Laser hair removal is one of the most frequently requested cosmetic treatments. This highly advanced hair removal method is so popular because it is safe, effective, and comfortable. Additionally, the results are long-lasting. Today, our experts at Laser Aesthetics Body and Wellness in Cordova, TN are answering some of the most frequently asked questions we get about laser therapy for unwanted hair removal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Hair Removal Answered
How Long Do the Results of This Treatment Last?
As previously mentioned, laser hair removal provides long-lasting results. Several factors affect exactly how long the results of your unwanted hair removal treatment will last. Some people enjoy results that last a lifetime.
However, your hormones may shift in the future in such a way that unwanted hair growth occurs. Irrespective of how long your results will last, you can feel confident it will be years before you need to wax, shave, tweeze, or use a depilatory cream to keep your skin smooth and hair-free.
Is This Treatment Safe?
Yes, this treatment is completely safe. In fact, laser therapy was granted FDA approval for hair removal in 1997. Regardless of your hair color, skin tone, or skin type, no harm will come to your skin during laser therapy for hair removal. The only part of your body affected by the laser energy is the hair follicles in the treatment area that are in the active phase of the growth cycle.
Additionally, your eyes will be completely safe during your treatment session. Regardless of whether you are having unwanted hair removed from your upper lip, underarms, or somewhere else, you will be provided with eye protection that was specifically designed to protect the eyes from laser light. You don’t have to worry about your eyes hurting, and your vision will not be affected in any way.
Is This Treatment Effective?
Yes, laser therapy is a highly effective hair removal method. Each session removes approximately 15 to 30% of the hair in the treated area. As we mentioned, the laser does not affect your skin because it only targets hair follicles in the active phase of the hair growth cycle.
Unfortunately, several sessions are required to achieve ideal results because only some of the hair follicles in an area of concern are in the active phase of the hair growth cycle at any given time. How many sessions you need to achieve your desired results depends on several factors. However, most people only need between six and 10 sessions to achieve their desired results.
Where Can This Treatment Be Used?
This treatment can be used virtually anywhere. Men most commonly use this treatment to remove unwanted hair from their chest, back, and abdomen. On the other hand, women most commonly use this treatment to remove unwanted hair from their bikini line and Brazilian area, chin, upper lip, arms, legs, and underarms.
How Long Does a Treatment Session Take?
During your initial consultation, we can advise you on how long you should expect your treatment session to take. If you’re treating a small region of your body, such as your chin, the laser therapy portion of your session may only take five minutes. However, the entire process may take 15 to 20 minutes if you opt for the application of a topical numbing cream before your session begins.
We’d like to make it clear that this treatment is not painful at all. However, without a topical anesthetic, you will feel the treated area warm as the laser delivers thermal energy to the active hair follicles. This isn’t a steady heat; it comes in pulses. That said, if you have a low tolerance for heat, you may want your skin numbed before your session begins.
Will My Skin Be Irritated?
No, laser hair removal will not irritate your skin. As noted above, only the hair follicles that are actively growing hair are affected. In fact, people often seek this highly advanced hair removal method because they’re sick and tired of the burning sensation that comes with using a depilatory cream.
How Should I Prepare for My Hair Removal Session?
There are several things you need to do to prepare for your laser hair removal session. For example, your blood pressure must fall within a normal range when you come in for your treatment. To ensure your blood pressure is normal, cut back on your consumption of caffeine, and be very careful about how much sodium you consume. If you have naturally high blood pressure, ask your doctor about taking a potassium supplement.
It is also extremely important that your skin is not irritated when you come in for your session. To mitigate the risk of skin irritation, wear high-quality sunscreen every day for the two weeks leading up to your session. This should be reapplied every four hours. You should also avoid all forms of tanning two weeks pre-treatment. The more contrast there is between your skin and hair color, the more effective your treatment will be.
Will I Have to Grow My Hair Out?
No, there is no need to let your hair grow out to prepare for your laser therapy session. Some people like waxing because they only have to remove their unwanted hair every three or four weeks instead of daily. That said, one major disadvantage of waxing is you have to grow your hair out ¼” before your session so the wax can latch to your hair and remove it.
With laser hair removal, it is perfectly fine to shave your unwanted hair before you come in for your appointment. Just make sure you use shaving cream and a clean, sharp razor to mitigate the risk of skin irritation. The laser will quickly and accurately hone in on hair follicles that are actively growing hair even if there is no visible hair extruding past the dermis.
How Often Should I Schedule Sessions?
You should schedule treatment sessions four to six weeks apart. Remember, only 15 to 30% of the hair follicles in a targeted area will be actively growing hair at any given time. It is important to wait at least one month between sessions so other hair follicles in your targeted area have time to enter the active phase of the hair growth cycle.
What if I Just Want to Thin Out My Hair?
You can benefit from laser therapy for unwanted hair removal if you only want to thin your hair out. Men often want to reduce the amount of facial hair they have, but don’t want to save time shaving regularly to maintain their desired look. Other people are fine with having arm hair, but they feel they have too much arm hair due to severe hormonal imbalances.
They just want to look natural. Laser therapy for unwanted hair removal can help with that, too. During your initial consultation, just let us know that you’re not seeking complete hair removal, and we will tailor a treatment plan that allows you to achieve your unique goals. Note, if you just want to thin out your body or facial hair, you may only need two or three sessions for satisfactory results.
How Should I Care for My Skin After Treatment?
To care for your skin after your laser session, protect it from the sun and other sources of UV rays. Additionally, make sure you drink plenty of water and eat nutritious foods.
Say Hello to Silky Smooth Skin Today
Laser hair removal provides long-lasting results that are often permanent. While several sessions are required to achieve ideal results, they are well worth the initial time investment. Contact us today at Laser Aesthetics Body and Wellness in Cordova, TN to schedule your initial consultation if you’re in the Memphis area and want to say goodbye to unwanted hair for good.