Laser hair removal is typically considered cosmetic surgery and therefore not covered by private insurance plans; however, if needed to treat a medical condition it may be approved by your provider.
Your search for relief from painful waxing, shaving and plucking ends now! With just a few short treatments you will enjoy smooth skin that remains hair free for months!
How Does It Work?
Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that utilizes light energy to permanently eliminate unwanted body hair. Laser light penetrates your hair’s pigment (melanin) and converts it to heat energy, damaging tube-shaped sacs that produce it and stopping further hair growth.
Home machines that claim to do the same job shouldn’t replace seeing a board-certified dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon, or choosing a medical spa with physicians, nurse practitioners or physician assistants to perform laser treatments. Home devices don’t undergo rigorous testing like medical-grade laser devices do so they might not be as safe and effective.
At your treatment session, protective eyewear will be given to shield the eyes and skin from potential harm. A topical anesthetic or cooling gel may also be available to ease any discomfort you might feel during this procedure.
A specialist will use a handheld device to move over the area where unwanted hair exists, using laser light pulses that feel similar to rubber band snapping against your skin, but do not cause more discomfort than shaving or waxing.
After receiving laser hair removal treatment in Santa Barbara, some hair may begin to shed immediately following treatment; however, most will continue shedding for several days to weeks post-treatment. Because hair grows in cycles and laser treatments work best when hair follicles are in their new growth phase, repeat treatments usually need to occur between 6-8 non-invasive sessions for full effectiveness of Santa Barbara laser hair removal.
Though FDA-approved to treat all skin types, the ND:Yag laser is most effective on dark and coarse hairs due to their color and texture creating contrast against surrounding skin. Blond, red or gray hairs prove less successful for treatment.
Laser hair removal may cause side effects, including temporary irritation, mild swelling and possibly a change in pigment for darker-skinned patients. You should protect yourself from sun exposure by wearing broad spectrum sunscreens with at least an SPF 30 rating to help avoid discoloration of the skin.
What Are the Side Effects?
Laser light targeted at hair follicles causes them to damage and stop producing new hair growth, while it may also damage surrounding cells, usually limited to redness and swelling. Some individuals may experience a slight burning sensation which can be alleviated using cooling gel. Following laser treatments it is important to avoid direct sun exposure as exposure can cause burns or increase pigmentation of treated areas; also remembering to moisturize after healing is complete, not picking crusted areas as this could expose new skin that needs time to recover and lead to bleeding or scabbing if new skin comes exposed as new cells may expose new layers that need time to recover fully before further treatments can take place.
Before your laser treatment begins, it is essential that the area be cleansed thoroughly of any makeup or deodorant products on the skin, including moisturizers, oils and creams that could prevent laser beams from reaching hair follicles. In addition, caffeine or alcohol-containing products should be avoided as these may increase sensitivity to heat from laser light treatments.
As part of your treatment, goggles will be provided to protect your eyes from the laser beam. Following that, a technician will clean and shave any necessary areas before applying a cooling gel and topical anesthetic (especially if this treatment is to take place near a sensitive bikini line area) which many have likened to rubber band snapping against their skin. Most patients report feeling discomfort similar to that caused by rubber band snapping against skin surface.
Your treatments will cause hairs in the treated areas to slowly fall out over a few days to weeks, although most people won’t see any new growth until months or years have gone by. When hair does regrow, it will typically be finer and lighter colored than before – often needing two to six treatments for long term results.
Laser hair removal is generally considered cosmetic treatment and therefore most private insurance providers won’t cover its cost. In certain instances, however, it could be considered medically necessary due to a health condition like hyperhidrosis or gender dysphoria; consult your doctor and an insurance provider before considering such a procedure.
How Long Will It Take?
Each laser hair removal session usually lasts less than an hour, with smaller areas like the upper lip often only needing treatment for several minutes at a time. This is made possible thanks to the Elite PLUS laser’s ability to target pigmented follicles without damaging surrounding skin and its cooling system that makes treatments more comfortable; pain levels during treatment vary between individuals; most find laser hair removal less painful than waxing or shaving.
Laser treatments work by carefully targeting melanin (pigmentation) in your hair follicles with laser energy, targeting melanin pigmentation. Dark hair is necessary in order to qualify for laser treatments; otherwise, laser energy won’t have an impact on lighter follicles like peach fuzz found on certain parts of your body or gray strands without pigmentation at all.
As your body naturally sheds and regrows its hair follicles, laser treatments can only permanently reduce unwanted hair when they capture an active growth phase of these follicles. Therefore, multiple laser hair removal sessions will likely be needed for permanent results; you should plan to undergo six-8 treatments spaced six-8 weeks apart for optimum results.
After you complete your treatment, you should notice that your hair has significantly diminished and is growing back much finer and thinner. Though hair will continue to appear where it once did, its thickness will be considerably lighter compared to before.
Laser hair removal may not be considered permanent treatment, but it’s the most efficient and fastest way to reduce unwanted body hair. Touch up appointments should be scheduled every six to eight months for maximum effectiveness.
Are you tired of spending hours shaving, plucking and waxing away unwanted hairs? Contact Evolutions Medical & Day Spa in Santa Barbara to discover laser hair removal! You can rest easy knowing we will use state-of-the-art technology to successfully eradicate unwanted hair and improve the look of your skin!
What Are the Costs?
If you’re fed up with razor nicks, red bumps, and skin irritation associated with shaving, waxing, or plucking hair from your body, consider laser hair removal as a permanent hair removal solution. Laser is currently the most efficient treatment to eliminate body hair while simultaneously decreasing ingrown hairs and itching caused by unwanted stubble – plus its upkeep requirements are lower than alternatives such as shaving.
Laser hair removal treatments typically require four to six sessions for noticeable and lasting results, followed by periodic maintenance sessions at which costs vary based on both your treatment area and skin type.
Laser hair removal may initially cost more than traditional shaving, but in the long run you’ll save money as it obviates the need for expensive shaving products and regular waxing sessions necessary with other hair removal methods.
Laser Hair Removal offers an alternative to waxing in which no particular length is necessary before beginning treatment sessions. Instead, laser light penetrates skin to permanently eliminate all unwanted hair regardless of its length – be it centimeters long or inches. Once hair grows back after being eliminated by laser, it will likely be darker and finer – eliminating ingrown hair concerns altogether!
Laser hair removal is safe and long-term effective; however, sun exposure should be limited before and after treatment as damage from sunlight could reduce effectiveness of treatment.
While laser hair removal treatments may cause mild discomfort for some individuals, most find the sensation mild and tolerable. Anesthesia usually isn’t necessary but creams and ice packs may help reduce levels of discomfort. Discuss your options with your dermatologist regarding ways to make this experience as relaxing as possible.
Are you ready to rid yourself of unsightly stubble? Keller Plastic Surgery provides laser hair removal treatments customized specifically to your skin type and desired body area, led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gregory S. Keller – serving Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and nearby communities of Southern California – Call now and arrange your free consultation!
