Laser hair removal could be the perfect way to limit unwanted hair growth. The treatment works by targeting darker pigments within hair follicles to damage them so they cannot grow new hair, effectively stopping any future growth.
However, results vary between individuals. On average, it takes six to eight treatments before seeing noticeable effects.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
Laser hair removal can be an effective treatment to permanently reduce unwanted hair growth. Although significant results typically take multiple sessions to manifest, as hair has its own growth cycles that the laser must target when targeting active follicles in their active growth phase. The amount of treatments necessary depends on a variety of factors including color and thickness of your hair as well as area being treated and skin tone. It works best with darker locks on lighter skin tones but can still be used on most parts of the body to remove unwanted hair growth.
People typically begin seeing results three to five days post-laser hair removal session due to damaged hair being naturally shed or removed during regular skin cleansing routines. Full results of laser hair removal treatments typically appear two weeks post-treatment.
Laser hair removal involves using a handheld device to deliver pulses of light energy into your skin, heating up pigmentation in hair follicles and destroying them, thus preventing new hair from growing there. A session typically lasts from minutes for small areas such as the chin to an hour for larger ones like legs; depending on your comfort level, providers may apply a numbing cream before beginning treatment.
Once the numbing cream has taken effect, you’re ready to start your laser hair removal treatment. Most patients report painless treatments; however, some experience slight discomfort that feels similar to rubber bands flicking against their skin – this usually occurs on sensitive areas such as underarms. Don’t be alarmed; this is completely normal!
Before your laser hair removal appointment, it is recommended that you refrain from using products which darken skin as well as waxing or plucking the area for four weeks prior to treatment. Furthermore, sunlight exposure increases your risk for complications from laser treatment.
How Many Treatments Do I Need?
Laser hair removal is a long-term treatment solution, replacing shaving or waxing with laser. By eliminating shaving costs over time and ingrown hairs altogether, it also saves money over time and relieves razor bumps and razor cuts from occurring as often. In addition, it prevents further hair growth so is an investment worth making over time.
Laser light pulses can be used to specifically target pigmented hair and damage its follicle, thus preventing new hair growth in its place. Because only hair absorbs its light, no damage occurs elsewhere on your skin surface – it works especially well on darker pigmented hair but can be used on all skin tones.
As part of the procedure, your dermatologist will apply a topical gel to protect the surface of your skin before passing a hand-held device over the area you would like treated. This device has a cooling feature which continuously blasts cold air onto targeted areas – this reduces pain significantly for sensitive skin types.
After applying a hand-held device, a trained technician will use laser therapy to treat unwanted hair. You may experience some brief stinging as the laser penetrates your skin – treatment usually takes from 10 minutes up to one hour in total.
Results from laser treatment may be immediate, though you will most likely need multiple sessions spread out over several weeks in order to reach your desired level of hair reduction. The number of treatments will depend on factors like hormone influences and coarseness of hair follicles; once all necessary treatments have been administered, your hair will grow back less often and appear lighter and finer than ever.
If you’re ready to rid yourself of unwanted hair, contact us for a consultation. We will evaluate your skin tone and hair color before recommending an effective course of treatment that’s right for you. Additionally, we will go over any necessary preparations that must be made prior to beginning treatments – for instance avoiding plucking, shaving or waxing as these activities can disrupt hair follicles which interfere with treatment, as well as blood-thinning medications such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs which might interfere with the treatment being successful.
How Do I Know if I’m a Good Candidate?
Scheduling an initial consultation is the best way to determine your candidacy for laser hair removal. At this appointment, your specialist will explain the procedure – including expected session counts and desired results – as well as possible risks or side effects of treatment.
Before scheduling any treatments, it’s also a good idea to inquire whether the technician offers free patch tests. A patch test will enable you to gauge how your skin reacts to laser heating, while also helping the provider identify areas which might not be safe for treatment.
At your laser treatment appointment, goggles should be worn to limit exposure to light from the laser device. A topical numbing agent can be applied prior to your session in order to help minimize discomfort, while its cooling device provides relief during your appointment. Sessions usually last anywhere between several minutes and an hour, depending on which area and amount of hair being removed. If any discomfort or anxiety arises prior to scheduling an appointment with your provider. If necessary, take an oral painkiller beforehand as this could help significantly.
Laser hair removal can be an ideal alternative to regular shaving or waxing for people who are frustrated with having to spend so much time maintaining their bodies with these habits. While safe for most skin tones and hair colors, dark, thick hair seems to respond best due to contrast between their skin color and hair color; lighter skinned patients might need to visit more frequently because the laser won’t target their follicles effectively.
Pine Belt Dermatology uses the Candela Gentle laser, known for its comfort and efficiency. Its Dynamic Cooling system soothes your skin to alleviate any discomfort while its rapid treatment speed ensures large areas can be covered quickly.
How Do I Know if I’m a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a relatively new solution for permanently eliminating unwanted body hair. This procedure utilizes a highly focused beam of light to target pigment (melanin) in individual follicles and damage their ability to grow hair in future cycles, thus inhibiting them and making treatment highly effective on larger areas such as back and legs.
To determine whether laser hair removal is right for you, it is advisable to visit a nearby clinic and arrange a consultation session with one of their technicians. Ask some pertinent questions such as these to the technician:
Will There Be Side Effects from Laser Hair Removal? The two most frequently reported side effects from laser hair removal are redness and itching, both of which usually subside within 48 hours post appointment and should not cause lasting discomfort. If any other adverse reactions arise, be sure to notify your practitioner so they are fully informed of your medical history so they can ensure optimal results while providing advice for mitigating discomfort later on.
Apart from side effects, it’s also essential to assess if laser hair treatment would be suitable for you based on your skin type. In general, those with dark hair and light complexions make ideal candidates, as this allows the laser to concentrate solely on each follicle without having to compete with melanin present in their skin follicle. As such, individuals with blonde, red or gray locks may not see such positive results from treatment.
Before and after laser treatments, it is wise to avoid shaving and tweezing as these activities may impair the laser’s ability to target each hair follicle accurately. Furthermore, sun exposure increases your risk for complications like blisters or skin crusting; exposure should also be limited before and after laser sessions for best results.
Budget should also be discussed with your technician as this can have an effect on how many sessions will be necessary. While insurance may not cover this treatment, you could ask the specialist if there are payment plans or other financial solutions that might help meet your goals.
