People often mistake laser hair removal for being an expensive solution, but in reality it can actually save money over time when compared with shaving and waxing methods that take more time and involve risks than laser removal does.
Additionally, laser hair removal has been proven to be less painful than traditional methods like tweezing and waxing, though a consultation appointment must first take place to assess your skin type and hair growth pattern.
Cost
Laser hair removal costs vary based on where and how much of an area needs treating, with smaller areas like upper lips or armpits typically costing less than larger areas like back or legs. Hair type can also play a significant role, as coarser locks typically take longer to be eliminated from our bodies, requiring multiple laser sessions in total for removal. Therefore, when budgeting for laser hair removal treatments it is essential that coarser locks be taken into consideration as coarser locks will take more sessions to treat effectively.
Professional laser hair removal services are an effective way to ensure the process goes smoothly. In general, your practitioner will first clean the area of skin being treated and apply a cooling device in order to avoid burning. Next, pulses of light will be administered and adjusted as necessary depending on your skin’s reactions; immediately following the procedure you will be provided anti-inflammatory creams or ice packs in order to ease any discomfort caused by treatment.
Laser treatments work by heating up unwanted hairs, damaging their root and preventing future growth. Therefore, multiple sessions at four to six week intervals are often necessary in order to fully benefit from laser hair removal; some people may require annual touch up treatments in order to maintain results.
As part of your preparations for laser hair removal, there are a few key points you should keep in mind prior to scheduling an appointment:- It is recommended that for six weeks prior to treatment you avoid plucking or waxing the area being treated, since laser treatment will target only hair roots not follicles; plucking or waxing could thwart this process.- Additionally, avoid sun exposure before and after your session as prolonged exposure to the sun can make laser less effective as well as cause side effects like blistering or crusting; so when scheduling an appointment it is recommended that both you and sun protection are kept for optimal results.
Remember, laser hair removal treatments typically aren’t covered by insurance; however, certain practitioners offer package deals or flexible payment plans for their services. Furthermore, your flexible spending account could potentially cover these costs as well.
Convenience
Avoiding shaving and waxing altogether can be a lifesaver – especially for sensitive skin that’s easily irritated by depilation or other treatments that remove hair. But keep in mind that laser treatments don’t provide permanent hair-free skin solutions.
After multiple treatments sessions are complete, some areas may still experience occasional unwanted hair growth; however, most unwanted follicles should have entered into a prolonged state of dormancy, meaning when new growth does surface it will be finer and lighter in color than ever before.
Laser hair removal works by blasting the skin with pulses of highly concentrated light that are targeted directly at the pigment in hair follicles, heating up their pigment and damaging them so they cannot produce new hair anymore. How many laser treatments you will require depends on factors like its color and coarseness as well as any hormonal influences present, with optimal treatment lasting six or fewer treatments depending on individual hair coloration patterns and growth cycles.
Always consult a medical practitioner when seeking laser hair removal treatments, since burns, scarring and other side effects could occur if performed by nonmedical practitioners such as spa owners, massage therapists or aestheticians.
Always ensure the laser technician you choose holds a doctorate degree in relevant fields and has considerable experience performing laser treatments on skin of various tones. Ask what type of laser device they will be using on you as well as results they have accomplished using it on other people with your skin type.
Laser treatments are less effective on dark-colored hair or tanned skin, and as such you should shave the area being treated a day prior to your appointment and avoid direct sun exposure until afterward (tanning can reduce effectiveness of laser treatment). You should also apply sunscreen (with at least SPF 30 protection) over treated areas whenever going outdoors to protect from sun damage and slow the return of tanning.
Time
Comparing the costs and time involved with traditional methods such as shaving or waxing to laser hair removal shows its true worth. Shaving often takes hours of shaver use and shaving cream; waxing takes much longer; while laser hair removal offers much easier body hair removal with results lasting much longer than any of these methods.
When choosing to undergo laser hair removal, it’s essential that you work with an experienced practitioner who meets certain standards in training, skill and insurance coverage. A consultation visit provides the perfect opportunity to discuss expectations and determine if laser treatment is truly suitable for you.
Laser hair removal costs depend on factors like your body area, the type of machine used and number of treatments required; according to recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, an average full set of treatment sessions costs an estimated $389.
Before beginning treatment, your skin must be free from sun exposure and other tanning agents. A technician will apply topical anesthetic to numb the area before using a laser to permanently destroy hair follicles in those areas and prevent future growth of new hair follicles.
Dependent upon the area of the body being treated and the type of skin, two to six treatment sessions may be required before reaching optimal results. After treatment sessions have concluded, hair will typically regrowth finer and lighter in color than it was originally.
Other costs related to laser hair removal may include maintenance and repair costs, technician certification training costs and overhead costs of running a medical spa or clinic. It is wise to find a reputable plastic surgeon offering flexible payment plans for laser treatments.
Side Effects
If you’re tired of spending money on razors, depilatory creams and professional wax kits to remove unwanted hair, laser treatments could be the answer for you. Although more costly than shaving or waxing alone, laser treatments provide permanent solutions while saving both time and effort when compared with these traditional processes.
Laser hair removal involves applying pulses of highly concentrated laser light into the skin, where pigment in hair follicles absorbs it and heats up, heating and destroying it, to stop hair growth but not current growth; multiple treatments at four to six week intervals may be required for maximum effectiveness.
Most patients find laser hair removal to be much less painful than either tweezing or waxing, though it may still cause discomfort depending on the area and pain tolerance of each individual patient. Technicians generally apply topical anesthetic prior to beginning treatments in order to reduce discomfort; laser hair removal has been described as feeling like rubber bands snapping against your skin; certain body parts like underarms and bikini lines tend to be particularly sensitive during sessions.
Laser treatment is generally safe, though it’s wise to visit a trained professional who specializes in this procedure. Improper usage could result in burns, blisters, scarring and permanent changes to skin color or texture if conducted improperly; that’s why it’s crucial that dermatologists with extensive experience using laser therapies understand all necessary precautions needed for their particular patients’ skin types and the potential dangers involved with incorrect laser usage.
Some individuals do not believe laser hair removal is worth its cost due to concerns regarding side effects. While laser hair removal may cause redness, swelling, and scabbing in the treated area, these are typically mild and won’t last too long.
Laser hair removal does not cause cancer, but hyperpigmentation may occur as a result of overexposure to sunlight. To minimize your chances of this happening, avoid direct sunlight whenever possible and wear high SPF sunscreen in the weeks leading up to treatment – tanning beds could make your skin less responsive to laser treatment, leading to uneven results.
