Do you feel like you’re stuck in an endless cycle of waxing and shaving? The hair grows, you get rid of it, and just after you’ve finished dealing with the hassle of in-grown hairs and razor bumps, it grows back and the cycle repeats.
Laser hair removal could be the answer.
At Pulse Light Clinic, they have over 20 years of experience in this field and have treated more than 200,000 patients in the London office alone. They offer laser hair removal solutions for both men and women and can treat all problem areas.
Not convinced?
Take a look at these images taken before and after laser hair removal and see the results for yourself.
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Before and after laser hair removal
As you can see from the these hair removal before and after images, the results of this treatment speak for themselves.
The treatment uses a specially designed laser to damage unwanted hair follicles and prevent them from producing more hair. When performed by expert cosmetic doctors like those at Pulse Light Clinic, it’s a safe and effective treatment and it produces noticeable and long-term results.
Before laser hair removal
Laser hair removal treatments aren’t just a convenient way to remove unwanted hair. Sure, it means you spend less time shaving and waxing, but there’s more to it than that.
If you’re not constantly shaving and waxing, it means you’re not exposing your skin to harm and risking unsightly razor bumps or problematic in-grown hairs.
Repeated issues with in-grown hairs, for instance, can lead to scarring, hyperpigmentation, and even bacterial infection, which occurs when you scratch the area, damage the tissue, and introduce bacteria.
As you can see from laser hair removal before and after images, people come for a variety of reasons. Some suffer breakouts of razor bumps on their chin and neck, others have hairy backs that are a nuisance to shave/wax, and some just want constantly clean-shaven legs.
Here are just a few of the areas that laser hair removal can target:
- Armpits
- Bikini line
- Face
- Back
- Neck
- Chin
- Shoulders
- Chest
After laser hair removal
After a laser hair treatment, hair remains in the follicles and will gradually push out over the next couple of weeks. It can appear as if it is growing, but the hairs are soon shed completely. Thereafter, assuming no further treatments are needed (you can discuss this with your clinician), you should experience a significant and long-term reduction in hair growth around the treated area.
The hair will eventually grow back, but it will be much thinner than before and can be removed with between 1 and 4 annual touch-ups.
Preparing for laser hair removal
Here are a few things to get prepared before your treatment. Don’t worry if you’re uncertain about any of these steps, as you can discuss them with the doctor during your consultation. You can also learn more about them in our guide to before and after laser hair removal care.
The steps include:
Skin test
To make sure you are a suitable candidate for this treatment, a skin test will be conducted. Also known as a patch test, it involves testing the treatment on a small patch of skin and then waiting for at least 48 hours to gauge the effects.
It’s an important step that eradicates much of the risk associated with laser hair removal.
Cleanly shaved area
Shave the area within 24 hours of your treatment. Refrain from using an electric razor though, as they don’t shave close enough and leave too much hair.
Avoid sun exposure
Don’t use any tanning beds and if you’re going outside, wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Alternatively, wear sun-safe clothing to keep the area covered.
Do not tweeze, pluck, or wax the area
Although it’s tempting to wax the area for fast and clean results, you should avoid doing so. Don’t tweeze or pluck the hairs either. A shave is more than enough.
No fake tanning
Do not use fake tanning products within 3 to 4 weeks of your treatment. If you have used them in the past, make sure the area is thoroughly exfoliated to remove all residue.
Apply numbing cream
If you are worried about pain during the treatment, it’s okay to apply numbing cream, and this should be done 2 hours before the procedure. Use a liberal amount of Emla 5% and cover it with an adhesive non-stick dressing. Cling film also works.
We recommend numbing cream for sensitive areas, such as the underarms and bikini line.
Post laser hair removal
After your treatment, your doctor will provide you with a series of care instructions, all of which are designed to protect the area, hasten the recovery process, and improve the results.
These instructions include:
Sun protection
The sun is very bad for your skin, so sun protection should be worn after the procedure, as well as before. If you want healthy and vibrant skin, it’s always good practice to cover up when you’re outdoors and refrain from using tanning beds.
Do not tweeze, pluck, or wax.
Your hair will begin to shed within acouple of weeks after the treatment. This is completely normal, and you shouldn’t attempt to help it along by waxing, plucking, or tweezing.
Exfoliate after 1 week
Exfoliation is one of the ways that you can speed up the shedding process, just make sure you wait at least 1 week after the procedure.
Cool showers and baths
Do not take any hot showers or baths within 48 hours of having the treatment. It’s okay to wash, but you should stick with cold showers.
Avoid deodorant
Deodorant shouldn’t be used for the first 12 hours. If the area doesn’t show any clear signs of irritation after those 12 hours have passed, it’s fine.
Avoid exercise
Exercise can cause the area to heat up and may lead to painful friction burns. It’s best not to exercise for at least 48 hours.
Avoid scratching
As tempting as it might be to scratch the area, it will only make it worse. If the itching is unbearable and you feel like you can’t resist, take an oral antihistamine, or use a topical hydrocortisone.
Laser Hair Removal
Ready to discover what laser hair treatments can do for you? Contact us today for a free consultation. Our practitioners will instruct you through the process, highlighting problem areas, addressing your concerns, and planning your treatment.
FAQs
How long do laser hair removal results last?
Many people don’t see any hair growth for months after a successful treatment and some don’t see hair in the treated area for years. Hair will grow again, but it’s usually much finer and lighter than before, so it is less of an issue. Regular touch-ups can help to keep hair growth to an absolute minimum.
How quickly do you notice results from laser hair removal?
In most cases, you will begin to see the results after just a few days, butit may be a few weeks before you seethe full effects of this treatment, as seen in our “after” images.
Does laser hair removal really work permanently?
As seen in the above laser hair removal before and after images, this treatment is very effective and produces incredible results. But it doesn’t guarantee permanent hair removal. Regular maintenance treatments are recommended to prevent regrowth.
How many sessions of laser treatment are needed until the hair is gone?
It depends on the area and the individual, but to remove up to 80% of hair in most areas, you will need at least 8 sessions, followed by a review and additional sessions as required.
