Hair growth can be frustrating and inconvenient, and laser hair removal offers a safe and effective solution to permanently eliminate or slow its growth. Ideal for both men and women alike.
Before beginning treatment, be sure to shave the area and refrain from using any sunless skin creams or self-tanners. Shaving will expose pigment hidden deep within hair follicles for efficient treatment.
What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal uses pulses of light energy to destroy the follicles responsible for producing unwanted hair, targeting its pigment. Light energy converted into heat damages or destroys them permanently preventing future hair growth. Although permanent reduction can take multiple sessions for optimal results to occur; regular sessions (usually every four weeks) will keep unwanted hair from returning.
Traditional methods for hair removal like shaving, waxing and creams can be painful, time consuming and costly over time. Laser hair removal offers a faster and more permanent solution with just one or two appointments required to reach full results.
Prior to your laser hair removal appointment, we will evaluate both your skin and hair types to make sure they are appropriate. If they are, then we can proceed with the procedure; typically a topical numbing cream may be applied first to minimise discomfort before the laser beam hits – in addition to wearing protective goggles to shield your eyes from being directly hit by its beam.
Laser hair removal works best on those with light skin and dark hair, since its pigment attracts to these hues. Thanks to advances in laser technology like Diode and ND:YAG lasers, even those with darker skin may achieve great results from this procedure. However, UV rays can significantly diminish its efficacy, so avoid sun exposure for several months prior to your laser hair removal appointment for best results.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal uses laser technology to target and damage hair follicles, stopping them from producing new hair growth while simultaneously thinning existing ones out. As it is an outpatient procedure, there is no downtime after an appointment is finished – though some people experience temporary discomfort upon receiving their laser shot, with sensations similar to being pinged by a pin that often pass quickly by.
If you are contemplating laser hair removal, make sure the provider is registered with a reputable organization that meets set standards of training, skill and insurance coverage to ensure you receive optimal care without complications or surprises.
Prior to your laser hair removal appointment, it is necessary to shave the area where laser hair removal will take place and refrain from waxing or plucking hair in that area for at least six weeks beforehand; otherwise, hair follicles might have changed stages and not respond as effectively to laser treatment.
As soon as your appointment, you may notice some temporary hair shedding in the treated area, which should not be confused with regrowth. To achieve permanent results from laser hair removal treatments, multiple sessions may be necessary depending on your hair type, complexion and number of active follicles at any given time. Treatment sessions should continue every four to six weeks with additional touch up sessions scheduled annually for best results.
At times, some hair may grow back after your last laser treatment, though usually finer and lighter in color. To help ensure lasting results it is essential to use sunscreen with a high SPF rating to protect both yourself and your results.
What Are the Benefits of Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal offers permanent hair reduction. After several treatments, hair follicles should enter a dormant state which prevents new growth while simultaneously decreasing regrowth rates compared to shaving or waxing. Regrowth will occur more gradually over time.
Laser treatments may also reduce skin irritation and ingrown hair risk by being less invasive than waxing or hair removal creams. Another advantage of laser hair removal is no downtime required after each session; therefore, most activities can resume immediately following. However, exercise or direct sun exposure should be avoided for maximum success.
For optimal laser results, it is advisable to refrain from waxing, plucking and bleaching at least 4-6 weeks prior to beginning treatment, since these procedures disrupt hair follicles and interfere with laser treatments’ efficiency.
Notably, laser hair removal should not be undertaken if your complexion contrasts sharply between dark skin and light-colored hair, as this could make it harder for the laser beams to reach their roots. Furthermore, any cuts or wounds on the area where treatment will take place should also be avoided in order to maximize effectiveness of treatment.
Consider waiting until after puberty before opting for laser treatments as your body experiences hormonal shifts that could cause hair regrowth. If unsure, consult a qualified practitioner registered with an appropriate governing body – their credentials should show they adhere to set standards of training, skill, and insurance coverage.
How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost?
Laser hair removal treatments can offer long-term relief from shaving, tweezing and waxing; however, costs associated with them vary from case to case.
One factor is your desired body area to treat; for instance, treating just your chin and eyebrows tends to cost less since they cover such a smaller surface area of skin. Larger areas like arms and legs tend to cost more due to more hair needing removal.
The type of laser you choose also plays an integral part in how much it costs to remove hair. An at-home device may be cheaper, but may not work effectively on all Fitzpatrick skin tone levels; to get optimal results it’s recommended that you visit a physician or plastic surgeon.
Location can also have a substantial effect on the cost of laser hair removal. According to a 2020 American Society of Plastic Surgeons report that details procedure occurrence by region, it’s evident that coastal regions experience more procedures, leading to generally higher prices.
Consider price increases due to inflation when estimating your costs for laser hair removal. It would be wise to consult a licensed provider and find out their current prices for your desired treatment option.
Laser hair removal is considered cosmetic surgery; therefore, private insurers will likely not cover its cost. If it is being used to treat health conditions like gender dysphoria, your insurer may cover part or all of its cost; seek guidance from both your physician and insurance provider on this matter.
Where Can I Get Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is an effective treatment option for eliminating unwanted hair on the face, legs, arms, bikini line and underarms. It’s also popular among those seeking to reduce or get rid of hair in sensitive areas like ears, nose, chest or nipples. Laser hair removal is safe and noninvasive procedure that can be performed on all skin types and colors – it can significantly reduce unwanted hair within just several treatments making it the perfect solution for people tired of shaving, waxing or using depilatory creams for hair removal.
Before receiving laser hair removal, it is crucial that the area being treated be shaved and protected from direct sun light for at least two weeks prior. Tanning beds and self-tanners should also be avoided for at least this amount of time. Following treatment you may experience redness or swelling which should dissipate within hours; if however this persists beyond this point please seek medical advice immediately.
Many doctors recommend undergoing six laser hair removal sessions for optimal results, as laser light works only when hair follicles are in their active growth (anagen) phase; afterwards they enter their resting state of telogen before eventually dissolving from your skin.
Though laser hair removal can be performed using small electronic devices at home, professional treatment is recommended for maximum safety and efficacy. Care should also be taken when following device instructions since improper usage could lead to skin damage and scarring. If interested in laser hair removal treatment, reach out to a dermatologist to understand its advantages.
