Laser hair removal uses a low-energy laser to gently remove unwanted hair. This advanced technology can deliver long-lasting results in hair reduction. Laser treatments are safe, fast, gentle, and effective, and can be used on almost any area of the body where smoother, younger, hair-free skin is desired.
How Many Laser Hair Removal Treatment Sessions Are Needed?
The number of treatments needed will depend on several factors. Hair density, your ethnicity, your hair growth cycle, thickness, color, and location will all determine the number of treatments needed to achieve the desired reduction.
The laser slows the growing capacity of hair follicles in the growth cycle at the time of the treatment. Since some hair follicles may enter their growth cycle after your treatment, multiple treatments may be required to deliver optimal results.
Laser Hair Removal Preparation
If you want to have laser hair removal, you should avoid waxing or plucking for at least six weeks before the procedure. This is because the laser focuses on the hair roots, which are removed during waxing and plucking. Shaving instead leaves the root intact. Sun exposure should be avoided for six weeks before and after a laser hair removal treatment. This is necessary to prevent damage to the skin.
Your medical history will be checked before laser hair removal, including medication use, any history of skin diseases or scars, and previous hair-removal procedures. The consultation will also cover potential complications, benefits, and expectations, as well as whether laser hair removal is right for you.
The Treatment Session
Your hair that will be treated will be clipped to a few millimeters above the skin surface just before the laser hair removal procedure. To help alleviate the sting of the laser pulses, a topical numbing cream is usually administered 20–30 minutes prior to the laser process.
The laser equipment used during laser hair removal will be calibrated based on the color, thickness, and location of the hair you are having removed, as well as the color of your skin. When the doctor activates the device’s handpiece during the laser hair removal procedure, the laser beam will penetrate through the skin to the hair follicles. The intense heat from the laser beam damages the hair follicles, halting hair growth. A warm pinprick may be felt, causing minor discomfort, and the cooling device’s chilling sensation may be felt as well.
Laser Hair Removal Aftercare
You may experience redness and swelling for the first few hours after laser hair removal. To ease any discomfort, apply cold packs to the affected area. If you have a skin reaction after laser hair removal, your doctor may treat the afflicted area with steroid cream.
After laser hair removal and in between sessions, avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for 6 weeks, or depending on the instruction of your doctor. Daily application of sunscreen is also advised.
Results of Laser Hair Removal
The outcomes are highly variable and difficult to anticipate after laser hair removal. Laser hair removal is long-lasting, but the treatment does not ensure permanent hair removal. Nevertheless, when hair regrows, it is usually finer and lighter in color than it was before. Maintenance treatments may be required for long-term hair eradication.
Contact Us to Learn More
Contact our offices in Tinley Park and Palos Heights to schedule your consultation.
Here at Dermatology Associates, we perform a great deal of laser hair removal procedures and are constantly trying to improve both our in-house technology and our reputation as Tinley Park’s premier laser hair removal specialists. To that end, we have recently added the talented aesthetician Alexis Fischl to our team; Alexis specializes in laser hair removal and comes with a great deal of experience and knowledge. Additionally, we have also added new laser technology to our suite of aesthetic equipment – visit us today to check it out!
