While there are several methods available for hair removal, such as waxing and hair-removal creams, they do not keep the hair from growing back. It can feel frustrating to repeatedly spend time and money on these short-term treatments. For a more effective treatment with results that last, many patients come in for laser hair removal.
Laser Hair Removal at Houston Oculofacial Plastic Surgery
Laser hair removal is a method of hair reduction that uses laser energy to target the areas where there is unwanted hair. During the procedure, the laser energy passes from the handpiece to the individual hair follicle. Its precision is the result of the laser locking onto the pigment in the root of each hair. The intense heat of the beam damages the follicle and impairs its ability to grow hair in the future.
It may take multiple laser treatments to get an extended hair-free period. This is because hairs are always in different parts of the growth cycle, and only hairs that are in the active growth phase are affected by the treatments.
Preparations for Laser Hair Removal
If you’re interested in laser hair removal at Houston Oculofacial Plastic Surgery, you’ll need to consult with an experienced medical professional who can give you all the details about the procedure. To minimize risk of complications with the procedure, they will review your medical history and check the medications you are regularly taking.
Before your laser hair removal treatment, it will be important to do the following:
• Stay out of the sun for up to six weeks before the procedure
• Avoid plucking, waxing, and electrolysis to preserve the root of each hair for easier removal
• Avoid perfumes, deodorants, and any irritants in the treatment area before and after the procedure
• Avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements
• Have reasonable expectations about the outcome of the procedure
What to Expect
Before the Procedure: First, the hair in the treatment area will be cut. In order to protect your eyes from the light of the laser, the doctor will give you goggles. You may also be given anaesthetic to reduce any discomfort during the procedure.
During the Procedure: The doctor will hold the handpiece over the area being treated. Depending on the type of laser used, cooling gel may be applied to the skin to protect it. The laser energy is then used to damage the targeted follicles in the treatment areas.
After the Procedure: You may experience common effects such as redness and swelling for the first few hours. Your doctor may recommend that you apply ice over the area to reduce any discomfort. Your doctor will also recommend that you avoid sun exposure until the skin is healed. Once it is healed, you will still need to apply sunscreen to protect your skin.
Speak with Dr. Sami to Find Out More
At Houston Oculofacial Plastic Surgery, we offer many cosmetic laser treatments to help you achieve your beauty goals. If you would like to find out more about laser hair reduction and our other treatments, contact our office for a consultation. Dr. Mirwat Sami, a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, is available for consultations.
