Having hair in places it is not wanted can be embarrassing, uncomfortable, and cause anxiety for some people. The usual hair removal practices, such as waxing, shaving, or plucking with tweezers, are inconvenient and often painful. These methods also can irritate your skin or lead to ingrown hairs; not to mention, the results are short-lived because it all grows back in just a few days.
One of the places unwanted hair causes the most issues and can even create a sense of reduced self-confidence or negative body image is the bikini area. A great solution for this dilemma is Brazilian laser hair removal.
This procedure can give someone a significant boost in confidence and free them up to enjoy wearing all their favorite types of clothing, including the skimpiest of bathing suits, without worrying about unwanted hair peeking out from anywhere. Also, Brazilian laser hair removal doesn’t require the level of maintenance of the traditional methods because the results it provides last longer.
Today we are going to talk about this innovative technique of getting smooth, hair-free skin. We will provide some of the details about the way Brazilian laser hair removal works, the benefits, the risks, and what you can expect after your procedure.
What Is Brazilian Laser Hair Removal?
The process of laser hair removal was approved in 1995 by the FDA, although the initial version was developed and has been used since the 1970s. Over the years, the laser hair removal process has been refined and has become safer, more effective, and less painful. This has caused it to grow into a highly desired procedure, especially among the female set.
Brazilian laser hair removal is intended to remove unwanted hair in and around the bikini area. This method of hair removal uses advanced laser technology to safely target and remove hair with precision from areas such as the pubic area, the labia, and the buttocks. The laser can pinpoint and target the hair follicle, and using pulses of light, it destroys its root so it is unable to continue growing.
Over time, the hair in the treated areas becomes thinner, and after multiple treatments, it is possible to remove all of the hair from the treated location. The reason multiple treatments are necessary is that hair grows in stages, and not every hair grows at the same rate. The good news is that once the hair follicle is dead, it can no longer produce hair, so there is no more maintenance required. More women are turning to Brazilian laser hair removal because it beats the heck out of shaving or waxing!
What Is Involved In A Full Brazilian Laser Hair Removal Procedure?
Before the day of your appointment, you will spend some time with your chosen practitioner (the one you checked out and know they are qualified and experienced) going over what you can expect during your procedure and what you need to do to prepare.
During this initial consultation, your practitioner will evaluate the type of skin you have, the color of your hair, and its texture, and they will ask questions about your overall health. This is all done to determine if the procedure is right for you.
If you are a candidate, your practitioner will set up a future appointment for the actual hair removal, and you will be asked to do a bit of preparation. They will give you instructions that detail exactly what you are doing to make sure your hair removal is effective and you get the results you are looking for.
Some of the instructions you may receive may be to avoid certain things, such as:
- Waxing or plucking out any hairs for about six weeks before your laser removal appointment;
- The sun and tanning beds. To keep your skin as close to its natural color as possible and to avoid the sun before your treatment, The laser works by targeting the root of the hair follicle, which must be properly implanted, and it picks up on the color of the hair contrasting with your skin. If you have been to the tanning bed, it can reduce the effectiveness.
- Certain medications, such as ibuprofen and others, that also cause your blood to thin out;
- Products that may cause your skin to be extra sensitive, For instance, some skincare products, such as retinol, increase the skin’s sensitivity levels, so you should stop using them for about a week before your laser hair removal treatment.
You may also be asked to shave the treatment area one or two days in advance of your first session so the follicles are easier to access.
Laser Hair Removal Day
On the day of your procedure, your skin should not have any residual oils, lotions, or creams and should be free from any other skincare or body care products.
Before your practitioner gets started on your treatment, they will ask you if you would like to use numbing gel, which can be helpful if you are usually very sensitive.
Your laser hair removal expert will begin your treatment using a laser device that they can hold in their hand. This device emits targeted, concentrated light beams into the designated areas, which seek out the melanin pigment contained in the hair follicles and heat them until they are destroyed. This may sound a bit daunting, but don’t worry; these newer, cutting-edge lasers use such precision that the skin and nearby tissues are safe during the process.
Many of these high-tech lasers even have built-in mechanisms that help lessen the discomfort by providing some type of cooling agent during the procedure. This may be in gel form or a special tip on the device itself that helps keep the treatment area comfortable.
