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Is Laser Hair Removal Safe During Pregnancy?
We Think Not.
There are plenty of reasons that women want laser hair removal while they’re pregnant. Maybe it’s because it’s a routine thing that they normally do, and they don’t necessarily want to stop. Maybe it’s because the new hormones are causing crazy hair growth in strange places. Maybe it’s because they need to feel a little more attractive during a vulnerable time. Or maybe it’s because they can’t reach their legs over their belly to shave them. Whatever the reason, many pregnant women find themselves asking is it okay to get laser hair removal while I’m pregnant?
A reputable laser hair removal specialist would answer no. This is due to the fact that it’s simply better to be safe than sorry. While there’s no real evidence to support laser hair removal being a danger to your unborn baby, it’s still a topic on which most professionals agree that it’s better to wait rather than risk any harm to your child. After all, it used to be perfectly acceptable for women to smoke during pregnancy.
However, if you search hard enough, you’ll find laser hair removal specialists who will treat pregnant women anyway. We don’t advise this, but if you’re absolutely determined, then at least avoid any topical anesthetic creams that you might be given to soothe the laser heat. This cream can be absorbed in your system and may be a risk to your baby.
As laser hair removal specialists, we at Fremont Laser encourage mommies-to-be to hold off until their pregnancy and breastfeeding period is over to begin or resume laser hair removal. It’s only a few months to wait, and your baby’s safety always comes first. While smooth legs and a perfect bikini line may sound tempting, you have plenty of time to undergo laser hair removal post delivery.
If you have any more questions about laser hair removal during pregnancy or anything at all regarding laser hair removal, please feel free to contact us at Monterey Laser & Skin Care!
Home Laser Hair Removal Devices Versus Professional Laser Hair Removal
Which Solution is Best For You?
There are many beauty treatments that we attempt to do at home: manicures, dyeing our hair, exfoliations. But laser hair removal? Is that even possible, much less effective?
Turns out, yes, it is. There are home laser hair removal devices available, and these can be pretty tempting. After all, they’re less expensive than going to a professional, and then there’s the added convenience of being able to do your own lasering from the comfort of your bedroom.
However, as with any do-it-yourself beauty treatments, there are significant pros and cons. If you’re considering home laser hair removal device, know the facts.
Effectiveness
Fact: home laser hair removal devices are not as powerful as those used by medical professionals. Why? Because in the hands of a non-specialist (that’s you), the laser technology that professionals use would simply be too dangerous for at-home use. Normal folks could end up burning themselves and causing skin damage. Therefore, for home laser devices, the effectiveness is not as strong.
Convenience
True, if you invest in a home laser hair removal device, you can do your own treatments more comfortably, at home. However, there is a price to pay. Because a home device is weaker, you’ll be required to do laser yourself more than you would need to at a professional clinic. This can become frustrating and time-consuming.
Results
Everything else aside, when it comes down to it, which method actually produces the best results? It depends on you and how much hair removal you want—however, we can tell you that at-home laser hair removal devices require more treatments and the hair is less likely to be gone permanently, due to the reduced power of the home lasers.
And So…
This is a decision that will always come down to the individual’s personal preference—much like dyeing your hair at home versus going to a salon. Some people believe they can do it themselves, and others prefer visiting a professional. But considering how comfortable laser hair removal clinics are these days and how thorough of a job they do, laser hair removal should probably be one of those things you leave to the experts.
At Monterey Laser, we’re certified laser hair removal professionals. If you’re interested in having your unwanted hair removed by a specialist, please contact us any time!
Laser Hair Removal for Teens
Has Your Teenage Son or Daughter Been Asking for Laser Hair Removal?
Most moms remember when their daughters asked if they can start shaving. It can be an emotional moment thinking, she’s growing up…and once she starts, she won’t stop.
However, there is a right time for everything, and these days, just a few years after asking about shaving, many daughters are asking about getting laser hair removal. The idea of saving all that time that it takes to shave, not having to worry about razor burn or “shaving bumps” and getting rid of unwanted body hair permanently is a very attractive idea at any age.
It’s not just daughters, either. With the progressive technology of laser hair removal, many teen boys are interested in getting treated for body hair, too (such as on the neck or the back).
