If you have unwanted body hair or regrets over a tattoo, technology exists to help you banish your worries and boost your self-confidence. Specialists in tattoo and laser hair removal in Philadelphia and other cities across the country offer the following tips to help you decide if laser treatments are right for you.
How Does Laser Hair And Tattoo Removal Work?
Laser hair removal is performed with a laser that emits pulsed light that is customized based on the color and coarseness of the hair being treated as well as the surrounding skin. The laser heats the hair and its follicle, which destroys the hair at the root. Just like the science of the color spectrum, dark colors attract light, while lighter colors reflect light. This is why an ideal candidate for laser hair removal has brown to black hair. Gray, white, blonde and red hair may not have enough pigment for the laser to work.
Laser tattoo removal works in much the same way in that the pigment in the skin attracts the light from the laser. The light breaks up the pigment, causing it to be absorbed and eliminated by the body's immune system. Specialist in tattoo removal say that like laser hair removal, the laser and light used in tattoo removal is customized based on your skin and the colors of the tattoo being treated.
What To Expect During Your Laser Treatment
Specialists in laser hair removal say that laser treatments have a slight prickly or stinging sensation, likened to that of a rubber band snapping against the skin. If you do experience discomfort, numbing medications are available; they can be used topically, injected or taken orally prior to your treatment. Cool air and ice packs can also be used to numb the area and alleviate any discomfort.
Following your treatment, the surrounding skin will be red, but will return to normal within a few hours at most. You are able to return to your regular activities immediately, however, the use of sunscreen on the treated areas is recommended. You can expect the hairs to fall out in about 2-4 weeks after the treatment.
A tattoo removal may cause pinprick spots of bleeding, swelling and a feeling of being sunburned at the treated area. An antibacterial ointment and bandage to cover the affected area is recommended. Treatments should be spaced 4 to 12 weeks apart to give the area time to heal.
Duration And Effectiveness Of Treatments
The number of laser hair removal treatments you will require may vary based on hair type, hormone levels, and stress and medication factors. Most patients can discontinue treatments after 5-6 sessions, with occasional touch-up sessions as needed. The FDA has approved lasers for hair removal for permanent hair "reduction," but most specialists agree the hair typically does not re-grow.
Because of the depth of the tattoo and various colors of ink used, it is difficult for specialists to tell if the removal will be 100% effective. Like hair removal, several treatments may be required based on these factors.
Tattoo and hair removal can be very beneficial - both physically and sometimes emotionally as well. However, be sure to research and select a qualified doctor before beginning any form of treatment.
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