Virtually no one enjoys the hassle of shaving their legs or the discomfort of waxing their bikini area. And guys who are self-conscious about hairy backs may skip going shirtless at a pool party to avoid the hassle of waxing. Laser hair removal is a solution. In Gilbert, AZ, and throughout the U.S., laser hair removal is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments performed every year.
Many women and men considering laser hair removal, however, aren’t sure about how the treatment works or if it actually removes all the hair in their target areas. In this blog post, we’ll answer some of the most common questions patients have about laser hair removal.
Is laser hair removal safe?
When performed by a qualified laser technician, laser hair removal is a very safe and effective treatment. It’s normal to have some mild swelling around the hair follicles, slight redness, and temporary skin irritation. Because the correct laser must be used for the treatment, it’s essential to choose a practice with an established track record for safety.
How long do the results last?
The answer is a bit complicated. First, it’s important to understand that laser hair removal is actually permanent hair reduction. Even after completing a full series of treatments, maintenance procedures may be needed about once a year to keep the area smooth. That’s because laser hair removal treatments target follicles, but new follicles can develop for various reasons.
How does hair grow?
Laser hair removal would be less complicated if all hair grew consistently at the same time. But hair grows in cycles involving 3 different stages. That’s why you need multiple laser hair removal treatments to get the optimal results. Treatments target follicles of hair in the anagen phase of the growth cycle. Because only a certain percentage of hair follicles are in the anagen phase at a specific time, a series of sessions are needed.
Can anyone get laser hair removal?
The patient’s skin type—from very light-skinned individuals to dark skin—and the color of their hair are important factors in determining if someone can benefit from laser hair removal treatments. The treatment works on most skin types, but the laser used will differ depending on whether the patient has lighter or darker skin. It’s difficult to treat patients with blonde, gray, or light red hair. Because melanin in hair follicles absorb laser light, the treatment works best for patients with darker hair and lighter skin.
Is it okay to get laser hair removal if you’re pregnant?
We recommend waiting until after you have a baby to get laser hair removal. The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and breastfeeding may make it seem like you have more unwanted hair than before. That hair typically falls out 3 to 6 months after giving birth.
Does the treatment hurt?
Most patients experience very little discomfort during the procedure when the pulse of the laser beam targets the hair follicle. That lasts for only a millisecond and feels like a rubber band snapping against the skin. We can usually perform the treatment without using a local anesthetic. Your skin may appear red after a laser hair removal procedure, but you won’t feel lingering pain in the area.
Is there anything special to do before a laser hair removal treatment?
We provide specific instructions about activities you should cease before getting laser hair removal. Six weeks prior to the treatment, you should stop plucking, waxing, and tanning the treatment area.
You can combine laser hair removal with other nonsurgical procedures such as BOTOX® Cosmetic injections at our medical spa, which is considered one of the leading med spas in the Phoenix and Scottsdale areas. If you want to learn more about laser hair removal, contact us using the online form to request a consultation or call us at (480) 466-7355 (Gilbert, AZ) to schedule an appointment.
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