Edmonton Dermatology | Laser Hair Removal
Hi and welcome to Edmonton Dermatology’s YouTube channel. We’re so glad you joined us today. My name is Karen, and this is Andrea.
Hello.
Andrea is a registered LPN here at Edmonton Dermatology. Today, we’re going to be talking about laser hair removal. Yay!
We have a quote here from some famous person, Emily Wise, I think she’s an actress or something, I’m pretty sure.
Yep.
She said, “I’ve had some not great experiences with laser hair removal, probably because I haven’t done what they told me.”
That’s important. When we tell you to do something, we mean it!
Yeah, there’s reasons for it.
Benefits and Common Areas for Laser Hair Removal
Statistics show that most people report a 90% permanent reduction in hair growth in their treated areas. That’s amazing, actually.
Which is pretty awesome!
Laser hair removal is popular among women, but men, too, deal with stubborn areas of hair growth. For example, older women often get hair in the chin area, a common side effect of menopause, but we can help with that. Men might have unwanted hair on their upper cheeks, chest, or back. If you don’t like the look or feel of it, laser hair removal is a great option.
That’s awesome! I am actually considering it now, adding it to my list of things to do!
So, let’s back up a little and talk about the basics. What exactly is laser hair removal?
What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal uses a laser device to target and remove hair follicles. Hair grows from a root within your skin, called the hair bulb. The laser focuses on this bulb and aims to destroy it.
Okay, that sounds pretty simple. So, what areas can be treated?
Pretty much anywhere. Of course, we won’t treat your eyebrows because the laser handpieces are quite large. Also, we don’t treat the top of your head. Everywhere else from here down is fair game. Many women love getting their underarms and Brazilian areas done because shaving can cause bumps and irritation. Men, too, find it beneficial for areas like the chest, especially if they’re swimmers.
And you guys do all of those areas here?
We do! Yay!
The Treatment Process
So, what happens to the hair during the treatment?
We ask you to shave the area before your treatment, either the day before or the same day. For small areas, like underarms, we’ll trim the hair close to the skin. The laser light penetrates through the skin to target the hair follicle. It’s most effective on darker hair because the light looks for pigment in the cells that create the hair. The cells essentially explode, die off, and take longer to regenerate with each treatment.
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
That’s great. So, is laser hair removal permanent?
It is very permanent. You may get the odd hair here or there afterward, but it won’t be a full regrowth. Especially in areas like the chin for older women, hormonal changes from menopause can trigger hair growth again, but we can always do additional treatments.
How Many Treatments Are Needed?
How many treatments do you recommend?
It varies by area. For the face, you might need four to six treatments. The underarms, legs, and bikini area may take up to eight treatments because the hair in those areas is thicker and darker.
Does It Hurt?
Do the treatments hurt?
It depends on the type of device. Older lasers could be painful, but we now use machines with cooling handpieces, which make the treatments much more comfortable.
Before and After Treatment Care
What should I do before I come in for my appointment?
We need you to shave the area, preferably the night before, so any irritation has time to settle. For small areas like the face or underarms, we can trim the hair for you here.
And what can I expect after the treatment?
With older lasers, you might feel some warmth, but with newer technology, you’ll leave with barely any sensation. A few days after treatment, you might notice the hair “growing back,” but that’s actually the dead hair being pushed out. Keep an eye on how fast it grows back so we can adjust your settings for future treatments.
Post-Treatment Care
What should I do after the treatment?
Moisturize, but avoid thick lotions. Don’t take hot baths or do hot yoga, as the treated area will be sensitive. For Brazilian treatments, avoid sexual intercourse for a short time to let the area heal.
Can All Skin Types Be Treated?
Can all skin types be treated?
Yes and no. Lighter skin works best for laser treatments because the laser can easily target the darker hair follicles. For darker skin types, we use lower settings and more treatments to avoid damaging the skin while still targeting the hair follicles.
Conclusion
Wow, so much great information! Thanks for sharing all of that!
You’re welcome. Thanks for joining us today on the Edmonton Dermatology YouTube channel. Don’t forget to subscribe and like the video if you found this information helpful.
I sure did! It was packed with great info. See you in the next video!
Bye!