Laser hair removal is the easy, noninvasive solution to unwanted body hair. It can reduce or even replace razoring and waxing for large areas like back, legs and arms; smaller areas like chin or upper lip treatment can often be completed within minutes.
Cost
Laser hair removal is generally regarded as a safe and effective cosmetic treatment, yet its costs must first be considered before moving forward with any plans to have the procedure done. Since most medical insurance plans don’t cover it, you will need another way of paying for the procedure; plastic surgeons offer patient payment plans or financing solutions which could make the treatment more affordable, while others allow medical credit cards or loans as funding methods for laser hair removal procedures.
Cost of laser hair removal will depend on several factors, including your location, doctor and type of procedure you select. A good starting point should be to shop around for the most competitive price while taking note of their reputation; an established plastic surgeon will have an outstanding standing among their peers and will be well-respected by the community.
When considering laser hair removal prices, it’s essential to keep in mind that treatments will require multiple sessions. On average, three to six are usually necessary before seeing results; cost will also depend on your hair color and skin shade – dull hair on light skin responds best to laser technology so will likely require fewer sessions than someone with darker locks and skin to reach optimal results.
Laser treatment of unwanted hair removal differs significantly from other forms of removal methods such as shaving, waxing and plucking in that it is non-invasive and painless – much like when rubber bands snap against skin; many even enjoy the sensation! While laser hair removal will produce effective results that last, keep in mind they won’t last forever; your hair may return, although more thinly than before.
As opposed to other hair removal treatments, laser treatment can save money over time. Women are estimated to spend over $23,000 annually on waxing and other hair removal treatments such as laser hair removal – this treatment could cut that spending significantly while providing you with more attractive and confident appearances.
Time
Laser hair removal can be an efficient and safe solution to unwanted body hair removal, offering fast results across most skin types and hair colors. In some instances, multiple treatments may be required before reaching their desired outcome.
At your initial consultation, a laser technician will evaluate your skin tone and density to ascertain if this cosmetic procedure is right for you. A topical anesthetic will then be applied before custom-tuning laser equipment according to both skin type and hair color.
Most patients find the experience minimally uncomfortable; however, some may experience slight pain during the initial sessions. Once adjusted to it though, most will quickly adjust and enjoy their treatments! For smaller areas like chin and ears it may only take minutes while larger ones such as back or legs may take an hour to treat.
Once your treatment has concluded, you may experience red and irritated skin. Apply cold packs directly to the treated area to minimize inflammation and ensure quick healing. Furthermore, for 4 – 6 weeks post treatment avoid sun exposure as well as waxing/plucking in that area to avoid further irritation.
Laser hair removal may seem permanent, but in time the hair will grow back more finer and less noticeable than before. Sometimes even within one or more treated areas hair never fully returns but remains significantly diminished.
Before choosing a provider, it is important to conduct thorough research into their practice or clinic, making sure it is licensed and reputable. Selecting an experienced plastic surgeon, dermatologist or laser hair removal center with excellent service reputation will guarantee consistent and long-lasting results. However, also keep costs and travel considerations in mind as this decision. A more expensive provider might provide better service but could pose greater risk due to potential malpractice claims.
During Treatment
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective solution for eliminating unwanted body hair. The procedure can be performed on any skin type and hair color; however, results are usually best achieved in those with blonde or white locks; multiple sessions will likely be necessary in these instances.
Before your laser hair removal session begins, your dermatologist will first clean the area to be treated and apply topical anesthetic, as needed. Next, the laser will be activated and pulses of light will be delivered directly into the target area – remaining still during this process may be uncomfortable, although many compare its sensation to that of rubber bands snapping against skin.
Before undergoing laser hair removal treatments, it’s essential that the areas being treated do not receive waxing or tweezing and they stay out of direct sunlight as the laser needs to detect melanin in their hair shafts in order to effectively eliminate hair growth.
Redness and irritation are among the most frequently experienced side effects of laser hair removal, but can often be reduced with application of ice directly onto the treatment area or applying hydrating moisturizer to ease symptoms. You may notice some hair regrowth following treatment; this should not alarm you as this simply signals hair follicles which had previously been inactive becoming active again after time has passed.
Select a qualified and licensed technician when it comes to laser hair removal. A poorly trained technician could cause irreparable harm to your skin with incorrect techniques, leading to burns, hyper/hypopigmentation, scarring or scar tissue formation.
Your first four to six treatments of laser hair removal should produce significant results, with treatment duration depending on your hair’s color, texture, and skin tone. After these sessions are complete, there will be no need to shave, wax, or tweeze the area again.
After Treatment
After your laser hair removal treatment, it is imperative that you protect the treated area of skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 or higher. Your cosmetic provider should advise you about what regimen will best suit your skin type – follow their advice closely! Additionally, use topical ointment or anti-inflammatory cream as directed after procedure as well. It may feel sunburnt afterward; please wait for this sensation to dissipate before continuing.
At least 24 hours prior to any laser treatment, it is advisable to shave all areas where laser energy will be applied. Shaving will remove any hair above the surface that might absorb laser energy and heat up, leading to burns or hyperpigmentation. Any other techniques for hair removal like plucking, waxing or skin bleaching cream use should also be avoided, as they could disturb pigment in hair follicles that absorb laser energy, diminishing its efficacy.
After treatment, the treated area will appear red and swollen – this is perfectly normal and indicates that your skin has responded positively. You can relieve this discomfort with cold compresses or light moisturizer; avoid hot water as this could burn or blister your skin.
After your initial treatment, you can expect to notice a significant reduction in hair growth within one week; any that does reappear will likely be finer and lighter in color. Multiple sessions spaced four to six weeks apart may be required for optimal results; your cosmetic specialist may suggest ongoing treatments annually as part of a maintenance regimen once your initial series of treatments has concluded.
Most individuals who undergo laser hair removal experience long-term benefits. While stray hairs can reappear, their growth typically happens more slowly compared to when not treated at all. Some patients never require maintenance treatments while others need periodic touch ups after several years. Although cosmetic treatments aren’t covered by health insurance plans, providers typically offer package deals and payment plans that help manage costs associated with treatment plans.
