If you want smooth skin without having to shave every day, laser hair removal is a great option. However, it's a process that is slightly uncomfortable and requires minimal downtime.
Summer is an ideal time to start the laser hair removal process, but there's a waiting period before getting in the pool. Knowing the recovery process and instructions helps prevent infection and complications.
If you're ready to take the plunge into laser hair removal, the Meridian Plastic Surgery team is prepared to help. Dr. Lee K. Thornton, our board-certified plastic surgeon, offers laser hair removal and other cosmetic procedures to help you feel your best this summer.
Laser hair removal is a procedure that uses a concentrated laser beam to remove unwanted hair. The laser light penetrates the hair follicle, disrupting the growth cycle.
We perform laser hair removal using a handpiece that connects to a machine. The handpiece glides gently over the skin, emitting concentrated laser light beams.
The hair follicles contain melanin, which gives your hair its color. The melanin absorbs the laser light, which creates heat and damages the follicle root. The result is semi-permanent hair removal due to damage in the growth cycle.
Laser hair removal isn't permanent; the hair may eventually grow back, but when it does, it's finer and lighter than before. Most people require several treatments spaced several weeks apart to get hair follicles in different stages of growth.
It's summer, and it's hot, so swimming is probably on your schedule. After a laser hair removal treatment, you should plan to wait at least 48 hours before getting in any body of water. If you have extremely red skin or significant irritation, it may be better to wait longer.
You should wait the recommended time because your skin needs time to calm down and heal. It's susceptible after laser hair treatment. Getting into water too soon can irritate your skin and prolong the healing time.
Swimming too soon after laser hair removal can lead to serious complications. Not only will it not feel great on sensitive skin, but it can also lead to intense irritation. Salt from the ocean and pool chemicals irritate the already sensitive skin, possibly slowing the healing process.
If you decide to go swimming after the waiting period, there are still some steps to take. After swimming, rinse off in plain water to remove any chemicals or salt from your skin.
Carefully dry your skin and apply moisturizer to prevent it from drying out and becoming more irritated. If you notice swimming makes your skin red or uncomfortable, refrain from swimming until it heals.
To schedule an appointment for laser hair removal, don't hesitate to call our office in Meridian, Mississippi, today.
