What Really Happens During a Laser Treatment?
Laser treatment for cosmetic purposes has been gaining popularity in recent days. This article mainly focuses on how a laser procedure is done for hair removal and how it helps reduce acne, wrinkles, and age spots. We are discussing the procedure, benefits, and risks for the following.
Laser hair removal
Laser resurfacing
1- Laser Hair Removal
Hair removal made easy, Credits: pexels
This procedure aims to remove unwanted hair using a laser. The common locations for the procedure include armpits, legs, upper lips, and bikini lines.It is important to choose a laser therapist with ample knowledge and experience.
What to Expect During the Procedure?
Evaluation by a laser therapist, Credits: pexels
Make the time available to complete the paperwork.
The first time procedure may last for 45 minutes.
You will be examined by laser therapists and chiropractors.
A patient is given glasses to ensure safety in the eyes.
What is the Procedure?
The nature of the condition is determined. Specific dosage is prescribed based on the age of the patient, body mass, physical condition, skin color, and the amount of hair.
A Step by Step Procedure
Women getting ready for Laser therapy, Credits: pexels
The treatment area is cleaned. Some patients may receive a numbing gel. It may take 30 to 60 minutes for the numbing gel to work.
The laser head is placed in direct contact with the skin and then the light is activated.
Gentle pressure is applied to your skin so that the light penetrates.
The amount of time required usually depends on the type of procedure and the area to be treated.
To maximize the effect of the laser, the laser is moved, with 2 to 7 points being treated per area.
After some time, a patient feels a tingling situation that is due to increased circulation or nerve stimulation. Most of the patients report that laser pulses feel like warm pinpricks.
A laser removes hair by vaporizing it. This causes small plumes of smoke that have a sulfur-like smell.
Once the procedure is over, ice packs, anti-inflammatory lotions, and creams are prescribed to ease the discomfort.
You will start experiencing a symptomatic improvement quickly.
The Aftercare Instructions
Protect from direct sunlight, Credits: pexels
Protect your treated skin from direct sunlight.
Do not use any forms of tanning equipment.
How About the Results?
Laser treatments are successful, Credits: pexels
The results of the hair removal treatment may vary depending on the type of lasers used, the color and thickness of the hair, and the area treated. Normally after the first treatment, a 10 to 25% reduction in hair is expected. Approximately 2 to 6 laser treatment sessions may be required to remove the hair.
The Benefits of the Hair Removal
Lasers are highly precise and leave the skin undamaged.
The speed is amazing! The laser can treat an area approximately the size of a quarter every second.
Most patients can have permanent hair removal after three to seven sessions.
Side Effects
Scars following a Laser treatment, Credits: pxfuel
During the days of initial treatment, you may experience redness, mild headache, fatigue, muscle spasm, and nausea. These minor side effects tend to subside within 48 hours. Applying a cool compress helps reduce the issue.
Some of the other side effects include
Infections
Scarring
Skin lightening or darkening
Blistering
2- Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing is a treatment to remove facial wrinkles and skin irregularities.
A woman undergoing Laser resurfacing, Credits: pxfuel
Who is Suitable for Laser Resurfacing?
If you have fine lines or wrinkles around your eyes or mouth or on your forehead.
Shallow scars from acne
This technique is not suitable for dark skin and is not recommended for stretch marks.
What to Expect?
A woman undergoing Laser resurfacing, Credits: pxfuel
A local anesthetic may be required to treat the desired area.
If the whole face is to be treated, general anesthesia is required.
The procedure may take 30 to 45 minutes and if a full-face treatment is required, it may take two hours.
Your doctor begins the treatment, using the selected laser. The laser is moved slowly around the designated area of the skin. After 24 hours of treatment, the treated area is cleaned 4 to 5 times a day.
To prevent scabs, petroleum jelly is applied.
Depending on the condition, the healing time may vary. It usually takes 10 to 21 days.
If you experience swelling after the laser resurfacing, steroids are prescribed. Placing an ice pack during the first few hours also resolves the issue.
A broad-spectrum sunscreen is prescribed after the procedure.
Side Effects
A woman experiencing minor side effects, Credits: pxfuel
The following side effects are possible with laser skin resurfacing.
Burns or other injuries due to laser’s heat
Scarring
Changes in the skin’s pigmentation, including areas of darker or lighter skin
Infections
Take-Home Message
Laser therapies are highly suitable for hair removal and to treat wrinkles and skin irregularities.