Think of the procedure as a beauty investment.  So, when it comes to flawless hair-free skin that has you looking and feeling your best for years on end, the slightly higher price tag will be more than worth it.

What are the potential side effects?

The risks of laser hair removal are far and few between. The most common potential side effect is a slight tenderness of the skin. The treated area will look and feel as if you have been sunburned. Using moisturizers and lotions after the procedure can help soothe your skin.

Other side effects are rare. They include scarring and discoloration of the skin. Scarring is most likely to occur with an undertrained technician. The licensing requirements vary from state to state, and some states have no requirements at all. The best thing you can do is to inquire about where your laser technician was certified.

Click here to see the requirements for laser removal in Kentucky.

Skin discoloration is also extremely uncommon, especially when skilled and experienced technicians handle the procedure. Part of the reason discoloration might occur is that the laser needs a contrast between the skin and the hair color in order to pick out what to target. This means that laser hair removal works best on people with fair skin and dark hair.

Conversely, if a patient has darker skin tones, there is more competition for the laser’s attention. Again, discoloration is rare, but if you do experience skin lightening or darkening, rest assured it is temporary. In most cases, any discoloration will disappear in a few days.

How much experience do they have?

When it comes to finding the laser hair removal clinic that is right for you, one of the best things to do is to select one with a proven track record for success. Like any profession, more experience typically yields better results. While there are not exact numbers as to how many licensed technicians a trustworthy clinic should have or how long they should have been in operation, the larger, more veteran clinics are typically your safest bet.

A larger clinic demonstrates the company’s ability to provide quality services. Meanwhile, the longer a clinic has been in existence, the less likely it is to go bankrupt.

If you’re still uncertain about choosing a clinic with enough experience, feel free to get a dose of public wisdom. Reviewing sites, such as Yelp and Trip Advisor, can help paint a vivid picture as to why some clinics have a better reputation than others. You can also get an idea as to what kind of treatment and customer service you can expect after reading other people’s experiences. Getting honest and dependable opinions from previous customers is one of the best ways to ensure you get the exact quality of laser hair removal you want.

Once you have found a clinic you like, book a consultation. Here you will have the chance to discuss your cosmetic goals and gauge your comfort level with the staff and their experience. During the consultation, the technician should take the time to evaluate you as a candidate for laser hair removal and clarify what the procedure can do for you. Understanding your goals, alternatives, and the clinic’s capabilities will allow you to make the most informed decision possible.

What type of results can you expect?

Laser hair removal typically requires two to six treatments. The interval between treatments depends on the quantity of hair and location on the body. For instance, the hair on the upper lip is treated every month or two. On the other hand, the hair on the back, which grows much slower, is treated every three to four months.

After the procedure, you might notice tenderness or redness. This is not unusual and only last for the first few hours. To reduce the swelling, apply ice to the treated area. You can also use topical cream or moisturizers. Meanwhile, it is also important to avoid the sun as much as possible. If you do go outside, make sure to wear sunscreen. This can help prevent any temporary changes in the color of the treated skin. If redness or irritation of the skin persists, make sure to speak with your clinic to see if there is a problem that needs to be treated.

As for the results of laser hair removal, the hair does not fall out immediately, nor do the effects of the procedure last forever. Any place that says this is possible is making a promise they can’t keep. What happens after laser hair removal is that the hairs are shed over the course of a few days or weeks.

When hairs do come back, they will be finer and lighter in complexion. Through repeated treatments, the growth of hairs will be slowed, and they will become significantly less visible. While laser hair removal is not permanent, you will be able to enjoy hair-free skin for up to a year at a time.

Conclusion

When it comes to hair removal, nothing can beat a powerful laser. Gone are the days of needing to shave. Gone is the need for waxing and hair removal creams. The laser hair removal process is fast, non-invasive, and pain-free. The process leaves your skin feeling smoother and looking silkier than electrolysis or razor blades. Plus, you won’t have to deal with ingrown hairs or red bumps anymore.

This all-around convenience and reliability are what have made laser hair removal one of the common cosmetic procedures performed in the United States today.

So, if you want a long-lasting solution that has you looking and feeling better than ever about your hair, make sure to contact Louisville Laser Med Spa or visit us at 2114 South Hurstbourne Pkwy Louisville, KY 40220 or by phone at (502) 890-9726.

Filler: For Lips that Need a Little Boost

fuller lips with fillers

When I say the word “FILLER” what picture pops into your head? Let me guess, you immediately think of a girl who looks like she has floatation devices for lips. I get it, poor filler has gotten a bad rap thanks to some people who have taken it to the extremes. I totally had the same mindset you guys do, until I took the plunge into the world of filler last year.

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A Little Secret About Botox

botox before-afters

Click to view interactive gallery of Botox before-afters!

I have a secret to tell you.

The celebrities who all of a sudden have lips the size of baseballs and eyebrows that touch their hairline, yet claim they just did Botox – are lying. I assure you they made a secret visit to a plastic surgeon through a back door so that the paparazzi would not expose them. Then, wanted all of us to believe that with just a touch of Botox they were able to have a smaller nose, frozen forehead and lips that looked like they had allergic reaction. Yeah, right?!

As somebody who has used Botox and Dysport for the last 8-10 years, I can assure you I have never walked around and looked like I had a shocked expression all day. I have never had people stare at me and wonder what the heck I had put in my face.

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