Pros and Cons of Laser Treatment
If you are like most women, you probably hate the sight of any unwanted hair on your body. Thankfully, there are plenty of hair removal options out there today to get rid of them. However, the problem with most of these options is that they only offer a temporary solution.
You can choose to shave the hair away in a few minutes, but they will grow back within a week. If you prefer hair removing creams, you will again get rid of the hair very easily but what do you do about that horrid smell you are left with? There is also the option of waxing, which eliminates the hair from the root and certainly lasts longer than the other options. But are you willing to put yourself through the painful procedure over and over again for the rest of your life, just to be hair-free?
This brings us to the most feasible and long-lasting option of all: laser hair removal. In recent years, this method has become the preferred hair removal option for many women, considering how effective it is in removing unwanted hair, without the constant upkeep required under other methods. As long as you get the procedure done from a professional laser skin clinic, it is easy on the pocket, almost pain-free and convenient. Let’s look at laser treatments in detail to find out how the procedure is carried out and the benefits and risks associated with it.
How is laser treatment carried out?
Laser treatment has been approved by the FDA as a method of reducing hair growth on the body. The treatment requires multiple sessions in order to produce the best results.
Under this method, a hand-held device is used to send out a concentrated beam of light or laser into the skin, which converts into heat and damages the hair follicles. This significantly slows down the growth of hair on your body.
Although laser treatment is definitely an effective way of slowing down hair growth, it does not get rid of hair permanently. Multiple treatments are needed initially to get the process underway, with maintenance treatments required as well from time to time.
Which areas of the body is laser treatment suitable for?
Laser treatment is mostly used to reduce unwanted hair from the chin, upper lip, armpits, legs, and bikini line. It can be used to treat any area of the body that you wish to be hair-free, except for the area surrounding the eyes.
Your skin type and hair color have a significant impact on the effectiveness of the treatment. The treatment is known to produce the best results for people with dark hair and a lighter skin tone. This is because when the laser is directed into the skin, the hair follicles need to absorb it, instead of the skin. The laser needs to damage the hair follicles, without causing any damage to the skin. Therefore, the greater the contrast between the skin color and the hair color, the better the results.
The Pros of Laser Treatment for Hair Removal
Laser treatment for hair removal has been around for quite some time now, but it is only over the last few years that people began to realize the benefits of this procedure, which resulted in it becoming widely embraced by dermatologists and beauticians worldwide. Here are some of the benefits of laser treatment for hair removal:
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Significantly reduces hair growth
While laser treatment does not eliminate hair permanently, it is very effective in reducing hair growth. After a few sessions, you can expect to see a reduction of about 50-80% in your hair growth. And yes, this means you won’t have to worry about shaving or waxing ever again!
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There is little pain involved
Laser treatments are not just effective; they are also not very painful. Most people who opt for the treatment claim to be surprised by how gentle and easy it is. Your doctor is likely to numb the area before carrying out the treatment, and it is likely to feel like a rubber band working against your skin. Moreover, the procedure becomes less painful after each session as your hair count reduces.
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The procedure is quick
You will be surprised to know how quickly each session is. Even if you are treating large areas, the whole area is treated in one go and an area as large as your back will take just about an hour!
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Home treatments are available
If you do not wish to go for a detailed treatment from a laser clinic, there are devices available in the market that allow you to perform the treatment yourself. Although they are not as effective as a licensed treatment by a professional, these laser devices are very user-friendly and can make a noticeable difference in your hair growth when used according to the manufacturers’ instructions.
The Cons of Laser Treatment for Hair Removal
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Can be costly if you wish to treat a larger area
If you wish to treat a small area such as the chin or upper lip, the procedure is likely to be inexpensive, but for those wishing to treat bigger areas such as legs or back, the treatment can be costly. However, if you consider the cost of continuous waxing or shaving that do nothing to reduce the hair on your body, the cost of laser treatment is surely an investment.
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The need for multiple treatments
Laser treatment is not a one-off treatment. You will usually require 4 to 6 treatments, with a one-month interval between each session before you start to see noticeable results.
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The need to avoid sun exposure
Laser treatment tends to make your skin extremely sensitive, with the requirement to avoid any exposure to the sun for the first 24 hours in particular and preferably for the first few weeks. Saunas and any form of heat are to be avoided, and sun protection applied to the treated skin before any exposure.
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Possibility of blisters, burns, and other skin damage
The chances of any skin damage are minimum, especially when working with a professional clinic. However, there is still a possibility of some itching, swelling, pain and a tingling sensation on the treated area.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, laser treatments for hair removal are definitely something worth investing in. Although it takes some time to see results, you are sure to see your hair becoming a lot thinner and lighter with time. Laser treatment is surely the most permanent hair reduction method out there for getting rid of unwanted hair on your body. Consult with a licensed professional in the field to find out if it will be the best option for you today – someday, you will be glad you made this choice.
