Whenever you’re about to undergo any type of procedure, it’s important to understand all the details. Like other types of cosmetic treatments, laser hair removal is occasionally misunderstood. Before you decide to visit the specialist, make sure that you inform yourself about some of the most common myths.
Pain
Many hair removal processes involve harsh chemicals, waxes, plucking and pulling at the skin, often in areas of heightened sensitivity. The result of these methods often leads to pain, as hilariously documented in the real-life waxing of Steve Carrell in The 40 Year-Old Virgin. As such, the hit removal industry has a reputation for creating uncomfortable experiences.
Laser hair removal has progressed to the point where, unlike electrolysis, there’s no sharp, uncomfortable pain from the process. Many describe a vague warming sensation that sometimes feels like a mild skin buzz.
Cost
People often cite the potential cost of undergoing laser hair removal as a problem that prevents them from considering the procedure. Some perceive these treatments as reserved only for celebrities or the well-heeled. However, when you think of all the time and money that you spend on hair removal solutions that must be applied repeatedly, laser treatments begin to show their cost effectiveness.
Creams, waxes, lotions and other products add up rapidly, as does the time you spend buying and applying them. A single hair removal treatment by an expert can replace all the time and money spent on products.
Regrowth
The idea that you have to frequently undergo laser removal simply isn’t the case. Understanding the hair growth cycle is vital when deconstructing this myth.
Initially, hair growth begins in the anagen phase, when hair starts to peek above the epidermis. This part of the cycle lasts two to three weeks, and is the best time to undergo hair removal because the laser attacks the papilla, where the hair originates. The next stage, catagen, involves a brief, two-day shedding period in which hair removal doesn’t work well. Finally, the telogen phase begins, where the hair neither grows nor is attached to the papilla, making laser therapy unsuitable.
The specialist that you see should be aware of the hair growth cycle and provide treatment according to your skin type and condition. This way, you get the most out of laser hair removal.
DIY Works Just Fine
A bevy of do-it-yourself solutions, including hand-held devices, promise to deliver hair-free results. All of these solutions are strictly temporary, and none of them are guided through the expertise of an experienced practitioner. The technology used by clinics represents the most advanced treatments in the world, which simply cannot be replicated through a DIY gadget.
Takes Too Long To Recover
Another mythical concern that pops up is the amount of recovery time for the procedure. Some believe that you’ll need to spend a week waiting for the skin to heal. Truth is that you can walk out of the clinic and go about your day once you’ve finished your treatment. For some, a brief period of redness and slight irritation will occur, which usually clears up quickly.
Experienced Doctors Deliver The Best Results
Well-established clinics contain the latest technology, guided by the hands of experienced doctors.
Dr. Kenneth Dickie offers patients a personable approach to cutting-edge surgical and non-surgical procedures. We proudly offer plastic surgery services to Barrie, Collingwood, Sudbury, Orillia, Huntsville, Bracebridge and surrounding areas.
Fill out the form on the right to schedule a personal consultation with plastic surgeon Dr. Kenneth Dickie. Or call us at the phone number posted at the top of the page.