Everything You Need to Know About Laser Hair Removal on the Face

If you’re looking for a safe, effective, and long-lasting way to get rid of unwanted hair on your face, laser hair removal could be a good option for you. It is not permanent, but the results last much longer than shaving or waxing. This means less time and hassle for you and a longer lasting hair-free appearance.

How Does it Work?

Laser hair removal works by using a beam of light that is absorbed by the pigment in the hair, where it is converted to heat. The heat then damages the hair follicles, so that the hair cannot grow.

The follicles must be in their growth stage for the process to work. Since hair follicles on the face will likely be in different stages at different times, it may take several sessions to effectively remove all the hair in the area.

In the past, laser hair removal tended to work best on people who have light skin and dark facial hair, since this makes it easier for the light to target the hair. However, modern technologies have made these treatments much more effective on people with all skin types.

Procedure

When you come in for your session, the area will be cleansed and prepared for the treatment. In some cases, we will use a numbing gel that will make the removal more comfortable. This is usually done when only a small area is being treated or for patients who have sensitive skin.

The skin is held taut during the session and the laser is used to target the unwanted hairs. For most people, this step feels warm and there may be some mild stinging, but it should not be significantly uncomfortable. Sessions are usually completed quite quickly, depending on the size of the treatment area.

There is not significant downtime following a laser hair removal session and you should be able to return to your normal routine shortly after.

Preparing for Treatment

In the weeks before you come in a laser hair removal session, it’s a good idea to avoid direct sunlight as much as possible and stay away from tanning beds. Having a tan can sometimes make the process less effective. Plus, if your skin is tanned, it can make some complications more likely.

You will also want to avoid waxing or plucking prior to your treatment. This is because these processes also target the hair follicle or the roots, and this needs to be intact for the laser treatment to be effective.

Risks and Side Effects

For most people, there are no significant risks or side effects to laser hair removal. However, you may experience some redness and warmth in the treated area for a short time. For many people, this feels like a mild sunburn. Though it will go away on its own, it can be treated with a cold compress or other methods designed to soothe the skin.

It’s recommended to wear sunscreen and avoid direct sunlight as much as possible over the next month or so.

In some people, blisters or other sores may appear. These instances are rare but following proper aftercare tips can help reduce these potential risks.

What to Expect After Treatment

Your hair doesn’t disappear or fall out immediately after your session. Instead, it can take two or three weeks for the hairs to shed completely. As mentioned, it will likely be recommended to come in for multiple sessions (usually spaced about 4-6 weeks apart) so that hairs that are in various stages of the growth cycle can be targeted by the treatments.

For more information on the laser hair removal process, please talk to the team at Eternal Beauty Medical Clinic. We have the experience and skill needed to provide you with the treatments that will work best for your situation and give you the results you desire. If you have any questions, or you’d like to come in for a session, book an appointment for laser hair removal online or give us a call at (408) 354-3587.