Laser hair removal is a topic that generates a lot of questions.
Laser hair removal is a highly popular and effective aesthetic procedure. Unlike traditional hair removal methods, the laser targets the hair follicle directly, removing the hair in a lasting way.
This treatment provides satisfactory results by significantly reducing hair growth. Additionally, laser hair removal tends to be less painful than other methods, such as hot or cold wax.
Discover 9 Myths and Truths About Laser Hair Removal
It is important to note that laser hair removal should only be performed by qualified professionals in specialized clinics to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.
With that in mind, we have prepared a list of some myths and truths about laser hair removal. Take a look!
Quem Somos?
O Dr. Waldemar H. Szerman é dermatologista e uma referência no Rio de Janeiro quando se trata de cuidados com a pele. Com mais de meio século de atuação na dermatologia, formado pela Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), o Dr. Szerman possui uma carreira sólida e respeitada, tendo sido ex-chefe do serviço de dermatologia da aeronáutica.
Em 1969, fundou a Clínica de Pele, unindo sua vasta experiência médica à tecnologia de ponta para oferecer tratamentos dermatológicos com excelência no Rio de Janeiro. Desde então, a clínica se tornou sinônimo de tradição, inovação e confiança, sendo reconhecida como uma das melhores do estado.
Na Clínica de Pele, todos os procedimentos são realizados exclusivamente por médicos, com formação especializada em instituições reconhecidas.
Acreditamos que os melhores resultados vêm da união entre ética, produtos de alta qualidade, capacitação técnica e experiência dos profissionais que irão realizar o tratamento.
Em tempos em que os procedimentos estéticos têm sido amplamente banalizados, reforçamos nosso compromisso com a segurança, o conhecimento médico e a ética profissional.
Os Drs. Guilherme Szerman e Ronaldo Szerman são médicos com mais de 20 anos de experiência, formados pela conceituada Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), consistentemente reconhecida entre as melhores faculdades de medicina do Brasil.
Somos uma clínica dermatológica no Rio de Janeiro, com mais de 50 anos de tradição e certamente uma das melhores nesse tratamento.
Teremos um imenso prazer em atendê-lo!
1. Myths and Truths about Laser Hair Removal – You shouldn’t wax between laser hair removal sessions
Truth: You should not pull the hair from the root, as the treatment depends on the hair’s root embedded in the skin. Therefore, waxing or any technique that removes the hair from the root (the laser’s action point) should be avoided. You can use a razor, scissors, or depilatory creams to trim the hair.
2. Myths and Truths about Laser Hair Removal – Laser hair removal is very painful
Myth: When performed with the proper equipment, by a qualified professional, and with proper guidance, the sessions are generally well tolerated. Sensitivity is individual, and patients can use anesthetic cream before the session.
3. Is Laser Hair Removal Contraindicated for Darker Skin?
Myth: Some equipment allows for laser hair removal on dark and black skin. The most important thing is to choose a clinic with specialized equipment and professionals to ensure the procedure’s effectiveness and safety.
4. Myths and Truths about Laser Hair Removal – Efficiency and safety are similar across clinics
Myth: The results and safety are highly variable since there are many clinics offering the procedure. Originally, this procedure was only performed by doctors, which is no longer the case. Many devices have entered the market. Therefore, careful selection is crucial. Choosing a doctor and top-tier equipment like the Light Sheer makes a big difference.
5. Myths and Truths about Laser Hair Removal – Treatment with a doctor is much more expensive
Myth: Treatment with a doctor is not always more expensive. Typically, when the treatment is performed in a more suitable environment, fewer sessions are needed, the final result is more significant, and the risk of problems is much lower. Additionally, if any complications arise, the doctor will provide follow-up care. Another point to consider is the possibility of tax deductions for patients with conditions related to hair growth.
6. Myths and Truths about Laser Hair Removal – You can’t have laser hair removal in the summer
Myth: The treatment can be done at any time of the year. The doctor can prepare the patient’s skin with guidance and the use of creams. Although the equipment we use is capable of treating tanned skin, it is safer and more effective when performed on lighter skin.
7. Myths and Truths about Laser Hair Removal – Laser hair removal can be recommended for men
Truth: It’s important to note that the days when aesthetic treatments were predominantly for women are long gone. Men are also seeking laser hair removal to remove unwanted hair. The results are excellent, especially in areas where it is difficult to achieve good results at home, such as the back. Men can even get a beard treatment with laser. The technique is ideal for those who suffer from folliculitis, ingrown hairs, acne, or sensitive skin.
8. Myths and Truths about Laser Hair Removal – People with little hair only need one session of laser hair removal
On average, 6 to 8 sessions of laser hair removal are needed for each area. The exact number may vary based on the area being treated, skin tone, hair color and thickness, and individual goals. Lighter skin and darker, thicker hair generally require fewer sessions compared to people with darker skin or fine, light-colored hair, for example. Even after completing the sessions, maintenance treatments are necessary.
