About Laser Hair Removal Safety
Laser hair removal is an extremely attractive cosmetic procedure for many people. While the initial procedure can be somewhat irritating to downright painful, once it is done you are rewarded with a lifetime of smooth skin that you never have to shave again. If you are considering having this procedure done either at home or in an office, make sure that all steps have been taken to keep you and your skin as safe and healthy as possible during the treatment. Does this Spark an idea?
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Function
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Laser hair removal works by literally singing the hair follicles into a state of total disrepair. When done correctly, the damage will be so extensive that the hair follicle will never be able to heal. As a result, you will no longer have to deal with hair growing out of that hair follicle. When this is done on a grand scale, the result is permanently hairless skin.
Significance
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While this all sounds good in theory--and it usually works in practice--you must remember that you are literally "zapping" tiny portions of your body out of existence. As a result, safety is extremely important. If the procedure is not performed with a fine, light touch, you may end up with tens or hundreds of tiny wounds in your skin instead of just a bunch of defective hair follicles.
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Effects
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Laser hair removal has several effects. The primary effect--and the goal of the procedure--is to produce smooth, hairless skin. However, other effects may include temporary redness and swelling at the site of the treatment, bruising and temporary or permanent hyperpigmentation--freckling--at individual hair follicles. To prevent these negative effects, you need to make sure that the person doing the laser hair removal has been trained and certified in the treatment.
Types
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Laser hair removal safety comes in several forms. The first type of safety involves preparing your skin for the treatment. It should be well moisturized, and you should have been cleansing and moisturizing it regularly for several days prior to the treatment. If you have elected to try this procedure at home, then there is not really any way to make it particularly safe other than to make sure that everything is clean. Without training, you cannot perform this treatment safely. If you are getting treated in an office, then be sure that your supervising doctor is in attendance even if a nurse or technician is actually performing the surgery. Also, make sure that you have had a small area tested before you take on large expanses of hair removal. Avoid sun exposure for 48 hours after the treatment.
Warning
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Laser hair removal is a safe, fairly non-invasive procedure. When done correctly, it will not even puncture your skin. However, if you or your technician does not follow all safety protocols, you risk your appearance as well as the success of the procedure. Always make sure that your technician is certified to do laser hair removal and that a "supervising doctor" or dermatologist is present in case of unexpected problems or reactions.
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