Everyone’s heard of laser hair removal by now, right? You might even know someone who’s done it and loved it, and there’s a good chance you’ve even considered having the procedure done on some part of your own face or body. The benefits of permanent hair removal are many, so it’s easy to understand why the procedure has leapt in popularity since it first hit the market 15 years ago. However, if laser hair removal is now so mainstream that everyone’s doing it, that means it’s more important than ever to do your research before choosing a technician to give you your new smooth look.
Better Results
The techniques behind laser hair removal have seen a wealth of improvements over the past 15 years. Laser hair removal works by directing a low-energy laser beam through the skin and into the hair follicle, which is cut off from further growth. Because there may be hair that isn’t actively growing at the time of the hair removal, a few sessions may be required. While the same basic principles are still behind the procedure today, laser hair removal has become much safer and more reliable, causing satisfaction rates to skyrocket from 70 percent to 97 percent since the treatment has been available.
Improved Technology
In its early stages, laser hair removal only worked on people with light skin and dark hair. This contributed to its initially slow start, but today, technological improvements now allow people with all skin types to enjoy the benefits of laser hair removal. Using longer wavelengths of light, lasers can now target deeper layers of skin while protecting the surface layers that could once be damaged, especially in darker skin.
Similarly, lasers of the past had a hard time differentiating between dark skin and dark hair. Now, because of their ability to bypass the outer layers of skin and target only deeper layers, laser hair removal on dark skin can be just as effective as on any skin tone.
Also contributing to its rise in popularity are the features of new high-tech lasers that work to maximize your comfort and overall experience while getting your treatments. These lasers are faster and more efficient than their older counterparts, which can reduce the number of treatments necessary to achieve the same great results. Some even offer a cooling component, which keeps your skin cool and comfortable during the process.
Finding the Right Technician
Because laser hair removal has become so popular, it’s now more important than ever to make sure you’re working with a reputable laser technician. Take the time to find a professional medical spa that employs certified laser technicians and benefits from the guidance of a skilled cosmetic surgeon.
While it may be easy to find laser hair removal offered at just about any spa or skincare center, the safety of your procedure and your overall results depend on expertise and technique. Some medical spas offer a free initial consultation, which gives you the chance to ask any preliminary questions you may have, better understand the procedure and gain a clearer idea of the results you can expect.
A good technician will also understand how to use the Fitzpatrick Scale to determine your skin type and the specific laser adjustments that may need to be made in order to give you a safe and effective laser hair removal treatment.
With painful, unsightly razor burn, waxing or tweezing as the alternatives, it’s no wonder that laser hair removal has become so popular, especially as its technology is ever improving. Once you’ve done your research to find the right technician, you can be well on your way to achieving a smooth, low-maintenance new look.
Dr. Joseph J. Castellano is a native Floridian who grew up in the Tampa Bay area. During medical school and his 5 years of training in General Surgery, Dr. Castellano developed a strong interest in Cosmetic Surgery. He followed his residency training with an elective year of specialized training with the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. From 2010-2011, he completed a fellowship in Indiana focused entirely of cosmetic surgery of the face and body. During his fellowship, he received specialized training in facial rejuvenation, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, and body contouring. Dr. Castellano received his board certification from the American College of Surgeons in 2010.
Dr. Castellano focuses on breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, liposuction, facelift, and eyelid rejuvenation. Additionally, he operates on numerous skin cancers, scar revisions, spider veins, and specializes in the management of aging skin with chemical peels and laser resurfacing.
Request a consultation to meet with Dr. Castellano and learn more about all his practice has to offer.
