Thousands of years ago, we needed body hair for warmth. Today? Many of us want it gone, leading to hair removal methods such as shaving, waxing, and everything in between.
Yet, if you want long-term results with less upkeep, laser hair removal is most effective at eliminating unwanted hair and keeping it from growing back. You also want to do everything possible to maximize your results. Chicago residents looking to get rid of unwanted hair can rely on Drs. Michele Hakimian, Kate D. Nash, Matthew King, and the Progressive Care For Women, S.C. team for flawlessly smooth skin.
In the meantime, here’s what you need to know about laser hair removal and how to get the most from this treatment.
This method uses a focused beam of light to target hair on specific areas of your body. The pigment in your hair (melanin) absorbs the light, which converts to heat and damages the hair follicle. This removes hair and inhibits the hair growth cycle, causing regrowth to be thinner, lighter, and easier to remove. Popular treatment areas include your armpits, chin, upper lip, bikini line, and legs.
To protect your skin, avoid tanning beds and excess sunlight before the procedure, especially in the areas being treated. When you arrive, we start by cleaning the treatment area, providing protective goggles for you and the doctor, and applying the laser to the skin. The sensation of the laser has been compared to getting snapped by a rubber band.
Laser hair removal can take up to an hour, depending on how much work is being done. You may smell burning hair, which is normal.
Here are the best ways to preserve your skin after getting laser hair removal:
Treated skin is more sensitive, so stay out of direct sunlight and tanning beds until you’re fully healed.
In the first few days post-treatment, take lukewarm showers, don’t apply perfumes, and don't use deodorant if we treated your underarms.
Itching, swelling, and redness are common after laser treatment, so be gentle on your skin by using ice to reduce swelling and hydrocortisone to relieve discomfort.
We know you want to jump back into things when this is done, but healing will take a little time. That’s why we recommend you avoid activities that will irritate or damage the treated area. For example, if we treat the bikini line, hold off on sex until side effects subside.
With the right self-care, laser hair removal can deliver lasting results. Follow these tips and make an appointment with our Licensed Aesthetician and Laser Technician, Alganesh Assefa, who has been with Progressive Care for Women for over 15 years!
