Laser Hair Removal:

Appearance and aesthetics are among the most important aspects of the current era, not only for women but also for men who have become increasingly interested in the world of cosmetics. However, time remains a hurdle in this path, as daily commitments and a heavy workload make it difficult to find the right time for these interests. Nonetheless, new technologies have helped solve many of these problems, with one of the most notable being permanent laser hair removal for several years, reducing the time needed to spend on daily hair removal through various painful methods.
Laser devices use an intense pulsed light source to heat and remove hair almost permanently, targeting the pigment in the hair follicle.

Who Benefits Most from Laser Hair Removal:

The best candidates for laser hair removal and obtaining optimal results are those with fair skin and dark, coarse hair. Blonde, red, or light-colored hair is generally more challenging. Several techniques have been developed to enable individuals with darker skin to benefit from laser treatment more effectively.
In reality, the number of sessions required for laser hair removal varies depending on the area, hair nature, and the type of laser device used, in terms of the quality of the rays and the expertise available in using laser devices. Generally, it may require approximately 2-6 sessions to remove unwanted hair. The hair should not regrow for several months to years, and any new growth should be thinner, softer, and lighter than the previous hair.

What Should You Do Before Laser Treatment Sessions:

To prepare for treatment, you should:
1- Avoid using oils and tanning creams at least two weeks before the session.
2- Wear sun-protective clothing that covers the treated areas after the session.
3- Avoid plucking or waxing the hair root a month before the session.
4- Shave (trim) the hair 24-48 hours before the session.
5- The doctor may recommend using local anesthetics 30-90 minutes before the procedure, especially for people with a low pain threshold.

During the procedure:

– Who will perform the laser hair removal? In fact, a doctor or any trained expert in laser hair removal can perform this procedure as it is a simple procedure that does not require high expertise.
– The doctor will place the laser handpiece on the area from which unwanted hair is to be removed, and then direct laser pulses (about the size of a coin).
– Procedure duration: Varies depending on the area, with the upper lip (mustache) requiring only a few minutes, while larger areas like the legs may require longer (up to an hour).
– If you do not use local anesthesia to numb the pain, you may feel moderate pain during the laser treatment, similar to a strong hot needle entering the skin for a short period.

After the session:

Immediately after hair removal, skin redness or the area appearing darker than adjacent areas is normal. You may also notice swelling around the hair follicles, all of which should disappear within 1-32 days after the procedure at most.
After the first laser hair removal session, there should be a noticeable reduction in hair by about 10-20%.

After the session:

Some post-session tips:
1- If you experience swelling or burning, cold compresses can help alleviate it. Also, hot water may increase pain, so it’s best to avoid bathing in hot water after the session.
2- Avoid using abrasive substances on the skin, such as certain types of soap or alcohol-containing substances or glycolic acid.
3- Do not rub or scratch the area after the session.
4- Protect the area from direct sunlight for two weeks after the procedure. You can also use sunscreen with a protection factor of 30 or higher.

What are the complications of laser hair removal?

The risks associated with laser hair removal are:
1- Not achieving satisfactory results and continued hair growth despite repeated sessions.
2- Permanent pigmentation in the area where hair removal was performed.
3- Stimulating new hair growth (extremely rare).
4- Scarring.
5- Infection, especially when performing laser treatment in sensitive areas (bikini), particularly infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) which can have serious complications.
6- Seek medical help if signs of infection such as redness or fever appear.

For your confidence and safety, you should choose a well-trained and experienced medical specialist to minimize potential risks and achieve the best results for hair removal.