If you are looking for longer hair reduction in your underarms over shaving or waxing, laser hair removal of the armpits may be one thing you will consider. This process destroys the follicles to prevent hair growth for months at a time.
Before making an appointment, every person needs to know both the advantages and disadvantages of laser hair removal. It may render longer results than any other method; however, it is not permanent and, for some people, can be painful.
Advantages of Underarm Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal targets hair follicles to prevent new hair growth, leading to fewer and less noticeable hairs over time. This means underarm hair grows back more slowly, becomes lighter in color, and feels softer, giving you longer-lasting smoothness compared to shaving or waxing.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
You may observe that, after laser hair removal, the hair is thinner or none. It takes three to four sessions because the growth cycle of hair is usually the reason you finally achieve smooth underarms.
Remember that laser hair removal does not last for the rest of your life. You will most likely need to go back for a touch-up every six or twelve months or when it has grown back.
Armpit Hair Removal Procedure
Here's what generally may happen during an armpit laser hair removal session:
Preparation: The professional will cleanse your underarms and must apply a mild anesthetic cream. You will be made to wear protective eyewear for the procedure.
Treatment: A device emitting a beam of light that heats and damages the hair follicles, which in turn no longer produce new hairs. This section takes only a few minutes.
Pain Relief: This may also be followed by the use of a cooling gel or spray to reduce discomfort.
Follow-up Care: You can go home the same day. Apply cool compresses or ice packs to your underarms as needed. For more significant swelling, a steroid cream may be recommended.
Potential Side Effects and Safety Measures
To get optimal results with laser hair removal of the armpits and to decrease the risks of side effects, it is advisable that you consult a board-certified dermatologist or a plastic surgeon. This will help reduce the risks of side effects like:
- Redness or irritation
- Pain
- Blistering
- Swelling
- Scars (rare)
Laser hair removal, like most cosmetic treatments, can leave your skin more sensitive to the sun. Out of all the places on your body, the underarms aren't really exposed to the sun; it isn't a bad idea, though. Other possible side effects include temporary changes in skin color; these would appear as light spots on darker skin and dark spots on lighter skin. In general, the darker the skin tone, the more likely it is that some kinds of pigmentation changes may occur.
Is Laser Hair Removal Underarms Painful?
Since the skin under your arms is thin, laser hair removal might be a bit more painful compared to other areas of the body, but the pain only lasts a few seconds. Considering your pain tolerance before the appointment will not be a bad idea. Your dermatologist might need to use some numbing cream to reduce pain before the treatment. However, such creams, while used, must be only minimally applied due to possible risks from their long usage.
Afterwards, it is recommended that you incorporate cold compresses into your underarms in order to somewhat ease the pain.
What Is the Best Laser That Can Be Used in the Case of Underarm Hair?
There are several types of lasers for hair removal, but which is best depends on the following factors:
- How safe it is, effectiveness for underarms
- Your hair thickness
- Your skin color - Your hair color
It has always been judicious to seek a professional who has had experience with laser hair removal in varying skin types. Dark skin treatment would most certainly involve the use of gentler lasers to avoid skin changes in pigmentation, like diode lasers, whereas it is ruby or alexandrite lasers prescribed for fair skin.
Armpit Laser Hair Removal Cost
Underarm laser hair removal costs vary based on factors including location, provider expertise, and number of treatments required. For most, each session averages in the range of $50 to $200.
Most people need 6-8 sessions to achieve the best effective result, so it would cost roughly $300 to $1,600 altogether.
Prices can be quite high in Los Angeles, thinking about the general cost of living, and demand from cosmetic procedures. The best approach to getting a quote specific to your needs would be to consult with local clinics.
How to Find a Professional for Laser Hair Removal
These days, laser hair removal is most often performed by a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Most offer free consultations, so it isn't a bad idea to meet with a few until you find one that you're comfortable with. In your consultation, inquire about experience and qualifications, and if they can show you examples of their work. It is also a good time to discuss any of your side effect concerns and describe the results you are looking for.
Alternative Methods for Armpit Hair Removal
While laser hair removal can give much longer-lasting results, potential pain, side effects, and the cost may make it inadvisable for all. Other methods include:
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- Waxing: Itinvolves heated wax strips that pull the hair and root of it. Results last longer than shaving, but may still be subject to temporary pain, swelling, and redness.
- Wet shaving:It is the easiest method of just shaving after applying shaving cream to minimize the chances of razor burns and cuts. But you may have to shave fairly frequently, most probably each time you bathe, to maintain smooth results.
- Electrolysis: Like laser hair removal, this procedure uses destruction to the hair follicle to impede regrowth. Instead of lasers, however, it uses radio frequencies. It is the most expensive alternative and could provide some irritation and swelling.
- Depilatory creams: These dissolve the hair on the surface after application and rinsing. They are easy to use but can irritate or burn sensitive skin; hence, they may not be ideal for underarms.
Conclusion
Laser hair removal for armpits tends to last longer than other methods, except for electrolysis, as it temporarily damages hair follicles. However, it usually requires multiple sessions and is more expensive than waxing or shaving.
If one is interested, it really is best to go to a board-certified professional who will safely guide one through the process, during which time it is appropriate to discuss any possible side effects.