Hair Removal Areas and Care Methods Using Laser

Provider: Lim Iseok Theme Dermatology Clinic

Hair removal is now a common procedure not only for women but also for men. In the past, laser hair removal could cause stinging pain and sometimes skin damage, but recent advances in laser equipment have made it possible to remove hair with almost no pain or discomfort.

Laser hair removal works by using light energy at a special wavelength that reacts to melanin pigment to destroy the hair root, and as a simple procedure, it can deliver satisfying hair removal results.

The latest laser hair removal method removes hairs in the growth phase to keep them from growing back. It is less irritating to the skin, and side effects and aftereffects are rarely seen. In addition, since the hair removal state is maintained for a long time, there is no need to remove hair each time, which leads to high customer satisfaction.

Differences in hair removal by body area

Underarms: On average, underarm hair grows in a cycle of about 3 to 10 months. The first treatment for both sides takes about 5 to 10 minutes. The second treatment is done after 1 to 2 months, and the third treatment after 3 to 4 months. If you receive 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 cycle for arm hair is about 3 to 4 months, and because the treatment area is wide, the first session takes about 20 to 30 minutes. However, as treatment moves on to the second and third sessions, the procedure time becomes shorter. The second session can be received after about 2 months, and the third session between 5 and 6 months to see 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 procedure takes about 30 to 40 minutes. In the case of leg hair, it is thicker and more abundant than underarm and arm hair, so once treatment reaches the fifth session, the treatment interval is adjusted according to the customer’s condition.

Bikini line: In the case of pubic hair, the skin is sensitive and the hair is thick, making it one of the more difficult procedures. For bikini line hair removal, people often consider razors, waxing, and lasers, but razors and waxing may carry various side effects, so it is better to avoid them. If hair is removed with a razor, scars or skin troubles may remain, and the skin may also become infected from the razor blade. In addition, the effect is only temporary and there is no permanent result. Waxing carries a risk of infection, and the procedure is painful and not permanent, so it requires repeated treatments, which is inconvenient. With laser hair removal, depending on the customer’s condition, about 3 to 5 sessions are received, semi-permanent effects can be seen, and pain, side effects, and aftereffects are rarely observed.

Precautions before laser hair removal

During the hair removal period, it is better to avoid waxing and self-shaving. This is because laser light destroys follicle cells through the hair shaft, and empty hair follicles without hair do not respond. To minimize skin irritation during hair removal, it is better to receive treatment in a clean state, so dirt and dead skin cells should be removed. However, there is no need to care for the skin every day between the first and second sessions; it is enough to do so the day before treatment. At home, you can soften the skin surface with a steam towel, then use a body scrub product.

Aftercare after laser hair removal

After hair removal, it is best to soothe the irritated skin. The best way is to use a cold towel for 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 cause changes in skin tone, so sunscreen should also be applied carefully, and even areas that are not often exposed to sunlight should be cared for during the hair removal period.

The skin may appear red after the procedure, but in most cases this disappears after about 7 days, and if there is no discomfort or pain, showering on the same day is also 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 it also has a few disadvantages. As mentioned earlier, laser hair removal works by reacting only to melanin pigment to destroy the hair root. It appears by destroying the hair root, but only hairs in the growth phase are connected to the hair root, while fine hairs in the resting phase are not connected to the hair root, so the effect is limited. Therefore, treatments must be repeated at intervals of about 35 to 45 days on average, and the interval varies depending on the body area and the patient’s condition. There may be the inconvenience of needing 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 Iseok Dermatology Clinic has more than 60 radiofrequency, ultrasound, and laser devices, making it possible to provide customized hair removal procedures suited to the patient’s condition. No matter how good the equipment is, there may be customers for whom it is not suitable, so our clinic uses customized laser devices according to the customer’s constitution and environment.

In addition, it is possible to receive a variety of treatments, not only hair removal but also skin aesthetics, skin diseases, hair loss, and minor procedures, so you can visit the hospital and receive them together. For this purpose, the 2nd and 3rd floors of our building are operated as a skin treatment center, and the 5th floor is operated as a hair loss center.

As hospitals grow larger, the chief doctors tend to focus on hospital management and external activities, but Dr. Lim Iseok of our clinic has not reduced his consultation hours at all while carrying out external activities. With the belief that if even one patient comes looking for him, he should provide care, he has continued treating patients, and as a result, he has gained steady affection and a strong reputation for over 20 years in competitive Gangnam.