Laser hair removal, once a radical treatment, is now becoming almost mainstream. Radio advertisements, celebrity endorsements, and magazine coverage have caused many women to hear about this treatment and try to figure out if it's in their budget. However, many people don't know how laser hair removal actually works.

1. Make Sure That You Take Safety Precautions

You're aiming a concentrated laser at the skin on your legs. This can cause damage if the skin is weakened. Before going in for your laser hair removal treatment, make sure that your legs aren't sunburned and that you haven't used any tanning lotion in at least two days. Don't use any acne creams on your legs that could damage the upper layer of skin.

2. Go in for the Procedure

The procedure tends to last under an hour, depending on the amount of hair that you're removing and the body parts from which you are removing it. Having hair removed from your armpits will take a much shorter time than having hair removed from your legs simply due to the surface area that has to be covered. When you go in for the procedure, you will either lie on a table or sit on a chair that elevates your legs for your comfort. A laser will then be directed at whatever part of your body you want hair to be removed from. 

When the laser hits your skin, your skin's pigment will absorb it, similar to how it absorbs the rays from the sun when you are tanning. However, the laser's light is at a frequency that is specifically designed to damage the hair follicles that are located beneath the skin. Once the hair follicles are damaged, they will not be able too grow as quickly, or at all. 

The length of time that the procedure will cause you to go hairless depends entirely on you. If your hair grows quickly naturally, then the treatment might only keep their hair away for a few months. 

3. Schedule More Appointments

Depending on the laser or your own body, it will take multiple procedures for laser hair surgery to maintain peak effectiveness. For many women, it will take between 3 and 5 procedures.

4. Apply Antibacterial Cream

Once you are done, apply a gentle, anti-bacterial cream to your legs or other part of your body in order to keep them from breaking out.

If you have more questions, contact a laser hair removal facility (such as Drs. Young & Wouters Laser Hair Removal).