Everything You Need To Know About Laser Hair Removal

Hello, Warriors! Welcome to The Breast Place blog and thank you for taking time out of your active schedule to visit! We appreciate our readers to the utmost degree, as we do our patients. If this is your first visit to The Breast Place blog, we welcome you. We cover a range of topics here. From breast cancer management to anti-aging skin treatments to helpful tips for maximizing your overall health and wellness—The Breast Place is committed to sharing the best health practices and treatment options with you! Our offices are open and our staff is prepared to answer any questions you may have about your health, your breast cancer risk, and how to reach your aesthetic goals. 

At The Breast Place, we offer several oncoplastic surgical procedures, such as natural reconstruction, nipple-sparing mastectomy, Hidden Scar™, implant reconstruction, and breast lift with or without reduction. Oncoplastic surgery is distinct from both breast cancer surgery and plastic surgery–though you initially assume oncoplastic surgery to be a mixture of both. Rather, the aim of oncoplastic breast surgery is “to achieve good aesthetic outcomes for women with breast cancers who would have unacceptable outcomes with other BCS techniques, and in addition, enable breast-conserving surgery for larger breast cancers.” While breast cancer surgery prioritizes the eradication of cancerous tissue and plastic surgery prioritizes the cosmetic appearance of the breasts, oncoplastic surgery takes both of these aspects into account when planning for the final outcome. You can find out more information about what to look for in an Oncoplastic surgeon here. 

Our last blog discussed ceramides, which are waxy lipid molecules found in skin cells that have benefits for your skin’s natural barrier. Because of this, they are often found in skincare products. The benefits of ceramides go beyond skin care, though– They are also great for your hair! If you are interested in learning more about ceramides and how they can benefit you, we encourage you to check out our last post!

Before we continue with today’s topic, we’d like to make you aware of what we have to offer at The Breast Place this month. It’s August and the summer is already wrapping up! For many people, this means back to school. This month, we are offering 30% off all products and services for teachers and school support staff! If you or someone you know is an educator, be sure to take advantage of this offer. Here at The Breast Place, we have a wide range of products and services including facial rejuvenation, scar revision, dermal fillers, genetic testing, and more! We can even ship products directly to your door! You can learn more about the products we offer by visiting our website. 

Today, we’ll be discussing laser hair removal! Laser hair removal is a procedure that aims to reduce unwanted facial or body hair.  The first laser hair removal method was developed in the 1960s, but the treatment really hit the market hard in the late 90s– Since then, it has developed even further and is now one of the most common cosmetic procedures in the United States! Having hair in unwanted places can affect self-confidence and mental well-being. This hair can occur naturally, but sometimes cancer treatments can affect where and when hair grows. Because of this, The Breast Place is proud to offer laser hair removal to help you look and feel your best! If you are interested in learning more about laser hair removal and how it works, you’re in the right place. Let’s get started!

How does laser hair removal work?

Laser hair removal uses a concentrated beam of light to target unwanted hair. Essentially, the laser removes hair by vaporizing it. Pulses of the highly concentrated beam of light are absorbed by the pigment, or melanin, in the hair. The light energy is then converted into heat, and this heat is emitted into the hair follicles, damaging them. This, in turn, prevents or delays future hair growth. This treatment has been proven to effectively delay hair growth for long periods, and while it typically doesn’t result in permanent hair removal, it’s still a possibility. When some of the hair does regrow, it is usually less noticeable. Since laser hair removal delays hair growth, it is a great alternative to shaving, since the results last much longer. The most common areas for laser hair removal are the legs, armpits, upper lip, chin, and bikini area. However, this treatment can be performed in almost any area, except for the area around the eyes. 

Is laser hair removal right for me?

