Getting rid of unwanted hair can be a challenging process that involves gels, razors, tweezers, and even wax. For women who are going through a pregnancy, it can be particularly difficult to shave or wax because you may not be as flexible.Â
To get rid of unwanted hair during pregnancy, you can turn to laser treatments. At Radiant Reflections Weight Loss Clinic & Medspa in Hattiesburg, MS, we offer a range of permanent hair removal options to suit your individual needs.Â
Understanding Laser Hair Removal Treatments
Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that uses a concentrated beam of light to target hair follicles. The procedure involves a process called selective photothermolysis, in which heat from the laser targets and destroys cells that have a lot of pigment. Dark hair has a large amount of pigment, so it absorbs the light and converts it to heat. The heat damages the hair follicles, not allowing hair to grow.Â
Professional laser hair removal can work in many areas of the body, including the:
- BackÂ
- Chest
- Legs
- Arms
- Face
- Bikini line
Laser hair removal treatment works best on darker hair and on hair that is in its anagen — or growth — stage. Because hair follicles are at different stages, you will need a few treatment sessions to get the right results.Â
The ideal candidates for laser hair removal are people who are in good overall health, who have dark, coarse hair and lighter skin, and who do not need hair removal in delicate areas like around the eyes. While dark hair and light skin offer the best contrast, allowing the laser to target the right cells, it can still be an effective treatment for most people.Â
Laser Hair Removal During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the changes in hormone levels can increase the speed at which your hair grows. Laser hair removal is a low-risk treatment that affects only the targeted areas. It can be safer than using depilatory creams and gels — which can contain many harmful chemicals — and easier than shaving some hard-to-reach areas.Â
One of the best things about professional laser hair removal treatments is that the results last for a long time. Most women can get treatment early in the pregnancy and will not need to worry about unwanted hair for months.Â
Make sure to consult with your doctor to ensure the laser hair removal treatment you are considering is a good choice for you. You can also opt for laser hair removal after you have given birth — just keep in mind that your hormones may still be fluctuating, so hair growth patterns can be less predictable than usual.
Benefits of Laser Hair Removal
There are several benefits to choosing laser hair removal. For example, laser hair removal is minimally invasive. You don’t have to worry about a long recovery time or a lot of preparation with this procedure.Â
Additionally, laser hair removal is a fast procedure. The exact length of time the treatment will take depends on the size of the area, but the process can take between ten minutes to an hour.Â
Laser hair removal can also help prevent ingrown hairs. Ingrown hairs can cause inflammation, bumps, and itching, and they can often occur with other forms of hair removal. And options like waxing and threading can be uncomfortable, making you dread your next appointment. Laser hair removal does not cause discomfort.Â
Once you destroy hair follicles, it can take a long time for new hair to grow. This means you can enjoy long-lasting results from laser hair removal.Â
The Laser Hair Removal Procedure
If you need laser hair removal during pregnancy, we recommend that you first come to us for a consultation. We will ask about your medical history, whether you have tried other hair removal procedures, and other important questions. If you take any medications, let us know about them during this appointment as well.Â
If you are a good candidate for laser hair removal, we will ask you to do a few things before your first sessions. For example, you will need to stay out of the sun and avoid tanning beds. Two or three days before the treatment session, you will need to shave the treatment areas because laser hair removal doesn’t target hair that is larger than a grain of rice.Â
Once you begin treatment, you want to avoid plucking, tweezing, or waxing the hair in the treatment areas. We will clean the treatment sites and give you protective glasses before each treatment.
Laser Hair Removal Results
After your treatment session, you can use cold compresses on the treatment areas. You want to avoid any harsh skin care products and stay out of the sun for a few more days. Make sure to drink plenty of water.Â
You can begin seeing laser hair removal results within a couple of weeks, or even as soon as three to five days after your first session. During this time, you may think your hair is growing, but it is not.Â
Since hair grows at different stages, we can make a treatment plan to help target your hair at the right moments. Some people experience results that last for months, while others enjoy permanent hair removal.
Taking Care of Unwanted Hair in Hattiesburg, MS
Battling with the quick hair growth that pregnancy can cause can be difficult and time-consuming. Turning to options that offer long-lasting results, like laser hair removal, can be an ideal option for effectively taking care of this unwanted hair.Â
At Radiant Reflections Weight Loss Clinic & Medspa, we offer some of the most advanced laser hair removal options available in Hattiesburg, MS. With over 50 years of combined experience, we can provide exceptional results for any skin type. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.Â