Laser hair removal has become one of the most popularly performed cosmetic procedures within the United States. It allows you to unshackle yourself from the need to constantly remove unwanted hair in places like your face, legs, underarms, and bikini area. You could permanently retire your razor and spend more time on activities that you really enjoy.
What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure in which we use a cosmetic laser to target hair follicles for destruction. After a series of laser treatments, hair will no longer grow in the treatment area, or the hair that does grow back will be thinner and lighter. Patients need a series of laser hair removal sessions for the removal or reduction of unwanted hair.
How Does the Procedure Work?
Each of your individual hairs contains a substance called melanin. This pigment that gives your hair its color will absorb the thermal energy sent by the laser. This destroys the hair follicle and prevents it from growing another hair. When we do this enough times, you have a bare area that may no longer require plucking, waxing, or shaving. Do keep in mind that results vary from patient to patient based on a number of factors.
Preparing for the Procedure
In the days leading up to your procedure, do not wax, pluck, or use electrolysis in the treatment area. This is because the laser will need the presence of a hair growing from a hair follicle for accurate targeting.
Why Do I Need Multiple Treatment Sessions?
Hair actually grows in certain phases. During a dormant phase, a hair is not present within the hair follicle, so it cannot be targeted by the laser. Multiple treatment sessions ensure that we catch each hair when it is in its growth phase and can be treated. During the actual session, we direct the laser to transmit heat into the hair follicles producing unwanted hair. This destroys them and prevents them from growing hair in the future.
How Can I Get More Information?
If you are looking for more information about this procedure, or you would like to go ahead and see if laser hair removal is right for you, book an appointment at the office of Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD, located in Redlands and Sun City. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get started. We look forward to hearing from you!
