05 · Lasers and light
Laser hair removal: progressive hair reduction on the face and body
Laser hair removal uses laser energy absorbed by the pigment of the hair to heat and damage the follicle, the structure that produces hair. Done in sessions, it progressively reduces the amount and thickness of hair on the face and body, and also helps with folliculitis and ingrown hairs. At Yamagata Dermatologia, in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, it is performed by dermatologists after a medical evaluation.
- Duration
- Varies with the area
- Anesthesia
- Usually not needed
- Recovery
- Mild redness for a few hours
- Result
- Progressive reduction with each session
How it works
The laser emits light that is absorbed by melanin, the pigment that gives hair its color. As the hair absorbs the energy, it heats up and transmits the heat to the follicle, which is damaged and loses its ability to produce a new hair or starts producing finer hairs.
The laser acts only on hairs in the growth phase (anagen phase). Because the hairs in the same area are in different phases, the treatment is done in sessions to reach the follicles as they enter the growth phase. The surrounding skin is protected by cooling during the application.
Indications
Laser hair removal is indicated to reduce hair in any area of the face and body, and also for people with folliculitis or ingrown hairs after shaving or waxing. The treatment works best on dark, coarse hair.
Treated areas
FaceUpper lip · Chin · Female face · Male beard
TorsoUnderarms · Breasts · Chest and abdomen · Back · Lower back
Intimate area and limbsGroin (bikini line) · Pubic area · Buttocks · Arms and forearms · Thighs · Legs
What a session is like
The area should be shaved with a razor one to two days before. The patient and team wear protective glasses. The doctor adjusts the settings according to skin and hair type and passes the handpiece over the area. The sensation is of heat and slight pricks, similar to the snap of a rubber band. The duration varies with the size of the area.
Recovery
The skin may be red, with small bumps around the hairs, for a few hours. Over the following weeks, the treated hairs gradually fall out.
Sessions and results
The number of sessions and the interval between them depend on the dermatologist's individual evaluation and on each patient's clinical concern, as well as on the area, the type of hair and hormonal factors. The reduction is progressive with each session, and maintenance sessions may be recommended.
Contraindications
Laser hair removal is not recommended during pregnancy, over tanned skin, wounds or active infections, over tattoos and moles in the area, or for people taking photosensitizing medications. Hormonal changes that stimulate hair growth, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, should be investigated and treated in parallel.
At the evaluation, the dermatologist reviews your health history, current medications and previous procedures to confirm the indication.
All procedures are recommended and performed after an individual medical evaluation. Results vary from person to person.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is laser hair removal permanent?
Laser hair removal reduces the amount of hair and thins the hairs that remain. Some hairs may come back over time, mainly due to hormonal stimulus, and maintenance sessions may be recommended.
Does it work on blond, white or red hair?
No. The laser acts on the dark pigment of the hair. White, gray, light blond and red hairs have little pigment and do not respond well to treatment.
Why are several sessions needed?
The laser acts on hairs in the growth phase. Because the hairs in an area are in different phases, sessions must be repeated to reach the follicles that enter the growth phase later. The number of sessions and the interval depend on the individual evaluation.
Can I have it with tanned skin?
It is not ideal. Tanned skin competes with the hair for the laser energy and is more prone to dark spots and irritation. For this reason, the dermatologist assesses the skin before each session and adjusts the settings, and it is important to avoid the sun and self-tanners before and after the sessions.
Can I wax between sessions?
No. Waxing and tweezing pull out the hair with the root, which is the laser's target. Between sessions, only razors or depilatory creams should be used, as advised.
Team