First of all
In the past, esthetic hair removal was mainstream, and medical hair removal was often associated with being "expensive and painful but effective". This is because permanent hair removal is a medical procedure, it is possible to achieve permanent hair reduction, and medical hair removal boasts high safety standards as it is performed by qualified medical professionals.
However, recently, understanding of medical hair removal has deepened, and its popularity has been increasing. The popularity of medical hair removal is rising because pain reduction techniques have evolved and total costs have become more affordable compared to before. These benefits are widely recognized, leading to a rapid increase in the number of people going for medical hair removal. Now, I would like to explain in detail the reasons for the increasing popularity of medical hair removal, while also discussing the differences between medical hair removal and esthetic hair removal.
The difference between medical hair removal and esthetic hair removal
What is medical hair removal?
In hair removal services provided by medical institutions, medical laser hair removal machines are used to directly destroy hair follicle cells, preventing hair regrowth.
Medical hair removal and permanent hair removal
Medical hair removal clears strict criteria set by the government and laws, and treatment is performed by qualified medical professionals. This allows for the expectation of the effect of "permanent hair removal."
The difference between medical hair removal and esthetic hair removal
Difference in equipment
In medical hair removal, a high-power medical laser is used to destroy the hair follicles. On the other hand, light hair removal at esthetic salons only temporarily suppresses hair growth and does not destroy the hair follicles.
Legal restrictions
According to the Medical Practitioners' Act, hair removal treatments that destroy hair follicles are prohibited in esthetic salons.
Benefits of medical hair removal
Safety
It is a treatment by medical professionals, and quick response in case of emergency is possible with a doctor on duty.
The effect of the treatment
By using high-powered equipment and specialized techniques, you can expect effective hair removal results.
Cost performance
The number of treatments is small, and it is possible to complete hair removal in a short period of time. As a result, the final cost tends to be lower compared to esthetic hair removal.
Accessibility
In recent years, clinics offering affordable medical hair removal have increased, making it more accessible to a larger number of people.
Flow of medical hair removal
Reservation
The first step towards hair removal is to choose the right clinic or esthetic salon and make a reservation. Choose a location that is easy to access from your home or workplace, and make a counseling appointment by phone or internet. During the initial consultation, talk in detail about your concerns, the areas you want to treat, and the condition of your skin, and receive explanations from experts about the treatment methods and precautions.
Preparation
Once the treatment date is decided, preparation until the day before is important. In particular, self-care should be done 2-3 days before the treatment, and it is recommended to moisturize the skin. Also, avoid sunburn, vaccinations, medication, and alcohol consumption as they can affect the treatment.
Treatment
On the day of the treatment, after completing the reception, you will change clothes and then check the condition of your skin. If there are no issues, the treatment will begin, and hair removal using lasers or light will be performed. During the treatment, if you feel any pain or anxiety, please inform the staff immediately. After the treatment, cooling and moisturizing care will be provided for the skin, and if you plan to continue receiving treatments, the next appointment will be scheduled.
In this way, the hair removal process involves making a reservation and receiving treatment, but by taking appropriate preparation and care, you can proceed smoothly while minimizing skin problems. Even if it's your first time getting hair removal, knowing this process will allow you to receive treatment with peace of mind.
Things to know before receiving treatment
Preparation before hair removal
The necessity of shaving
Before hair removal treatment, it is necessary to shave the hair in the target area yourself. This is because the laser directly affects the hair roots, and the risk of skin burns increases if the hair is long.
Skincare
Before the treatment, thorough moisturizing and UV protection are performed to prepare the skin condition. Healthy skin recovers quickly after the treatment, reducing the burden of the treatment.
Shaving methods by body part
Hard-to-reach area
Shaving hard-to-reach areas such as the back or bikini line can be done by clinics or salons. Additional charges may apply, so it is necessary to confirm in advance.
Face
Process facial hair with an electric shaver and don't forget to moisturize.
VIO
Long hair is cut with scissors first, then shaved with an electric shaver.
Body (whole body)
I will use an electric shaver on my entire body and shave along the direction of hair growth.
