Laser treatment typically utilizes a laser beam focused directly onto the area that needs treating, while an analgesic gel may be applied beforehand for comfort during treatment.
Protective eyewear must be worn to safeguard against potential eye damage from laser beams.
Contrary to shaving, waxing, and tweezing, laser hair removal works differently by targeting individual hair follicles that cause unwanted growth. While multiple sessions may be required to eliminate stubble and stop future regrowth of stubble hairs, their effects are permanent and lasting.
Time Between Treatments
Laser hair removal is an FDA-approved treatment for eliminating unwanted body and facial hair. A laser beam passes through the skin, targeting only the pigment of hair follicles to achieve stubble-free skin. It’s safe and fast; typically used on armpits, bikini area, legs, back face or anywhere else on the body including armpits bikini area bikini area legs back face without ongoing maintenance required to achieve smooth stubble free appearances like shaving waxing tweezing or plucking.
Different factors can impact how quickly laser hair removal results become evident, including your skin tone, thickness of hair and rate of growth. On average, those with light skin and dark hair can expect results after six-8 sessions; those with lighter skin but darker hair could require up to ten sessions before reaching their desired aesthetic.
At DermaNuva, we offer free consultations with one of our expert laser technicians who will assess both skin and hair color before providing recommendations as to the number of treatment sessions necessary. Should additional consultation be necessary with one of our board-certified dermatologists to review and make any adjustments as required, these sessions are also provided free of charge.
Before your first laser hair removal session, it is recommended that you refrain from shaving the area being treated. Shaving can prompt new hair growth that could potentially reduce results. In addition to shaving, waxing or plucking should be avoided since these methods remove both hair follicles along with their associated roots – leaving nothing for us to target with laser. Shave between treatments; just wait at least a few days prior to each new appointment in case any regrowth takes place again.
At each treatment session, your technician will apply topical anesthetics to help alleviate any discomfort you might feel during the procedure. Sessions typically last minutes or an hour and a half. It is advised to avoid direct sunlight after having undergone therapy as well as tanning beds afterward.
Results
Laser hair removal is a permanent hair reduction treatment with results varying depending on which part of the body is treated, though most can expect significant hair reduction after just a few sessions – meaning no more shaving, waxing, or using depilatory creams – making this a life-changing treatment option for many men and women alike.
Laser hair removal sessions vary between people, with results typically taking six to ten appointments on average to notice significant improvements. During treatment, pulses of energy from the laser target the pigment of your hair to damage it permanently – leaving no chance for future regrowth! After treatments your skin may become red or irritated due to this procedure – however this should quickly subside after several days following an appointment.
Laser hair removal takes longer to work when treating very light or dark colored hair; this is because hair color affects how effectively the laser can treat follicles. Still, most people who have dark or light colored locks still reap its rewards.
Hair may reappear following laser hair removal; however, regrowth is unlikely. When it does reappear, however, it often appears lighter-colored and thinner due to difficulty targeting and eliminating thinner or lighter follicles with laser light treatments.
Most often, laser treatments damage hair follicles enough that they cannot regrow again, although occasionally one or two hairs will reemerge in an area treated before. Some individuals need touchup sessions frequently while others can go years without needing additional ones for hair removal.
Preparation
laser hair removal may seem effortless, but there are certain steps you should take in order to have a positive experience. Shaving should take place two to three days prior to an appointment so your aesthetician can quickly identify pigmented hairs without wasting energy on non-pigmented ones. Furthermore, it is best to refrain from waxing and plucking in order to avoid ingrown hairs that could arise between treatments.
Your aesthetician may suggest taking a topical anesthetic prior to laser hair removal treatments in order to reduce any discomfort during your sessions. Tanning may affect how the laser responds, so avoid tanning in the weeks prior. Also discuss any medications or supplements you are taking that might increase sensitivity for optimal results during treatment with them as they could increase sensitivity significantly.
Before beginning laser hair removal sessions, it is wise to thoroughly cleanse the area to be treated using soap and water, before applying an anti-inflammatory cream that will reduce any redness or swelling that might result from laser treatment.
Once you are ready to get started, your laser technician will use a handheld machine equipped with a protective cover over the area being treated and use laser light pulses to target hair follicles – killing them off and preventing future hair growth. Depending on the size and scope of the area being treated, this could take just minutes or up to an hour; you might notice a mild stinging sensation as they move over your skin; others say they feel like tiny rubber bands snapping against it!
After your treatment, it’s advisable to stay out of direct sunlight for at least a few days and apply a cool compress if any discomfort arises. Scabbing may occur, which is normal; moisturizing skin with moisturizer may help.
Side Effects
Laser hair removal utilizes energy to destroy the growth sites of unwanted body hair, eventually stopping production altogether. On average, six to eight treatment sessions should suffice, scheduled at four- or six-week intervals, to remove most of your extra follicles; however, your exact number of sessions may depend on factors like skin type and hair color as well as treatment plan design as well as pre- and post-treatment care requirements.
Most patients find the laser procedure relatively pain-free. Some describe its sensation as being likened to warm pinpricks or light rubber band snaps against their skin; nonetheless, most find it considerably less uncomfortable than waxing or shaving. A topic anesthetic can be applied prior to sessions if discomfort arises, and you’ll wear protective eyewear during laser sessions to shield your eyes from being exposed to laser light emitted by machines.
Before receiving laser hair removal treatments, it’s essential that you refrain from plucking, waxing and electrolysis for six weeks as this can displace hair follicles that interfere with the procedure. Furthermore, try to limit sun exposure as too much light makes it harder for lasers to target specific hair follicles successfully.
After receiving laser hair removal treatment, you may experience redness and swelling around the treatment area, similar to sunburn. To help alleviate these effects, apply cold compresses or baths regularly while moisturizing regularly to the treatment area.
Sometimes more serious side effects occur, including changes to the color of treated skin (darkening or lightening), cold sore outbreaks, blistering, scarring and infections; but such complications should be rare when handled by an experienced board-certified dermatologist.
Pregnant women should avoid laser hair removal because no studies have been conducted to ascertain its safety for pregnant mothers and birth control pill users. Women taking birth control pills should also refrain from this procedure since it could interfere with hormone balance. If you’re struggling with excess hair, laser hair removal could help you feel more confident about yourself while cutting maintenance costs.
