What You Should Know About Laser Hair Removal For Facial Hair

You may be surprised to learn that you can get laser hair removal on your face. In fact, many people choose to remove unwanted facial hair this way.

While it may be possible to get laser hair removal to remove facial hair, not everybody will be the best candidate. Here's what you should know about laser hair removal for your face.

Laser Hair Removal Is Effective for Facial Hair

Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in the hair follicle. The laser energy is absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle, which damages the hair follicle and prevents it from regrowing hair.

This means that laser hair removal is effective for facial hair, as long as the hair follicle contains enough pigment for the laser to target. That said, not all facial hair is equally suitable for laser removal. For example, very light hair may not be removed so easily.

You May Need to Attend Several Sessions

While laser hair removal can be effective for facial hair, you may need to attend several sessions before you see results. This is because the hair follicle needs to be in the active growth phase for the laser to be effective.

This means that you may need to return for multiple sessions over a period of weeks or months in order to see the full effect of laser hair removal. Since facial hair is often not very thick, you may not need as many sessions as you would for removing hair on your bikini line, for instance.

Here's What Happens During a Treatment Session

During a laser hair removal treatment session, a technician will direct the laser at your skin. You may feel a stinging sensation during the treatment, perhaps more like a snapping. Some patients claim that it can hurt.

Your doctor will clean your face and may apply a gel over the treatment area. This gel should numb your face a little, but you'll likely still feel some tingling.

You Need to Pay Closer Attention to Potential Side Effects

Laser hair removal can have some potential side effects. When you are doing anything with your face, you need to be careful. Facial skin is extremely sensitive, and the side effects can be amplified.

Side effects may include redness, swelling, and blistering. In some cases, patients have reported changes in skin pigmentation or texture. These side effects are temporary, but they can be alarming to see on your face.

Talk to a Laser Hair Removal Professional

If you're considering laser hair removal for your facial hair, it's important to talk to a professional about the procedure. They will be able to assess your individual case and determine whether you should consider facial hair removal. 

Contact a professional to learn more about laser hair removal.