Laser hair removal is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States. It’s also one of the most effective, helping you get rid of unwanted facial hair, unwanted hair on your legs, and more. But what exactly is laser hair removal? How does it work? And how do you prepare for a laser treatment?
In this blog post, we’ll answer all of those questions and more so that you can make sure that laser hair removal is right for you!
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a noninvasive treatment that uses laser technology to reduce the amount of hair on your body. This type of treatment can be used on any part of the body, including your face, chest, back, arms, legs, and more.
The treatment is performed by a licensed medical professional—either a doctor or nurse practitioner—who uses a laser device to target and destroy the follicles responsible for growing unwanted hair.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic treatment that uses laser energy to destroy hair follicles. The process works by targeting the melanin in the hair root, which is responsible for giving hair its color. When this melanin is destroyed, it stops the growth of new hairs.
The process begins with a consultation with your dermatologist or aesthetician to determine if you are a candidate for the procedure and what type of lasers they recommend using on your skin tone. Your practitioner will also discuss how many sessions you should have, as well as any potential side effects that might occur during or after treatment.
During treatment, your skin will be cleansed and prepared before being exposed to laser energy in a series of pulses targeted at each hair follicle. The amount of time between treatments depends on the type of laser being used and how thickly covered your skin is with unwanted hair.
It may take several sessions before all of your unwanted hair has been removed permanently from areas such as your face or legs (which may require maintenance treatments every few months).
How Do I Prepare for Laser Treatment for Body Hair?
When you’re getting ready for laser treatment for body hair, it’s important to follow your provider’s instructions. Your provider may recommend that you:
- Avoid using lotions, deodorants, perfumes, and makeup on the day of your treatment.
- Stop taking any medications that thin the blood or increase bruising, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), or vitamin E supplements. You may need to stop taking them several weeks before your first treatment.
- Do not apply lotions or creams to the area that will be treated with a laser until after the treatment session has been completed.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing during the procedure.
- For women, remove all jewelry from sensitive areas (such as your ears).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a procedure that uses a laser to destroy the hair follicle, which prevents new hairs from growing. It’s most effective for people with light skin and dark hair.
What are the benefits of laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal can be a great alternative to waxing, tweezing, and shaving.
You can have it done on your face, underarms, bikini area, legs, and more!
It’s safe, quick, and effective. It can last up to six months or more depending on your body’s response to the treatment.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments will depend on the area being treated, skin color and type, and hair color and thickness. Most clients need between 4 to 6 sessions for full body hair removal.
Is there any downtime after treatment?
There is no downtime with laser hair removal! You can resume normal activities immediately after your treatment. You may experience some redness, swelling, or tenderness which should subside within 2 days but if it doesn’t please contact your doctor immediately.
What areas can I get treated?
You can get any area of your body that has hair removed. This includes your legs, armpits, chest, back, and even your eyebrows!
How long is a laser hair removal session?
The length of time depends on the size of the area being treated and the amount of hair that needs to be removed. Most areas can be treated in one session, but some may require more than one visit.
How much does laser hair removal cost?
The cost of laser hair removal depends on the area that you want to be treated, the number of treatments you need, and your skin type.
Why is laser hair removal better than other methods?
Laser hair removal is the most effective and long-lasting way to remove unwanted hair. It’s also safe for all skin types, so you don’t have to worry about a bad reaction.
