Introduction

Permanent lip hair removal is a medical procedure that uses a laser – an intense, pulsating beam of light – to remove unwanted hair. During laser lip hair removal, a laser beam passes through the skin to an individual hair follicle. The energy of the laser reduces future hair growth by damagin the hair follicle.

Laser treatment is the most effective when you have a lighter skin tone. Although there are various lasers which make it possible to treat dark skin colors as well. Laser hair removal doesn’t guarantee permanentlip hair removal. Although its the most effictive method available today. It takes several treatment to make sure the hair is removed for an extended period of time. Maintance treatments my be needed.

Benefits

Laser lip hair removal is used to remove unwanted hair from the upper lip area. Common treatment locations include legs, armpits, upper lip, chin and bikini line. However, it’s possible to treat unwanted hair in nearly any area.

Hair color, thickness and skin type have certain influence in the success of the hair removal treatment. For example, laser lip hair removal is most effective for people who have light skin and dark hair because the laser beam targets the pigment (melanin) in the hair . People who have darker skin can also attempt laser hair removal, but the laser beam may also affect the melanin in the skin. Laser hair removal isn’t generally effective for white, blond or gray hair .

Possible risks involved

Laser lip hair removal doesn’t guarantee permanent hair removal. There are cases that hair is resistant to laser treatment or grows back again. New hair growth is often finer and much lighter in color then before.

Common side effects include:

• Irritation of the skin. Light temorary irritation which might include crusitng or scabbing.
• Pigment changes. Laser lip hair removal may darken or lighten the affected skin, usually temporarily. Skin lightening primarily affects those who have darker skin, especially if an incorrect laser is used at an incorrect setting.
• Rarely, laser lip hair removal may cause blistering, scarring or other changes in skin texture.

Preparation

Always choose a clinic who’s certified and specialized in dermatology, surgery and has experience with laser hair removal. If a physician’s assistant or licensed nurse will do the procedure, make sure the doctor supervises and is available on-site during the treatments. Be cautious about spas, salons or other facilities that allow nonmedical personnel to do laser hair removal.

Before laser lip hair removal treatment, schedule a consultation with the doctor. He or she will use this visit to:

Take a look at your medical history and use of medication.

• Discuss what laser lip hair removal can and can not do for you personally. Talk about the risks, benefits and expectations.
• Discuss a treatment plan and the related costs involved.
• Tkae photos so they can be used for reviews and before and after assessments.

He will also give you comon guidelines. Few examples are:

• Stay out if the sun as much as possible. A darker tan will increase the risk of possible side effects. If you have a tan – either from sun exposure or sunless tanning products – wait until the tan fades completely before undergoing laser hair removal.
• Avoid plucking, waxing and electrolysis. These hair removal methods can disturb the hair follicle and interfere with laser hair removal. Shaving is OK, however, since it preserves the hair shaft and follicle. In fact, shaving may even be recommended. Some studies suggest that shaving before laser hair removal improves results.

Expectations

Before laser lip hair removal, you’ll be fitted with special goggles to protect your eyes from the laser beam. A topical anesthetic may be applied to your skin by the specialist to reduce discomfort that you may experience. Don’t apply topical anesthetic on your own, unless your doctor provides specific instructions for safe application.

During the procedure

A hand-held laser will be pressed against your skin. A cooling device on the tip of the instrument or a colling gel may be used to protect your skin from any damage. This depends on the type of laser that is used for the treatment.

When the doctor activates the laser, the laser beam will pass through your skin to the tiny sacs (follicles) where hair growth originates. The intense heat from the laser beam damages the hair follicles, which inhibits hair growth. You may feel a stinging sensation. Treating a small area, such as the upper lip, may take only a few minutes.

After the treatment

You may notice redness and swelling for the first few hours after the laser lip hair removal treatment. A stinging sensation may linger for a day or two. The affected skin may also become slightly crusty.

This is all part of the healing process of your skin. Avoid picking at or vigorously scrubbing the affected skin. Avoiding sun exposure is a must. Natural sunlight as well as tanning beds should be avoided for at least one week. After this initial period use sunscreen whenever you’re in the sun.

The results

Results will vary greatly from person to person. Multiple treatments can prolong the duration of hair loss, but hair regrowth is still possible. For best results, you may need four to six treatments spaced a number of weeks apart. Periodic maintance may be needed. This will often be once every 6 or 12 months.