Laser hair removal is incredibly common and is considered a safe and effective cosmetic procedure. Gone are the days of shaving every few days or experiencing the painful waxing process. If you want smooth and radiant skin, laser hair removal is a great option.
Laser hair removal not only rids the body of unwanted hair but also reduces the risk of ingrown hairs that contribute to hyperpigmentation. This is when parts of the skin become darker in color due to ingrown hairs.
There are many questions patients have about laser hair removal. Let’s take a look at ten of the most common questions, including, is laser hair removal permanent?
10 Frequently Asked Questions about Laser Hair Removal
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective procedure. It works by targeting highly-concentrated beams of light into the hair follicles with a handheld laser device. Your hair contains melanin, a pigment that gives your hair color. Light from the laser beams is absorbed into the air. It travels down the hair shaft and is converted to heat which destroys hair follicles and hair bulbs that produce the hair. Even if the laser damages the hair follicles instead of destroying them, you will still see results.
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
The short answer is yes, but it takes time. Since laser hair removal destroys hair follicles, it is permanent. However, hair grows in cycles, and your body’s hormones also have a say in hair regrowth. So, there is still a chance you will see some hair grow back around the treatment area. However, hair is typically lighter in color and less noticeable. Since your hair grows at various cycles, it may take several treatments to eliminate unwanted hair permanently.
Typically, you can expect some hair regrowth within a few months. If you’re unhappy with this regrowth, you can treat it again.
At First Impressions Rejuvenation Clinic, we offer the Forever Bare™ hair removal treatment. By providing energy in multiple bursts instead of all at once during treatment, Forever Bare™ BBL keeps the skin protected and progressively raises the follicle temperature to the therapeutic level for hair removal. This allows for extremely even heating of hair follicles and minimizes missed areas that occur with traditional hair removal devices.
In addition to the motion BBL technology, this laser hair removal tool comes equipped with a cooled sapphire plate on the handpiece, providing continuous cooling, even at maximum power, to keep the skin cool before, during, and after treatment.
A series of treatments may be required for maximum results depending on your desired treatment area.
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?
Laser hair removal may sound scary, but the procedure is very safe and recommended for all skin tones when completed by a trained and knowledgeable practitioner. Laser hair removal has no known long-term side effects, but it is not recommended for pregnant individuals.
Is Laser Hair Removal Painful?
Generally, laser hair removal is not painful. You may experience mild discomfort when treating areas with thinner skin such as your nose, chin, and temples. Many lasers have coolers built-in that target the treatment area with cold air after the concentrated light beam application. Some patients may experience burning or stinging during treatment, especially in areas of sensitive skin. A numbing cream can be applied to the treatment area to reduce the risk of discomfort.
If you experience redness around your treatment area, you may want to try Viver’s Redness Solution. This technologically advanced product helps calm and soothe the appearance of redness by moisturizing the skin. Formulated with pharmaceutical-grade ingredients such as Peptides and Red Algae Extract, this product is ideal for redness and compromised skin following aesthetic procedures.
How Many Laser Treatments are Needed to Remove Hair?
The number of laser treatments needed to remove unwanted hair depends on various factors, including your skin type, hair color, and the treatment location. Typically, it can take six to eight laser therapy treatments spread out about six weeks apart to remove unwanted hair permanently. It takes two to three weeks to see results.
Laser hair removal is most effective for individuals who have a lighter complexion but darker hair. However, it can be used on all skin types.
Does Laser Hair Removal Work on All Areas of the Body?
Laser hair removal can be completed on just about all areas of your body where you have unwanted hair. Common treatment areas include the upper lip, legs, underarms, bikini line, back, chest, arms, shoulders, and chin. It is not recommended to have laser hair removal around your eyes or eyebrows to prevent eye injury. In fact, you will be provided with eye protection to wear during your procedure.
What Are the Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal?
The side effects of laser hair removal may vary based on your skin type, hair color, and treatment plan. The most common side effects are mild discomfort, redness, and swelling around the treatment area. Sometimes laser hair removal can change the pigmentation of your skin, making it darker or lighter. These changes may be temporary or permanent.
Serious side effects are infrequent but may include scarring, blistering, graying of treated hair, or excessive hair growth around treated areas.
How Do You Prepare for Laser Hair Removal?
There are a series of essential measures you need to take before your laser hair removal appointment. One of the best things you can do before your treatment is to stay out of the sun before (and after) treatment. In fact, if your treatment area has been exposed to the sun within four weeks before your appointment, you will not be able to undergo treatment. If you must be outdoors for long periods of time, be sure to apply sunscreen generously.
Refrain from tweezing, waxing, or picking at the area before treatment. You must shave the desired hair removal area 24 hours prior to your appointment. This will prevent skin damage from burnt hairs. Also, artificial tanning products such as lotions or creams should not be used four weeks prior to your treatment.
Discuss your medical history with your practitioner to determine if there are any medications you may need to avoid before treatment or if you have any medical conditions that could complicate your treatment results.
What Can I Expect During Laser Hair Removal Treatment?
After a brief overview of what to expect, your practitioner will ensure the treatment area is clean and free of cosmetics, oils, or lotions. A topical anesthetic may be administered. You will be asked to wear the protective goggles provided. Your practitioner will apply the laser to the designated treatment areas. You will feel the warmth from the laser with possible mild burning and stinging. Treating small areas such as your upper lip will take minutes. Treating more extensive areas, such as your back, can take up to an hour.
The unwanted hair will not fall out right away, but you will see results from your laser hair removal within a few days to a week.
What Do I Need to Do after Laser Hair Removal?
The heat from the laser hair removal treatment will remain in your skin for about a day after treatment; therefore, you may want to avoid the gym and the sauna for 24 hours. You may experience swelling and redness, which is perfectly normal. You can treat the affected area with ice.
Exfoliating scrubs, glycolic acid, and some retinol creams should also be avoided at least 48 hours before and after treatment. Chemical peels and artificial tanning products should be avoided for two weeks after treatment as well.
If you find your treated skin feels drier, you can try a hydrating mist to soothe skin and lock in moisture. You can also incorporate Rejuvenate Moisturizer into your post-laser hair removal beauty regimen. Rejuvenate Moisturizer helps nourish, hydrate, and rejuvenate your skin.
What Are the Benefits of Laser Hair Removal?
There are many benefits of laser hair removal. First, it reduces and eventually eliminates the need to shave or wax unwanted body hair. This promotes clearer and smoother skin. Second, laser hair removal combats the unfavorable effects caused by ingrown hairs. Third, the process itself is very precise, hyper-targeting the areas you want to eliminate hair while avoiding areas you do not want to treat. Finally, laser hair removal is a swift process compared to other hair removal methods. Who wouldn’t want faster results that last longer?
Getting Started with Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is fast, accurate, and incredibly safe. The results are long-lasting, smooth skin. If you are ready to eliminate areas of unwanted hair for good, laser hair removal is the best option for you.
The first step is to discuss your treatment goals with a trusted practitioner. Book a consultation with us at First Impressions Rejuvenation Clinic today. Our team would be happy to discuss your concerns, answer your questions, and get you started with your laser hair removal treatment.
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