9. Myths and Truths about Laser Hair Removal – Tattooed areas cannot be treated with laser
Truth: As mentioned above, the laser used in hair removal targets the pigment in the hair. If applied to tattooed areas, the technique may detect the tattoo’s colors, causing burns in the area. The laser may also alter the tattoo’s pigmentation, compromising the design. If you plan to get a tattoo, it is ideal to complete your laser hair removal first.
This can even help with the design process since the skin needs to be hair-free. However, if you already have a tattoo and want to undergo laser hair removal, don’t worry. The procedure can be performed around the design. Again, it is important to choose a specialized location to ensure proper care is taken.
Contact
The Skin Clinic specializes in laser hair removal in Rio de Janeiro. Dr. Szerman has been offering this treatment for over 20 years! Contact us!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LASER HAIR REMOVAL
What specialist performs laser hair removal?
A dermatologist is the most qualified professional to perform laser hair removal.
What do gynecologists say about laser hair removal?
Gynecologists recommend laser hair removal primarily for cases of hirsutism, where there is an excess production of hair.
Why should you avoid laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal should be avoided on areas with tattoos or permanent pigmentation.
Who should not undergo laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is generally contraindicated during pregnancy, in cases of severe skin diseases that cause skin sensitivity, and in cases of active lesions, such as infections in the treatment area.
How long does the effect of laser hair removal last?
When performed correctly and without hormonal disturbances, the treatment is permanent.
What can harm laser hair removal?
Plucking hair with tweezers or waxing and having tanned skin can interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment.
Is it dangerous to perform laser hair removal on the bikini area?
No, as long as medical recommendations are followed.
Where should laser hair removal not be performed?
In clinics with no experience or using unapproved laser equipment.
With the growing number of people seeking laser hair removal, it is natural for aesthetic procedure providers and business owners to become interested and ask questions about this increasingly popular treatment.
For your convenience, we have compiled a master list of frequently asked questions about laser hair removal: everything you need to know about laser hair removal, all in one place.
Why do patients choose laser hair removal?
The presence of unwanted hair, whether on the upper lip, hands, feet, bikini area, back, legs, or arms, is a major source of distress for many.
Many people are tired of repeatedly removing unwanted hair through tedious and painful methods like shaving, waxing, and tweezing. In response, the demand for permanent hair reduction using light-based methods has soared.
Who can get laser hair removal?
Both women and men. Most women seek to remove hair from their underarms, bikini lines, and legs, while men are more interested in treating hair on their back and neck.
When laser hair removal was first introduced, the procedure was originally intended for patients with light skin and dark hair.
However, newer technologies, such as the Light Sheer Diode Laser, safely and effectively treat patients of all skin types and hair colors.
What is the standard procedure like?
During the treatment, a light-based system emits flashes of bright light onto the skin where unwanted hair resides. The hair follicles absorb the light energy, heat up, and get damaged.
Each light energy pulse takes a few seconds and targets multiple hairs at once, making the procedure very quick and easy to perform. Treatments typically last between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated.
Light Sheer hair removal systems feature larger treatment heads for faster treatment sessions.
As hair grows in different phases, multiple treatments are required to target hair follicles during their growth phase.
Most patients need at least 8 to 10 treatments to see permanent, long-lasting results.
Touch-ups may be required over time. Patients should see results after the first treatment—their hair will grow back finer and weaker, and their skin will become smoother.
Results will become more visible and impressive with each additional treatment until most follicles are destroyed, effectively halting continuous hair growth.
How does it work?
Laser hair removal works by destroying the root of the hair follicle. During treatment, flashes of light are directed onto the skin and absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle.
The laser energy heats and damages the hair follicle, successfully shrinking the cells that stimulate regrowth. It is important to note that hair grows in cycles, and laser hair removal is only effective during the active growth phase.
Each hair goes through three growth phases: the anagen phase, the catagen phase, and the telogen phase. The anagen phase, also known as the growth phase, is the period during which your hair continues to grow actively.
The catagen phase, also known as the transition phase, is when the hair follicle shrinks and detaches from the papilla, a structure at the base of the follicle.
The telogen phase, also known as the resting phase, is when the old hair is shed and falls out. When the old hair falls out, the hair follicle reattaches to the papilla and reenters the anagen phase, repeating the cycle.
Each hair on your body can be in a different phase of the growth cycle at any given time. Therefore, multiple laser treatments are necessary to target hair during the anagen phase, addressing numerous hair follicles during their growth phase.
What kind of results can patients expect?
Most patients need 8 to 10 treatments spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart to achieve the desired results.
With Light Sheer technology, virtually all patients—regardless of their skin type or hair color—can achieve long-lasting results for unwanted hair removal.
Patients with lighter hair may need more treatments than others, but they will still see effective results at the end of their treatments.
Most patients require 8 to 10 treatments for permanent hair reduction results.
Treatments are spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart to target the follicles during the growth phase. Regardless of the technology used, patients will experience results at different rates depending on their skin type and hair color.
Contact:
Clínica de Pele is a traditional and specialized dermatological clinic in Rio de Janeiro for over 60 years, since 1969.
Dr. Szerman has over 20 years of experience and teaches other doctors.