Skincare during hair removal period
Moisturizing
During the hair removal period, it is important to focus on moisturizing, as the skin is prone to dryness. Make sure to take good care of your skin with moisturizing gel or lotion.
Ultraviolet ray protection
Sunburn can prevent hair removal treatment, so make sure to take thorough sunburn precautions before and after treatment.
Points to note on the day of hair removal
Sunscreen and antiperspirant not allowed
On the day of the treatment, please avoid using sunscreen and antiperspirants. These may interfere with the effects of the laser or cause skin problems.
Avoid raising body temperature.
Please avoid vigorous exercise, sauna, alcohol consumption, and other activities that raise body temperature before the treatment. These actions may increase the risk of skin problems.
Vaccination and medication administration
Vaccination should be avoided for 1 week to 10 days before and after the treatment. Also, if you are taking medication, please consult your doctor.
Preparation for visiting the clinic
Makeup
You can come to the clinic on the day of your facial hair removal treatment with makeup on, but you will need to remove it before the treatment. Please be modest with your makeup after the treatment to consider the burden on your skin.
Clothing
Considering the treatment area and skin sensitivity, it is advisable to choose clothing made of materials that are easy to put on and take off and gentle on the skin.
Risks and aftercare of medical hair removal
Medical laser hair removal is popular as part of cosmetic medicine, and many people are seeking its effects. However, this treatment also carries risks and side effects. Therefore, post-treatment care is very important.
Possible side effects of medical hair removal
burn (inflammation)
Medical laser hair removal destroys hair follicle growth tissue with the heat of the laser. After the treatment, there may be slight redness due to irritation, which generally disappears within a few hours to a few days. However, in rare cases, more severe symptoms may occur, which can pose a risk of pigmentation.
Folliculitis
After hair removal, inflammation like acne may occur. This is folliculitis, where bacteria enter the hair follicles and cause inflammation. In many cases, it will heal naturally, but it can leave scars if it worsens.
Keratinization
After hair removal, there have been reports of hair becoming thicker. This is because the hair follicles are activated, leading to the possibility of hair becoming thicker. This phenomenon is said to be particularly common with vellus hair and thin hair.
Comparison of risks between medical hair removal and salon hair removal
Some people may think that medical laser hair removal carries a higher risk compared to salon light hair removal, but that is not necessarily true. Both hair removal methods have similar basic risks. Salon hair removal tends to lead to hair becoming coarser due to its low output.
Preventive measures you can take by yourself
Moisturizing and UV protection
Before and after hair removal, the skin is prone to dryness, so moisturizing is very important. Also, sunburn increases the risk of skin problems, so UV protection is essential. Moisturizing properly can greatly affect the pain when you go for your next hair removal session, so make sure to take good care of your moisturizing routine!
How to choose medical hair removal
Prioritize effectiveness.
Types of hair removal machines
Alexandrite laser, diode laser, and Nd:YAG laser are the three most common types. Each laser has different effects depending on the thickness and color of the hair, as well as the color of the skin, so it is desirable to choose a clinic that offers a laser suitable for your skin type and hair quality.
Irradiation method
Thermolysis provides high hair removal effectiveness, but it may involve pain. On the other hand, heat-based methods have less pain but lower effectiveness.
Check the fee.
Understanding market trends
Know the market price for full body hair removal and compare prices based on that.
Number of sessions until completion of medical hair removal
The recommended number of sessions is 8 to 12 times. Some clinics may offer package plans, so consider the cost performance.
Refer to word of mouth.
Actual experiences
Refer to SNS and Google reviews, and confirm the opinions of people who have actually visited.
Summary
Medical hair removal has become less painful and more affordable due to advancements in technology compared to before. Unlike esthetic hair removal, medical professionals with qualifications use high-powered lasers to destroy hair follicles, ensuring high safety and long-lasting effectiveness. It is important to prepare properly with shaving, moisturizing, and UV protection before treatment, as well as to follow appropriate aftercare. When choosing medical hair removal, it is crucial to check the types of equipment, prices, and actual experiences to find a clinic that suits you. Medical hair removal is chosen for its safety and effectiveness, and with proper care, you can expect ideal results.