Laser hair removal is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures after Botox. It offers a wide range of benefits that shaving, waxing, and plucking do not offer with other hair removal products. When deciding if laser hair removal is right for you, it is important to understand the procedure, what side effects there are, and the cost of the procedure.
What Is Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is a non-invasive medical procedure that can help you get to the root of your body hair problem. During the treatment, the laser emits light that is absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle. This light energy is converted into heat, which destroys the hair root and prevents further hair growth.
It is important to note that laser hair removal treatment is at its safest and most effective when performed by a board-certified dermatologist. Be cautious of spas, salons, and other facilities that allow non-medical personnel to perform treatments, as this can lead to a variety of complications, including permanent scarring. Visit Vancouver Laser & Skin Care Centre; we offer 100% satisfaction and reliable skin care services!
Benefits of Laser Hair Removal
- It is a longer-term solution to reducing body hair. Laser hair removal is not permanent, but it still has lasting results. It reduces the amount of unwanted hair in the targeted area, and when the hair grows back, it is smaller, finer, and lighter.
- It requires less maintenance than other methods. If you have to shave your body hair, you will have to shave every few days, while the results of methods such as waxing and threading last for about four weeks. In contrast, laser hair removal usually requires four to six sessions and then occasional maintenance in the future.
- It can also help with other skin problems. Laser hair removal also reduces ingrown hairs and prevents inflamed bumps and itching. And, because laser hair removal utilizes light to remove hair, there is no risk of nicks, cuts, or razor burns from shaving.
- No downtime is required. While laser hair removal treatments may leave your skin a little red and swollen, you can return to your daily routine almost immediately after the treatment. Because it is non-invasive, there is no downtime required. The only thing you can’t do is go out in the sun right away or use a tanning bed or fluorescent light.
- It saves money in the long run. Although laser hair removal costs more than purchasing a razor and shaving cream at first, the cost will pay for itself over time. Since laser hair removal greatly reduces unwanted hair, it doesn’t require the same regular maintenance as shaving and waxing, so once you’ve paid the initial cost, you won’t need to pay more.
Risks and Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal
The risk of side effects varies depending on skin type, hair color, treatment plan, and adherence to pre- and post-treatment care. The most common side effects of laser hair removal include:
- Skin irritation. Temporary discomfort, redness, and swelling may occur after laser hair removal. Any signs and symptoms usually disappear within a few hours.
- Pigmentation changes. Laser hair removal may darken or lighten the affected skin. These changes may be temporary or permanent. Skin lightening primarily affects those who have not avoided the sun before and after treatment, as well as those with darker skin.
In rare cases, laser hair removal can lead to blistering, scabbing, scarring, or other skin texture changes. Other rare side effects include whitening of the hair after treatment or excessive hair growth around the treatment area, especially on darker skin.
Laser hair removal on eyelids, eyebrows, or surrounding areas is not recommended as it may cause serious damage to the eyes.
How You Prepare
If you are interested in laser hair removal, choose a Vancouver laser that is board-certified in a specialty such as dermatology or cosmetic surgery and is experienced in performing laser hair removal for your skin type.
Before undergoing laser hair removal, schedule a consultation with one of our doctors to determine if this is the right treatment option for you. Your doctor will likely do the following:
- Review your medical history, including medications, history of skin conditions or scarring, and previous hair removal procedures
- Discuss the risks, benefits and expectations, including what laser hair removal can and cannot do for you
- Take photographs for before and after assessment and long-term review
During your consultation, discuss the treatment plan and associated costs. Laser hair removal is usually a self-pay program.
Your doctor will also provide specific instructions on how to prepare for laser hair removal. This may include:
- Stay out of the sun. Follow your doctor’s advice and avoid sun exposure before and after treatment. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 whenever you go outside.
- Lighten your skin. Avoid any sunscreen that will darken your skin. Your doctor may also prescribe skin-bleaching creams if your skin has recently been tanned or has a darker complexion.
- Avoid other hair removal methods. Plucking, waxing, and electrolysis all interfere with hair follicles and should be avoided for at least four weeks prior to treatment.
- Avoid blood-thinning medications. Talk to your doctor about avoiding medications such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs before treatment.
- Shave the treatment area. Trimming and shaving are recommended the day before the laser treatment. This removes the hair above the skin, as hair burning can cause damage to the surface skin, but leaves the hair shaft below the surface intact.
Hair Removal with Vancouver Laser
Dr. Braun brought laser hair removal technology to Vancouver in 1996, and since then, we’ve been dedicated to taking the worry out of hair-plagued people in Metro Vancouver. Using state-of-the-art technology, we can help you get a better return for the least amount of effort, so come in and talk to one of our experts!
We have become the top clinic for safe and effective Ice Spot Hair Removal for men and women in West Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Surrey, Delta and throughout BC. Our operators have years of specialized training in aesthetic medicine and are supervised by Medical Director Dr. Martin Braun to ensure professionalism and safety during hair removal treatments.
SOPRANO Hair Removal
We use Alma Soprano Platinum and Titanium to reduce unwanted hair with a technology that is safe to use on all skin types. The Alma Soprano Platinum combines 3 laser wavelengths to effectively target different tissue depths and structures within the hair follicle while avoiding damage to surrounding tissue. This comprehensive treatment is virtually painless and has a proven safety record, making it the best choice for laser hair removal in Vancouver.
Make an appointment TODAY for your Laser Hair Removal at Vancouver Laser!
