loader

How Safe is Laser Treatment for Facial Hair Removal?

Jun 27, 2024

Laser Hair Removal

Laser treatment for facial hair removal

If facial hair stops you from looking your best, laser hair removal can be the perfect choice. While it is widely used for hair removal from other body parts, it is also considered a safe and effective treatment for hair removal on women’s faces. Today, laser hair removal is one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures used to reduce unwanted hair in the U.S., and over 757,808 laser hair removal procedures were performed in 2020.

This blog discusses several important aspects of laser treatment for facial hair, including the procedure involved, its benefits, and who is the right candidate for the treatment. It will help you decide whether laser treatment for facial hair removal is the right treatment option for you.

Understanding Laser Hair Removal for the Face

Laser treatment for face hair removal is a non-invasive medical procedure in which a beam of highly concentrated light, or laser ray, is used to remove facial hair. The melanin pigment present in the hair absorbs the laser energy beaming at the treatment area. The light energy, once absorbed, converts to heat energy, which causes permanent damage to the hair follicles in their active growth phase and inhibits future hair growth. At the end of your treatment, which may include several sittings, most hair follicles are damaged, and the hair stops growing altogether.

Laser hair removal can be safely done on any part of your body, such as the legs, back, chest, underarms, and bikini area, and on your face, including the delicate skin around the mouth, upper lip, forehead, temples, chin, and cheeks. The treatment destroys hair follicles but leaves your skin untouched.

Safety of Laser Hair Removal for Facial Hair

Laser treatment for facial hair is considered a safe procedure. Most of its side effects are mild, such as swelling, redness, skin irritation, and in rare cases, burning, scarring, infection, blisters, or discoloration.

A study in which 948 patients were treated with laser hair removal for over eight years between 1997 and 2005 and provided follow-up evaluations for another ten years further corroborates its safety. Only four patients reported minor long-term health issues.

However, you must ensure that a certified and experienced medical professional performs the treatment, that the laser equipment used for the procedure is state-of-the-art and FDA-approved, and that the wavelength used is best for your hair type.

Benefits of Laser Hair Removal for Facial Hair

Laser treatment for facial hair has become a trendy cosmetic option as it’s safe, precise, painless, quick, and has minimal risks, downtime, and long-term results. However, laser treatment has several added benefits besides hair reduction. They include:

  • Smoother and Clearer Skin:

    After the laser treatment, your face looks brighter. The laser beams do not affect the skin, so the skin feels smoother once the unwanted hair is removed. The powerful laser beams improve your skin tone as they clear facial blemishes and reduce the severity and frequency of acne breakouts.

  • Reduced Irritation and Ingrowths:

    Laser facial hair removal treatments eliminate ingrown hairs, resulting in minimal skin inflammation and irritation risks, often seen in other facial hair removal options, including waxing and shaving.

  • Enhanced Confidence:

    When you look good, you feel good. Your rejuvenated appearance wonders for your self-esteem, helping you stride ahead with renewed confidence and vigor.

See also: Can Laser Hair Removal Offer a Lasting Solution?

Who is a Good Candidate for Facial Laser Hair Removal?

A good candidate for the laser facial hair removal treatment is one you have:

  • Fair Skin and Dark Hair:

    Darker hair stands out against pale skin, making it easier for the laser to target the pigments within the hair follicles than blonde, gray, or white hair. Darker skin tones are more prone to laser burns and other complications. However, advanced lasers, including Nd: YAG and diode, successfully treat darker skin tones.

    Facial laser hair removal may not be the ideal treatment for you if you are:

  • Pregnant:

    Due to a lack of information on the effects of the laser on the unborn baby, doctors do not recommend undergoing the treatment while you are pregnant.

  • Active acne:

    The heat from the laser may cause the pores to open, aggravating the active acne and triggering further breakouts.

The Laser Facial Hair Removal Consultation Process

Once you consult a doctor for laser facial hair removal, the consultation process involves three significant steps. They are:

1. Skin and hair analysis: Your doctor will analyze your skin, tone, and color. They also ask about your medical history and current medications.

2. Personalized treatment plan: Based on their analysis results, they develop a customized treatment plan for the best outcomes

3. Pre-treatment instructions: To prepare for the procedure, you have to follow specific guidelines, including:

  • Avoid sun exposure
  • Avoid chemical treatments, tweezing, or waxing for six weeks before the procedure.
  • Shave or trim the hair in the treatment area the day before your procedure.
  • Keep your face clean and make-up-free for the procedure.
  • Avoid blood thinning medications.

What to Expect During and After Treatment

During the laser facial hair removal procedure, you may expect the following:

  • Your face will be thoroughly cleaned
  • A topical numbing gel may be applied to the treatment area to minimize your discomfort
  • Your hair will be covered, and you will be given protective eyewear
  • A cold gel or a special cooling device will be used to protect the outer skin layers

Since the facial laser hair removal treatment area is smaller than the other body parts, the procedure can be completed within 15–20 minutes. You may experience some redness and swelling, but they subside independently.

  • After the procedure, you may resume normal activities within a few days, but you must avoid:
  • Sun exposure
  • Heavy exercises

It may take 2 to 3 weeks before you notice any visible results. To get the desired result, you may need multiple sessions. After you get the full results, your doctor may suggest an annual maintenance follow-up.

Final Thoughts

Laser treatment for face hair removal can be the perfect solution for your facial hair woes. It is a safe and effective procedure that damages unwanted facial hair without impacting skin, making it among the best hair removal options for your face. However, you must receive the treatment from a certified practitioner with the expertise to follow the highest safety protocols and know which laser device will work best for you.

Experience Premier Laser Facial Hair Removal at Mane Center for Advanced Hair Restoration

Mane Center for Advanced Hair Restoration, provides the most advanced laser facial hair removal technology. Our team, led by Dr. Douglas Burka, offers tailored solutions for your facial hair issues that are safe, effective, and aligned with your cosmetic expectations.

Contact us today to book an appointment or learn more about our services.

Combat Hair Loss with Low-Level Laser Hair Treatment
Combat Hair Loss with Low-Level Laser Hair Treatment
What to Know Before Laser Hair Removal
What to Know Before Laser Hair Removal
Best Treatments for Female Pattern Baldness and Hair Loss
Best Treatments for Female Pattern Baldness and Hair Loss
Effective Strategies for Treating Receding Hairline
Effective Strategies for Treating Receding Hairline
Thinning Hair in Women: Identifying Cause and Finding Solutions
Thinning Hair in Women: Identifying Cause and Finding Solutions
Contact Us Call Us