Permanent Hair Removal Treatments

What to Expect From Permanent Hair Removal Treatments

There are several types of hair removal treatments that will remove hair permanently from the body.  The most typically used treatment is a non-invasive form of light therapy, that uses an intense form of pulse lighting in the removal process. 

Other forms use electrolysis treatments, which are quite painful, because they require the insertion of a needle into the hair follicle so that it can be permanently removed.  People may undergo long periods of treatment for this removal method, and turn to other forms of permanent removal because they do not like the results.

Patients can expect the technician to place a cool gel on the area of the body that permanent hair removal is desired.  The patient will be given protective goggles or glasses to wear during the process, that will completely block all sources of light. 

A handheld lighting device will be placed near the surface of the skin.  At that time, the technician will let you know that the removal process has begun.  Then you will hear a zap sound, and that is when hundreds of hair follicles are exposed to the bright light.  The hairs that are not removed from repeated exposure to light, will fall out within weeks.

Patients should be aware that icepacks may be applied to the body area directly after treatment.  This is done to reduce swelling that occurs after light treatments, and there may be considerable swelling because all people react differently to the treatments.  The ice packs should sooth the skin enough to keep you comfortable during this phase of the permanent hair removal treatment.

There may be a need to repeat the hair removal process, and that will depend on the location of the body where the hair removal process is performed.  Some areas of the skin might require acne treatments to be performed before that portion is treated by intense light removal treatments. 

Some people wonder what happens when the light is flashed on hair follicles.  The light burns the root system of the hair follicle, which destroys its ability to grow back.  Any area that this method is used, will no longer have hair.  Some people choose this method in the pubic region and regret that decision later because they do not enjoy the feel of bare skin in that particular region.

When the flash occurs, the skin may feel a pinch and could smart for a while.  In sensitive areas of the body such as the underarms, chin, lips, breast and bikini regions there may be some short term side effects such as reddening of the skin, and swelling in the area that the intense lighting was used.

Patients should expect not to be able to wear makeup, or perform any type of cleansing to the treated area for at least a 24-hour period.  There should be no exposure to the sun during this time, and the use of tanning beds should be avoided at all costs.  A good sunblock should be worn each day, because the skin will be sensitive to all light sources.