But when the kids start asking about the treatment, some parents wonder if it’s safe. Are the kids too young? What are the risks involved? And will laser hair removal even be effective on such young skin? Here’s some info.
How Young is Too Young for Laser Hair Removal?
The answer to this is: there’s no average age. Teens might begin asking about laser hair removal between the ages of 13-15. If this is the case, it’s up to you as a parent to decide if your teenager is mature enough to understand that laser hair removal is a step-by-step process, that it takes several sessions, that it’s basically permanent, and that it might hurt a bit. If your child is under the age of 12, it’s advisable to hold off on laser hair removal until they’re a bit older. At 12 and younger, they may not even have all the hair they’re going to have until they finish puberty, and they also may not fully grasp what laser hair removal involves.
Professionals Only
With laser hair removal—even when it’s an adult being treated—make sure the individual operating the laser is a certified, professional specialist. So of course, do your research and check into the laser hair removal technicians first. Look at their reviews and experience, and perhaps even meet them. It’s crucial to make sure the specialist treating your daughter or son knows exactly what he or she is doing, since laser hair removal done incorrectly can result in serious burns and damaged skin.
Is it Effective on Younger Hair?
Laser hair removal is just as effective on teenagers as it is on adults. Basically, there’s no difference between getting the treatment younger or older—you just need to make sure your daughter or son understands the process involved. They will require multiple sessions in order to remove all of the hair, since body hair grows in cycles.
What Risks are There?
As mentioned before, if laser hair removal is performed by the wrong specialist, the lasers can cause skin burns or changes to the skin color. This is why you must find a certified professional with good feedback. It’s also a good idea to find a laser hair removal clinic with lasers that treat all skin types.
If your daughter or son is interested in laser hair removal and you have questions for a professional, certified specialist, please contact us at Monterey Laser & Skin Care.
Myths About Hair Removal
9 Laser Hair Removal Myths
If you’ve never had laser hair removal treatments, but are considering them, you may be hesitant because a few “facts” about the process have scared you off. These “facts” may include things like tales of radiation destroying your organs, or new hairs sprouting uncontrollably. But it’s important to know the truth about laser hair removal, and which “facts” are actually myths.
The Myth #1: Laser Hair Removal is Permanent
The laser’s heat will zap hair follicles, which causes the hair to fall out in the following weeks. Hair will not grow back from these “zapped” follicles, however, new follicles can develop—and hair can grow from these. So, laser hair removal is permanent in that it causes hair to stop growing from follicles, but a touch up treatment may be required every few years. Despite this, laser hair removal is still considered the most long-lasting hair removal treatment available.
The Myth #2: Laser Hair Removal Causes Ingrown Hairs
This is so false that actually the opposite is true. Laser hair removal can be quite helpful in reducing ingrown hairs. It is an excellent treatment for ingrown hairs.
The Myth #3: Laser Hair Removal is Very Painful
This is one of the more common myths, as it seems to be the one that keeps the most people from trying laser hair removal. The truth is, this myth most likely originated from the days when laser hair removal was brand-new and more unpredictable. The lasers and technology have come a long way over the years. Most patients these days find laser hair removal to be very tolerable, or painless altogether. However, the amount of discomfort will depend on what area is being treated and your unique pain threshold. The “pain” is usually described as a continuous snap of a rubber hand on the skin, with some heat added. Keep in mind that these days, lasers have attached cooling devices, and numbing cream is also available if needed.
The Myth #4: Laser Hair Removal Can Be Completed in One Session
You may have heard that laser hair removal can be done completely in one session using “a really powerful laser.” False! This simply can’t be done—sorry. The hair removal laser is most effective at destroying hairs that are actively growing, which makes up about 25% of the total. It does not work as well on hairs that are currently not growing. Hair grows on a cycle of every five weeks. Therefore the laser hair treatments are scheduled about every 5 five weeks and about 25% of the hair follicles are destroyed at each treatment. This is why patients will need multiple treatments scheduled about five weeks apart.
The Myth #5: Laser Hair Removal Will Damage Your Skin
As long as you choose a licensed nurse or physician, like those at Monterey Laser & Skin Care for your laser hair removal treatments, this myth is false. Laser hair removal affects the hair follicles only—not the skin. Some patients may experience a little swelling or redness, but no true damage such as scarring will happen if done by a professional.
