Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses a concentrated beam of light (laser) to remove unwanted hair.

During laser hair removal, a laser emits a light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair. The light energy is converted to heat, which damages the tube-shaped sacs within the skin (hair follicles) that produce hairs. This damage inhibits or delays future hair growth Multiple laser hair removal treatments are needed for initial hair removal, and maintenance treatments might be needed as well. Laser hair removal is most effective way of getting rid of unwanted hair.

Common treatment locations include legs, armpits, side locks,upper lip, chin and the bikini line

Staying out of the sun
Avoid sun exposure before and after treatment. Whenever you go out, apply a broad-spectrum, SPF50 sunscreen. Lightening your skin. Avoid any sunless skin creams that darken your skin

Avoiding other hair removal methods. Plucking, waxing and electrolysis can disturb the hair follicle and should be avoided at least four weeks before treatment.

Avoiding blood-thinning medications
Ask your doctor about what medications, such as aspirin to avoid before the procedure.

Shaving treatment area
Trimming and shaving is recommended the day before laser treatment. It removes hair above the skin that can result in surface skin damage from burnt hairs, but it leaves the hair shaft intact below the surface.

What can you expect during the procedure?

For each treatment you’ll wear special goggles to protect your eyes from the laser beam.

An assistant might shave the site again if necessary.

The doctor might apply a topical anesthetic to your skin to reduce any discomfort during treatment.

The doctor will press a hand-held laser instrument to your skin. Depending on the type of laser, a cooling device on the tip of the instrument or a cool gel might be used to protect your skin.
You might feel a warm pinprick, and you’ll likely feel a sensation of cold from the cooling device or gel.

After the procedure

You might notice redness and swelling for the first few hours after laser hair removal.

To reduce any discomfort, apply ice to the treated area.

After laser hair removal and between scheduled treatments, avoid sunlight exposure, saunas or hot water baths.
Use a broad-spectrum SPF50 sunscreen daily.

Hairs do not fall out immediately, but they will shed over a period of days to weeks. The repeated treatments are usually necessary because hair growth and loss naturally occur in a cycle, and laser treatment works best with hair follicles in the new-growth stage.

Results vary from person to person significantly and are difficult to predict. Laser hair removal doesn’t guarantee permanent hair removal. When hair regrows, it’s usually finer and lighter in color.

You might need maintenance laser treatments for long-term hair reduction