Laser hair removal relies on the destruction of hair pigment, melanin . The word LASER is the acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation, which can be translated by light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. The laser is therefore a beam of invisible light that passes through the skin without damaging it and is then absorbed by the pigments of the hair follicle. Once absorbed, the laser light is transformed into heat which damages the hair while respecting the skin.
Laser Hair Removal, How Does It Happen?
Laser hair removal is an important act that must be performed by a dermatologist, trained for this type of practice, unlike other forms of hair removal. There is a risk of burns that should not be overlooked. Some tricks to remember before going to test this technique of hair removal:
- The area to be treated must be shaved three days before the session (a hair in the regrowth phase will be eliminated more easily).
- Above all, have your hair epilated in winter because, as with pulsed light hair removal , the skin should not be exposed to the sun in the days following the laser. It is also imperative to protect yourself from the sun in the weeks before laser hair removal, because a tanned skin contraindicates the treatment.
- Avoid laser hair removal on an area of skin with an abnormality, have your moles checked before laser exposure and make sure to hide them during laser hair removal.
- Patients taking medications should report this, as some respond to light and need to postpone treatment.
Once in the dermatologist's office, you will undergo a treatment that involves a series of impulses that are accompanied by a sensation of tingling and light burning .
It is a pain normally tolerable, but if you wish, you can benefit from a topical anesthesia by a cream. In the minutes after treatment, the skin of the treated area becomes pink, patients have the feeling of a sunburn for one or two days.
Laser: how many sessions are needed?
The laser is not effective the first time! Not all bristles grow at the same time. The time between the sessions depends on the area of the body, the sex of the patient and which become progressively smaller.
Usually a delay of 6 to 8 weeks between two epilations is expected. On the legs, jersey and underarms, it takes only 3 to 5 sessions to get a satisfactory result . For the mustache, the hair being finer and the hair cycle faster, 5 to 10 sessions are necessary.
Sustainable results
The effectiveness of hair removal depends on the type of skin and the color of the hair. The type of laser used is also an element to be taken into account. The clearer the skin and the darker the hair, the less the hair will grow back.
It is said that laser hair removal is effective at 80% because the laser does not protect from a possible growth of hair related to the age. In fact, it is impossible to predict hormone changes that will occur during menopause and their consequences on hair growth.
The contraindications of laser hair removal
The side effects due to laser hair removal are mostly temporary. This can range from the simple dark mark on the skin to the burn. There is also a risk of reddening the skin, bruising or swelling . Some lasers are equipped with cooling devices to reduce the risk.
If there is an error in the choice of the laser or if the depilation is badly carried out, blisters or even a scar can be formed. There is also a risk of eye damage if the eyes are not adequately protected during treatment.
How much does it cost ?
Laser hair removal rates are defined according to several criteria:
- The machine used (some lasers for hair removal are more expensive than others)
- The surface to be depilated (a back or thighs are more expensive than underarms or mustache)
- The number of sessions you need
Usually between 100 and 200 euros for a small area and 400 to 800 euros for a large to very large area. The number of sessions to be expected varies between 4 and 6 sessions depending on the area treated.
