Everything You Need to Know About Laser Hair Removal

At Mullally MedSpa, we specialize in providing a multitude of aesthetic treatments, including laser hair removal. This popular technique is highly versatile and can target different areas of the body, offering a permanent reduction in unwanted hair for both men and women. It is a safe and effective treatment that is applicable to most skin types and hair colors.

Laser hair removal is capable of effectively targeting unwanted hair on the face, particularly the upper lip, chin, and sideburns. Underarms and bikini line as well as the legs, back, and chest are also frequently treated in our medical spa. Women often choose this method due to its precision, while men prefer it for areas like the back or chest, which can be difficult to maintain with regular shaving.

The procedure is also effective for treating arms, stomach, buttocks, and even sensitive zones like the nipples. It can also be extended to hands and feet, providing a solution for those who experience excessive hair growth in these areas.

Laser hair removal may be most effective for patients with light skin tones and darker hair however, the procedure is safe for everyone.

In lighter skin, the heat from the laser is absorbed by the hair follicle, effectively destroying it and reducing future hair growth. The procedure is less effective on fine or light-colored hairs due to the lack of pigment needed to absorb the laser light. Dense hair may require more treatment sessions.

Our team of qualified healthcare professionals are trained to assess your skin type and determine if laser hair removal is an appropriate and suitable treatment option for you. If laser hair removal is not advised, we can suggest alternative treatments or specific types of lasers that are more suitable for your skin type.

Many patients undergoing laser hair removal tend to wonder whether or not they should shave ahead of the treatment. The answer is, yes. Shaving is necessary before this procedure for a number of reasons.

The technology we use in laser hair removal targets the pigment within the hair follicle. If the hair is too long, then it is possible the laser energy may not efficiently reach the follicle and instead, it could burn the surface hair. This can lead to possible skin irritation and a decrease in the treatment’s effectiveness.

We recommend most patients shave within a day or two before the treatment. This ensures that the hair is short enough not to interfere with the laser light, but still long enough for our technicians to see where the unwanted hair is located.

Laser hair removal is a great option for those unsatisfied with more traditional hair removal methods like regularly shaving or waxing, and are seeking a more permanent and less time-intensive solution.

The success of laser hair removal at our Med Spa can be influenced by the contrast between your skin color and hair color. The laser targets the pigment melanin present in hair, and it works best when there is a significant color contrast between the hair and skin. This means individuals with dark, coarse hair often see better results. However, those with fine, light hair may not see as dramatic changes.

But it’s not just about your hair type. We also consider your overall health. The laser hair removal treatment is safe for those who are healthy and free from active skin conditions. Certain health conditions or medications may affect the safety and effectiveness of the treatment. Similarly, if you’re on medications that increase light sensitivity, like isotretinoin, you may need to avoid the procedure. If you have recently tanned skin or an active sunburn, it can increase the risk of complications from laser hair removal. So, we insist that our clients do not have recent tans or excessive sun exposure.

After receiving a laser hair removal treatment at Mullally MedSpa, you may notice an immediate response that includes redness similar to a sunburn due to the heat exposure. This is a common reaction that typically resolves within a few hours to a few days. To alleviate any discomfort, we recommend applying a cold compress or soothing aloe gel.

Some clients may experience minor swelling, especially around sensitive areas like the face. This is a positive sign indicating that the treatment has effectively targeted the hair follicles. In rare instances, a thin scab or crust may form over the treated area. Remember, these are normal reactions and part of the healing process.

Within 24-72 hours post-treatment, mild itching and tenderness may be felt as the skin continues to heal. Temporary lightening or darkening of the affected skin may also be observed.

In the days following your laser hair removal treatment, the hair shedding phase will begin. The treated hair follicles will gradually shed hair over the following weeks. We advise our clients during this period to protect their skin from the sun and harsh skincare products. In rare cases, prolonged inflammation or sun exposure can lead to hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.

We encourage our clients to practice good post-treatment care habits, including avoiding sun exposure and tanning beds to prevent skin damage. Apply sunscreen liberally and frequently when you do have to go out in the sun. Avoid waxing and plucking as well as bleaching the treated area, as these activities can disrupt the hair removal process.

If you notice any form of unusual reactions or if your symptoms persist for more than a week, we urge you to reach out to our healthcare professionals at Mullally MedSpa immediately. We serve clients from Crown Point IN, Winfield IN, Schereville IN, St. John IN, Cedar Lake IN, Munster IN, Lowell IN, DeMotte IN, as well as other Northwest Indiana locations!