Hair removal, whether it’s shaving your legs at home or waxing your eyebrows at a salon, can be costly, time-consuming, and irritating for your skin. One of the latest and greatest in laser hair removal procedures is a semi-permanent form of hair removal that can give you the smoothest results!
The History of Laser Hair Removal
Hair removal is nothing new. Having unwanted body or facial hair is a common issue for both men and women, and there are several methods for removing this hair. From threading to waxing to shaving, there are countless options for removing unwanted hair. However, laser hair removal is a relatively new method compared to older methods like shaving or sugaring.
The very first laser that was intentionally designed to destroy hair follicles is credited to engineer and physicist Theodore H Maiman. In 1960, this device was a ruby laser. While it was indeed able to minimize hair growth, it was slow and not very efficient in destroying hair follicles. The ruby laser could only target a few hair follicles at a time.
In addition, the laser would cause severe damage and burns to the skin. Another laser, the alexandrite laser, was developed in the 70s, but because it was meant to be a much safer method than the ruby laser, it did not provide enough heat to destroy hair follicles. While there was a laser approved by the FDA for hair removal in 1964, it didn’t provide long-term results.
It reduced hair growth, but not for as long of a time as we see with today’s laser hair removal. It wasn’t until 1983 that scientists and engineers developed a laser that would reduce hair growth for long periods of time without damaging the skin. The FDA has since approved other forms of laser hair removal that can be used at home, including intense pulse light devices (IPL).
What We Believe
With a holistic clinical approach, which involves first listening to patients concerns, we thoroughly diagnose and explain their individual treatment options.
While IPL is not actually a laser method, it is comparable to a laser and can provide some hair reduction. In-office laser hair removal performed by professionals is your best bet for getting long-term results and minimizing skin damage.
What Are the Risks of Laser Hair Removal?
Before committing to any medical or cosmetic procedure, you should always know the risks and potential side effects. When it comes to laser hair removal, the risks and possible effects vary depending on your skin type, hair color, treatment plan, and how diligently you follow the pre-treatment and post-treatment care directions.
The most common side effects of laser hair removal include things like skin irritation and pigmentation changes to your skin. Irritation may come in temporary discomfort, redness, and swelling after a laser hair removal session.
These signs and symptoms typically disappear within several hours. Changes in your skin’s pigmentation may occur as laser hair removal may darken or lighten the affected skin. These changes might be temporary or permanent, and skin lightening primarily affects those who don’t avoid sun exposure before or after treatment and those who have darker skin tones.
Rarer side effects of laser hair removal involve blistering, crusting, scarring, or other skin texture changes. Other rare risks include graying treated hair or excessive hair growth around treated areas, particularly darker skin. Experts and professionals strongly recommend avoiding laser hair removal treatments for the eyelids, eyebrows, or surrounding areas, due to the possibility of severe eye injury.
If you’re interested in laser hair removal, choose a doctor who’s board-certified in a specialty such as dermatology or cosmetic surgery and has experience with laser hair removal on your skin type and hair type. A primary principle behind laser hair removal is selective photo thermolysis or SPTL. At the Miami Center for Dermatology, our team understands that frequent shaving often represents a tedious, time-consuming chore.
For this reason, Dr. Deborah Longwill and her staff can offer you the Miami-Dade laser hair removal treatment to reduce hair growth almost anywhere on their body. Hair removal utilizing laser technology is one of the most commonly sought procedures for both men and women in the United States. Still, it should only be performed by trained professionals, preferably with a medical background.
We provide patients with dermatologic treatment for several conditions, including hair removal, hair loss, skin conditions, and more. Dr. Longwill understands how troubling hair loss is for an individual. Our staff utilizes modern, state-of-the-art technologies and treatments to best help our patients look and feel their best.
Laser Hair Removal in Miami-Dade | Miami Center for Dermatology
At the Miami Center for Dermatology, we have board-certified dermatologists who know how to use laser hair removal technology correctly and can prescribe the right laser for your skin and hair type. While laser devices are available on the market that can be used at home, these are often less effective than ones used at a doctor’s office.
At-home devices may cause modest hair reduction, but there is a more significant risk of adverse side effects because consumers use them rather than professionals. State-of-the-art laser hair removal technologies are a lot stronger, requiring you to go out of your way to see a professional for their expertise.
However, they are more effective and require fewer sessions than an at-home one, giving you better results in less time. Make an appointment with us today for your first laser hair removal session!
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