For the best results, most clients typically undergo several sessions that are spaced two to three weeks apart until they achieve the results they desire.
Benefits of Brazilian Laser Hair Removal
- Effectiveness and results
- Brazilian laser hair removal is generally more effective in achieving long-term hair reduction or even permanent hair removal. The laser targets and damages the hair follicles, inhibiting future hair growth. Over multiple sessions, the hair becomes finer and less noticeable. On the other hand, Brazilian waxing provides temporary hair removal by physically removing the hair from the roots. However, the hair will eventually grow back, requiring regular waxing sessions to maintain the hair-free results.
- Precision
- Laser technology allows for precise targeting, ensuring that only the unwanted hair is affected while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged.
- Less uncomfortable than waxing
- Both Brazilian laser hair removal and Brazilian waxing can cause some discomfort, although the level of pain varies between individuals. Laser hair removal may cause a mild sensation of heat or a rubber band snap, which can be mitigated with cooling measures. Waxing involves ripping the hair out from the roots (ouch!), which can cause temporary pain or discomfort during the procedure.
- Time, Cost and Maintenance
- Brazilian laser hair removal typically requires multiple sessions for optimal results, spaced several weeks apart. While the upfront cost may be higher compared to waxing, it can be cost-effective and a time-saver in the long run as it reduces or eliminates the need for frequent waxing sessions and the expense of regular maintenance as the hair regrows.
- Reduced risk of ingrown hairs
- Brazilian laser hair removal can significantly reduce the occurrence of ingrown hairs, a common problem associated with traditional hair removal methods.
- Improved skin texture
- Laser treatments can promote smoother, softer, more toned skin by stimulating collagen production, which helps in improving the overall texture and appearance of the treated area. Ingrown hairs, rashes, razor bumps, and other types of irritation are less likely to occur after laser treatments vs. traditional waxing or shaving.
Potential Risks and Considerations
While Brazilian laser hair removal is generally considered safe, there are some potential risks and considerations to keep in mind:
- For individuals with sensitive skin, laser hair removal may cause temporary redness, swelling, or mild discomfort in the treated area but these side effects usually subside within a few hours to a couple of days.
- Individuals with darker skin tones may be at a slightly higher risk of experiencing temporary or, rarely, permanent changes in skin pigmentation. It is crucial to consult with an experienced practitioner who is knowledgeable about using the appropriate type of lasers and can adjust the settings according to your skin type to minimize such risks.
- In rare cases, laser hair removal can cause burns or skin infections. It is of utmost importance that you check out your laser hair removal specialist and ensure they have the expertise and intimate knowledge of the laser they are working with. Check patient reviews or get recommendations from former patients, so you will know you are using a reputable clinic and practitioner. This will minimize the rare risk of burns or infections that can be complications of laser hair removal.
What To Expect After Brazilian Laser Hair Removal
Once your Brazilian laser hair removal session is complete, you need to make sure you adhere to the directions for aftercare given to you by your practitioner. This is to ensure you get the results you want and that you heal properly before undergoing your next treatment. Generally, these instructions will tell you to stay out of the sun for several weeks and to always wear sunscreen. You also need to make sure you avoid activities that will make your sweat glands turn on, like hot baths, vigorous physical exercise, saunas, and hot tubs.
Brazilian Bikini Laser Hair Removal vs Full Brazilian Hair Removal
Brazilian Bikini laser hair removal targets the regions that would naturally be visible if wearing a bikini such as the hair on each side of the pubic area and directly above it.
Full Brazilian laser hair removal eliminates all of the hair in the pubic region.
Brazilian laser hair removal offers a highly effective and long-lasting solution to eliminate unwanted hair in the bikini and surrounding areas. With its precision, long-term results, and various benefits, it has become a popular choice for individuals seeking smooth and hair-free skin.
If you are tired of shaving or waxing or embarrassed by the unsightly rashes and bumps these leave behind, Brazilian laser hair removal may be a good choice for you. Set up a consultation with SurgiCare Arts & Aesthetics today to determine if you would be a suitable candidate.
