Shaving, waxing, plucking…they all have one thing in common; they are all tedious! You will spend numerous hours tending to one area or another, trying to remove, shape and trim all the unwanted hair on your body. There is a time-saving and sanity-saving solution. Laser hair removal is a process that completely eliminates hair on your face and body, leaving you with nothing but soft, smooth skin. To help you understand if this procedure is what you have been looking for, we have compiled a list of a few frequently asked questions about laser hair removal and given you all the answers in one easy to find, convenient place. Take a look to see if laser hair removal is right for you!
What can I expect during the procedure? The laser will heat the hair follicles and the pigments in the hair absorbs the light which causes the hair to be destroyed. You will need to wear protective eye gear during the procedure, and depending on the area being treated, your session could last a few minutes or up to an hour.
When will I see results? Results are noticeable almost immediately after your procedure. The results can last several months to even years depending on the person. When the hair grows back, it will be thinner, finer and less noticeable.
Will I need to have additional treatments? It will take a few treatments to fully remove all of your unwanted hair, with most patients reaching their maximum hair loss after an average of 3 to 7 sessions. For optimal results, it is best to wait 4 to 6 weeks between treatments.
What are the side effects? Side effects are minor and only last about 1 to 3 days and include swelling, mild discomfort and mild redness that will resemble a sunburn. Although uncommon, it is possible to have severe side effects including burning/blistering of the skin, infections, scarring and lightening or darkening of the skin. These issues are rare and can be greatly reduced by making sure your laser hair treatment is performed by a licensed professional with significant experience.
What instructions will I receive after treatment: Your doctor will give you detailed instructions to follow after your treatment. For the best results, it is critical that you follow these recommendations which will include:
How should I prepare for laser hair removal? Prior to your appointment, you should stop plucking, waxing or doing anything that will remove the root. You should also avoid too much sun exposure before and after the procedure. Do both of these things for at least 6 weeks before your treatment.
What areas of the body can I treat? You can receive laser hair removal treatments on any of these areas:
Is laser hair removal just for women? This is a big NO! Many men turn to laser hair removal so they can eliminate the need to shave their face every day and to eliminate back and chest hair for a sleek, polished look.
What about recovery time? There is no downtime associated with laser hair removal and you should be able to return to your normal activities as soon as your session is over.
Laser hair removal should be performed by a licensed doctor or a licensed cosmetic esthetician. These professionals have been specifically trained to use the laser in a safe and effective way so that the risks of harmful side effects will be greatly decreased. Our office is staffed with highly trained estheticians who are dedicated to patient satisfaction and safety. You can contact our office today to schedule an appointment for laser hair removal or for a consultation to learn more about the procedure.