Hair Removal Areas and Care Using Laser

Provider: Lim Eiseok Theme Dermatology Clinic

Hair removal is now one of the treatments commonly done not only by women but also by men. In the past, laser hair removal could cause stinging pain and sometimes damage the skin, but with recent advances in laser devices, hair removal is now possible with almost no pain or discomfort.

Laser hair removal works by using light energy of a specific wavelength that reacts to melanin pigment and destroys the hair root, and as a simple procedure it can provide satisfying hair removal results.

The latest laser hair removal method removes hairs in the growth phase to prevent them from growing back, causing less irritation to the skin and almost no side effects or aftereffects. In addition, because the hair-free state lasts for a long time, there is no need to remove hair each season, which leads to high customer satisfaction.

Differences in Hair Removal by Body Area

Armpits: On average, the armpit hair growth cycle is about 3 to 10 months. The first treatment for both sides takes about 5 to 10 minutes. The second treatment is performed after 1 to 2 months, and the third treatment after 3 to 4 months. With at least three treatments, you can see a semi-permanent hair removal effect.

Arms: Arm hair is relatively finer than leg hair and grows mostly on the outer side of the arms. The arm hair cycle is about 3 to 4 months, and because the treatment area is large, the first treatment takes about 20 to 30 minutes. However, as you move on to the second and third treatments, the treatment time becomes shorter. The second treatment can be done after about 2 months, and the third treatment between 5 and 6 months later to achieve a semi-permanent effect.

Legs: Leg hair is thicker than arm hair and is concentrated around the knees and shins. The hair growth cycle is about 4 to 5 months, and the treatment time takes about 30 to 40 minutes. In the case of leg hair, it is thicker and more abundant than armpit and arm hair, so once up to the fifth treatment is completed, the treatment interval is adjusted according to the customer's condition.

Bikini line: Pubic hair is one of the more difficult areas to treat because the skin is sensitive and the hair is thick. For bikini line hair removal, people consider shaving, waxing, or laser treatment, but shaving and waxing may cause various side effects and are best avoided. Shaving can leave scars or skin problems, and the skin may become infected from the razor blade. It also provides only a temporary effect and does not offer permanent results. Waxing carries a risk of infection, is painful during the procedure, and is not permanent, so repeated treatments are required, which is inconvenient. In the case of laser hair removal, depending on the customer's condition, about 3 to 5 treatments are performed, semi-permanent results can be expected, and pain, side effects, and aftereffects are almost nonexistent.

Precautions Before Laser Hair Removal

During the hair removal period, it is best to avoid waxing and self-shaving. This is because the laser light works by destroying the follicle cells through the hair shaft, and an empty follicle without hair will not respond. To minimize skin irritation during hair removal, it is best to undergo the procedure while keeping the skin clean, so waste and dead skin cells should be removed. However, there is no need to manage the skin every day between the first and second treatments; you can do so the day before the procedure. At home, you can soften the skin surface with a steam towel and use a body scrub product.

Aftercare for Laser Hair Removal

After hair removal, it is good to soothe irritated skin. The best method is to use a towel cooled with a cold compress, and using moisturizer is also essential to prevent the skin from becoming dry. Cooling products, hydrating products, and ointments with anti-inflammatory effects should be applied consistently to protect the skin and help prevent side effects such as dermatitis that may occur unexpectedly. In particular, after hair removal, exposure to sunlight can change the skin tone, so sunscreen should be applied carefully. Even areas that are not often exposed to sunlight should also be cared for during the hair removal period.

The skin may appear red after the procedure, but this usually goes away within about 7 days, and if there is no discomfort or pain, showering on the same day is possible. However, rubbing or irritating the treatment area is not good, and if pigmentation symptoms do not return to normal even after 7 days, you should visit a hospital for an examination.

Disadvantages of Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a good method, but there are also some disadvantages. As mentioned earlier, laser hair removal works by reacting only to melanin pigment and destroying the hair root. It appears by destroying the hair root, but only hairs in the growth phase are connected to the root, while fine hairs in the resting phase are not connected to the root, so the effect is limited. Therefore, the procedure must be repeated at intervals of about 35 to 45 days on average, and the interval may vary depending on the body area and the patient's condition. There may be inconvenience in having to undergo several treatments, but it is the only hair removal method that can provide a semi-permanent effect, which is why many customers prefer it.

Lim Eiseok Dermatology Clinic has more than 60 high-frequency, ultrasound, and laser devices, allowing customized hair removal procedures tailored to the patient's condition. No matter how good a device is, it may not suit every customer, so our clinic uses customized laser devices according to the customer's constitution and environment.

In addition, a wide range of treatments is available, including skin care, skin conditions, hair loss, and aesthetic procedures, so you can visit the clinic and receive them together, not just hair removal. For this purpose, the 2nd and 3rd floors of our building are operated as a dermatology center, and the 5th floor is operated as a hair loss center.

As hospitals grow larger, their lead directors often focus on hospital management or external activities, but Director Lim Eiseok at our clinic has not reduced his treatment hours at all even while engaging in external activities. With the belief that he must treat even one patient who comes looking for him, he has continued to provide care, and as a result, he has earned steady love and a strong reputation for more than 20 years in competitive Gangnam.