The Myth #6: Laser Hair Removal Can Damage Internal Organs
False. The laser used in laser hair removal treatments can only penetrate a few millimeters into the skin, and cannot cause any damage to the internal organs.
The Myth #7: Laser Hair Removal Exposes You to Radiation
Similar to concerns about the treatments damaging organs, the radiation myth has probably come from people simply hearing the word “laser.” Hair removal lasers aren’t in a dangerous radiation range—they operate on a safe (and approved) wavelength of light.
The Myth #8: Laser Hair Removal Causes More Hair to Grow
It may seem like this is happening, but it’s temporary. Once your laser hair removal session is over, new hair follicles may form, but the amount of hair will be significantly less compared to the time before the hair removal session. With the correct amount of treatments, all hairs in the treated area will be removed.
The Myth #9: Laser Hair Removal is Too Expensive
We won’t lie to you—laser hair removal treatments aren’t cheap. However, they aren’t “too” expensive, either. Most people react strongly because they look at the bulk cost for several treatments and see a pretty high number, but what’s important to understand is that laser hair removal treatments save you both money and time in the long run over waxing and such. Savings on shaving products, plus the buildup of time spent on getting rid of body hair, is well worth the cost to many.
Don’t let false myths stand in your way of laser hair removal, which is the perfect way to save yourself from the time-consuming and often-frustrating process of getting rid of your own body hair. To learn more or book an appointment with our certified laser hair removal professionals, please contact us today!
Questions About Laser Hair Removal?
The 8 Most Common Questions About Laser Hair Removal Answered
Laser hair removal seems like a dream—and for the majority of individuals, it is. The time saved by shaving, waxing, and using hair-removal creams is well worth a few treatments. Here are eight of the most common questions we hear from new clients about laser hair removal.
1. Does it hurt?
The answer to this really depends on a client’s pain threshold and the area that is being treated, but in general the feeling of laser hair removal is very tolerable—and many patients don’t really feel much of anything. When there is some feeling, it has been compared to the feeling of a rubber band snapping on the skin. At Monterey Laser & Skin Care, we provide cooling devices and/or gels to keep our clients comfortable during treatments.
2. How long does it take?
It all depends on the size of the area. For a small area such as armpits (axilla) the process takes only a few minutes. For a large area such as the back or both legs the hair removal takes about 30 minutes.
3. Do I need a doctor’s approval?
You do not need a prescription from your doctor.
4. Is it permanent?
The energy from the laser destroys the hair follicle and in a few days the hair will fall out. With time some hair follicles may recover, and a touch up laser treatment may be required every few years.
The hair follicles on the face are difficult to completely destroy, and facial hair will often come back sooner.
5. Does it work for all Skin Colors or types and Hair Colors?
Laser hair removal works on nearly every color of skin. But it is important to use the correct laser for the color of skin. For example the Alexandrite laser works best on light colored skin, and the YAG laser works best on darker colored skin.
Lighter hair is more difficult to remove, so if you’re considering laser hair removal and your hair is blonde, gray, or fair red, be sure to double-check with a specialist about how many sessions you may need and other possible difficulties.
6. Can I get it anywhere on my body?
Pretty much everywhere except for hair around the eyes. We do not want to take any chance that the eyes will be injured.
7. Will it damage my skin?
Laser can cause damage, and that is why it is very important to choose a well trained and experienced nurse or doctor for your treatment. The staff at Monterey Laser & Skin Care have years of training and experience. Do your research and make sure you’re getting laser hair treatments from a professional. You may have a little swelling or redness, but no real damage should ever occur. Remember, the laser itself isn’t dangerous, but the person operating it can be. Make sure to use a licensed specialist.
8. Can I remove hair all in one fell swoop?
Sorry—but no. Beware of any laser hair removal provider that promises this. Even if they claim that they can remove all your hair in one go with a “special laser,” don’t believe them. The laser can only get rid of hairs that are actively growing, and your hair doesn’t all grow at once. Professionals recommend at least six sessions.
Have even more questions about laser hair removal? If so, give us a call and we’ll be happy to answer them for you!