What is Laser Hair Removal and How Does It Work?
Laser hair removal is a procedure that uses concentrated beams of laser light to target and damage the hair follicles responsible for hair growth. The laser energy is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicles, causing them to heat up and become damaged. This disruption prevents the hair follicles from producing new hair growth.
The technology allows the laser to selectively target dark pigment in the hair follicles without damaging the surrounding skin. For this reason, laser hair removal works best on individuals with light skin and dark coarse hair. However, advanced laser systems like Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) devices can customize settings to safely treat all skin tones.
During a laser hair removal treatment, a handpiece glides over the skin, delivering laser pulses to each area. You may experience a warm sensation as the laser targets each follicle. Treatments typically take 15 minutes to an hour depending on the size of the area being treated. Most individuals multiple sessions spaced a few weeks apart to achieve optimal long-lasting results.
What Are the Benefits of Laser Hair Removal?
There are many advantages that make laser hair removal an appealing choice over temporary methods like shaving and waxing:
- Long-lasting results – After completing the recommended number of treatments, laser hair removal provides permanent hair reduction in the treated areas. No more constantly shaving or waxing!
- Precision – The laser can selectively target dark hairs without damaging surrounding skin, for safe and effective treatment.
- Speed – Each laser pulse delivers energy to multiple hairs simultaneously, so treatment is faster than electrolysis.
- Reduced ingrown hairs – Laser hair removal damages the follicle, so there is less risk of hairs growing inward and causing ingrown hairs and irritation.
- Works on all skin tones – Bellava’s advanced IPL technology allows for customized settings to safely treat all skin types.
- Treats large areas – Laser can treat small, medium or large areas of the body, from upper lips to full legs.
What Areas Can Be Treated with Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is highly versatile, able to treat unwanted hair on virtually any area of the body. Common treatment areas include:
- Face – Upper lip, chin, cheeks, jawline, neck, sideburns
- Arms & Underarms – Armpits, hands, fingers, shoulders
- Legs – Upper legs, lower legs, thighs, feet, toes
- Bikini Area – Pubic area, buttocks, perineum
- Back & Chest – Upper back, lower back, shoulders, chest
During your consultation, Bellava’s technicians will assess your individual hair growth patterns and recommend a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs and desired outcome.
What About Laser Hair Removal for Dark Skin?
One of the biggest advantages of laser hair removal at Bellava MedAesthetics is the ability to safely treat all skin tones. Their advanced IPL technology allows technicians to customize settings based on your unique pigmentation.
The key is using lower energy settings and a special cooling handpiece to ensure patient comfort. Bellava’s highly trained technicians will adjust the laser parameters to effectively target hair follicles in darker skin while protecting the surrounding skin.
With proper device settings and technician expertise, those with darker skin can experience the same smooth skin results from laser hair removal without risk of burns or hypo-pigmentation.