Ultimately, the success of laser hair removal can depend on hair color and skin type. One of the general principles of this treatment is that the pigment of the hair should absorb the pulses of light, rather than the pigment of the skin. Because of this, the ideal hair type for this treatment is dark and coarse hair, while the ideal skin type is light or pale. A contrast between hair and skin color has traditionally tended to see the best results– Dark hair and light skin. This contrast allows the melanin in the hair to be easily targeted. Additionally, the goal of the treatment is to damage the hair follicles, rather than the skin. The risk of skin damage is greater when there is little contrast between the hair and skin color, and can result in dark or light spots, blisters, and even scarring in some cases. However, advances in laser technology have developed and there are laser options out there for a wider range of skin tones. 

As mentioned above, laser hair removal can be performed on almost any area, except for around the eyes. This includes between the eyebrows, since there is a higher risk of damaging the eyes– Even with protective goggles. In addition to this, areas of skin with tattoos should be avoided. This can potentially distort your tattoo and lead to burns, blisters, and other skin damage. If you are still unsure whether you would be a good candidate for laser hair removal, contact us today to schedule a cosmetic consultation with one of our licensed professionals! 
Are there risks to this treatment?

Laser hair removal is a safe and effective FDA-approved procedure. Just like any cosmetic treatment, it is safest when performed by a licensed professional– Things can go south if the laser is in inexperienced hands, with risks such as burns, permanent changes to your skin color, and scarring. These risks are dramatically reduced when the treatment is performed by a professional. Laser hair removal generally has very few side effects, such as discomfort, swelling, redness, and irritation. These side effects are mild, and usually only last a few hours after treatment, but in some cases, it can take a day or two before they disappear. It is extremely important to follow your provider’s before- and after-treatment instructions to minimize your risk of side effects. 

What should I do before and after my appointment?

During your initial consultation, the licensed professional performing your treatment will review your medical history, including medication use, history of skin disorders, and past hair removal procedures. Once a treatment plan is decided and your appointment is booked, it’s time to start preparing! The area receiving treatment should be cleanly shaved within 24 hours prior to your appointment. You should not pluck, tweeze, or wax the area between or prior to sessions. It may seem strange to shave or remove hair on your own before treatment– Isn’t that what the laser is for? However, the reasoning behind this is that it removes the hair above the skin, but leaves the hair shaft intact below the surface. This reduces the chance of surface damage. Additionally, the area to be treated should be clean– This means free of lotions, makeup, sunscreen, or deodorant. You should also avoid using self-tanning products 3 to 4 weeks before treatment. 

After your appointment, you may notice some of the side effects previously mentioned, such as swelling or irritation. If this happens, you can apply an ice pack to the affected area. Keep in mind that the heat from the laser stays in your skin for about 24 hours. Because of this, you will want to avoid sunlight and heat. This means avoiding gyms, saunas, and hot showers, because these activities can create an environment suitable for bacteria to multiply, which can cause further irritation. 

You are likely to see results immediately after treatment, but not all hair falls out immediately. You will shed these hairs over time. Most people need to come back for multiple treatments for “maintenance” in order to see optimal results. These follow-up treatments usually take place every 4 to 6 weeks. This can vary from person to person, so your provider will discuss this with you when coming up with a treatment plan. 

As you can see, laser hair removal is a safe and effective way to get rid of stubborn and unwanted hair. If you have further questions about this treatment or want to see if you are a good candidate, reach out to us for a consultation! Our knowledgeable staff are always eager to help assist and empower you in any way they can. We hope you found this article informative and we hope to see you back on the blog soon! Here at The Breast Place, we are dedicated to helping you feel more confident in your skin. We offer injectable treatments such as Botox, Juvéderm, and Dysport, as well as other facial rejuvenation services such as laser treatment and more! Additionally, we offer breast imaging services and provide consultations, clinical breast exams, and dedicated treatment plans. We strongly encourage you to reach out to us for a consultation if you have any questions or concerns pertaining to our service areas– We are committed to empowering women, and we are proud to offer treatments and products to help you look and feel your best. Thank you for taking the time to read today’s article and we hope you’ll check back in for future posts about treatments, wellness, and more!