Thinking about laser hair removal in Korea? Start by comparing the clinic, treatment plan and full cost, rather than choosing on price alone.
Laser treatment can reduce unwanted hair over time. Results vary, and follow-up sessions may be needed. A consultation should cover your skin tone, hair colour and the area you want treated.
This guide explains the procedure, preparation and recovery. You can also explore our treatment options in Korea or request a free consultation to discuss your plans.
Basic anatomy of hair follicles
Hair has a basic and simple structure, yet it has crucial roles in social functioning. A tough protein called keratin makes up the hair. Hair follicles anchor and hold each hair strand into the skin. The hair follicle’s base is called the hair bulb. Living cells that actively divide and grow build the hair shaft inside the hair bulb. Cells within the hair bulb are nourished by blood vessels. Furthermore, hormones that modify hair growth and structure at different times of life are also provided by blood vessels.
Hair growth occurs in cycles consisting of three phases:
Growth phase: Most hair is growing at any given time. Each strand spends several years in this phase.
Transitional phase: Over a few weeks, hair growth slows, and the hair follicle shrinks.
Resting phase: Over months, hair growth stops, and the old hair detaches from the hair follicle. A new hair begins the growth phase, pushing the old hair out.
Hair growth is different for every person. However, the average rate is around one-half inch per month. Pigment cells that produce melanin determine your hair color. As you age, the pigment cells containing melanin die, thus turning your hair white.
What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal uses light to heat pigment in hair and damage the follicle, slowing growth. It usually takes several appointments. Results and maintenance needs vary by person.
Why is it done?
People consider laser treatment to reduce unwanted hair on areas such as the legs, underarms or face. A clinician should check whether the treatment is suitable for the area and your skin.
How does laser hair removal work?
Hair removal in korea is permanent when the hair follicle is destroyed. Laser hair removal utilizes focused light or laser to target the pigment in the individual hair strands. It is this light that goes down the hair shaft and straight into the hair follicle.
Thermal energy in the form of heat from the laser either destroys or damages the hair follicle. When the hair follicle is destroyed, hair can no longer grow from it. However, when it is only damaged, there may still be a chance that hair can even grow from it.
Hair has a one of a kind growth cycle that involves periods of resting, shedding, and growing. If a hair strand is removed during the resting phase, it will not be visible to the technician or laser. Therefore, the person may need to wait until it regrows before removing it.
For many people, laser hair removal is a technique that requires multiple treatments for a span of two to three months.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
Hair removal in korea is permanent only in a destroyed hair follicle. However, in hair follicles that are only damaged, people can expect that some hair in the treatment to grow back.
During the course of several treatments, it is entirely possible to treat the area where the hair has grown back. Also, it can reduce the number of hairs that regrow. In some cases, hair is eliminated.
Hair regrowth is highly dependent on several factors, such as hair that continues to grow and the prowess of the person removing the hair.
Many individuals who have undergone laser hair removal notice that despite hair regrowing, it is lighter and less noticeable than before. That is because the hair follicle is damaged but not destroyed.
If a hair follicle is only damaged but not destroyed, the hair may eventually grow back. It can be challenging to destroy all hair follicles so that most individuals can see some hair regrowth.
When your hair is still coming back, the key to this is several treatments so that you can remove all the hair that you want.
How long does laser hair removal last?
Laser hair removal is generally a long-term solution to hair growth; however, if the hair follicle is destroyed, the effects are permanent. When the follicle is only damaged, the hair may regrow.
The time that it takes for the hair to grow back is highly dependent on each patient’s unique hair growth cycle. Some patients may find that their hair grows back faster than others, vice versa. Hair that is in its resting phase grows slower than if it is in another phase.
Most people can expect some hairs to grow back within a couple of months. Once this occurs, they could always go for more treatments.
Does skin or hair color make a difference
Skin tone and hair colour affect laser choice and results. Dark hair usually responds better than white, grey, red or blonde hair. Darker skin needs careful device selection and settings.
Ask a qualified clinician about experience treating your skin tone. See Mayo Clinic’s laser hair removal overview for suitability and risks.
What are the benefits of laser hair removal?
Laser treatment may reduce the need for frequent shaving. The amount of hair reduction and number of visits vary. It does not guarantee permanent removal of every hair, and side effects are possible.
How do you prepare for laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal though noninvasive in nature is not as simple as the mere zapping of hair follicles. It is still a medical procedure that needs preparation and proper medical advice from a healthcare professional. Before getting laser hair removal, you should thoroughly check the credentials of the one who is going to perform laser hair removal.
If you eventually decide to undergo laser hair removal, you should avoid plucking, waxing, and hair electrolysis for six weeks before the treatment. That is because the hair roots which are targeted by the hair laser are removed temporarily by plucking or waxing.
Also, minimizing sun exposure for six weeks before and after treatment is a must. Sun exposure can hamper the effectiveness of the procedure and could lead to problems in the procedure.
What should you expect during the procedure?
Before the procedure begins, your hair in the treatment area will be trimmed to a few millimeters in height above the skin’s surface. A topical anesthetic will be applied 20 to 30 minutes before the procedure to prevent any discomfort during the procedure. The laser equipment will then be adjusted according to your skin color, hair color, hair thickness, and hair location of the hair treated.
During the procedure, you and the doctor or technician will need to wear appropriate eye protection. Also, the outer layers of your skin will need to be protected with a cold gel or a particular cooling device. It will help the laser penetrate the skin more.
Then, the doctor or technician performing the procedure will commence the procedure by giving a pulse of light to the treatment area and observe the area for several minutes to make sure the best settings were used in the procedure.
When all is done, ice packs, anti-inflammatory creams or lotions, or cold water will be given to ease any discomfort. Your next treatment may happen four to six weeks later. You will get treatments until your hair follicle is eventually destroyed and stops growing.
How long is the recovery time?
Most people return to everyday activities after laser hair removal. Redness, swelling or discomfort can last a few days. Follow your dermatologist’s aftercare instructions and protect treated skin from the sun.
The gap between treatment sessions is not the same as recovery time. Read the American Academy of Dermatology’s laser hair removal FAQs for more on downtime and side effects.
What is the average price of laser hair removal in Korea?
Ask the clinic for a written quote for your treatment area and planned number of sessions. Check whether the price covers one visit or a package, and ask about consultation fees, tax and follow-up appointments.
Before paying for a package, ask who will perform the treatment, which device they will use and what happens if you need to change your plans. If you are visiting Korea, check whether the proposed schedule fits your trip.
For help planning your visit, request a consultation. Confirm the final price and treatment plan directly with the clinic.
What is the outlook of laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal significantly reduces the amount of body hair the person has. In most people, a small amount of hair can grow back over time.
Even when hair grows back, there will be less hair overall, thus giving a smoother appearance. To get a more in-depth understanding of laser hair removal, try to talk over your treatment goals with your doctor.
FAQs
Conclusion
Choose a clinic that explains the treatment clearly and gives you time to ask questions. Before booking, confirm the full price, appointment schedule and aftercare contact.
Ready to plan your visit? Contact Clinic Search Korea for a free consultation or browse our treatment guide.