Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic treatment that can remove unwanted hair from the bikini region (including the bikini line), upper lip, underarms, upper arms, and other areas of the body. At Bentley Skincare & Wellness & Wellness in Springfield, MO, we understand how frustrating traditional hair removal techniques are. That’s why we’re proud and excited to offer this highly advanced hair removal technique.
This treatment uses a laser to target the hair follicles and destroy them, preventing new hair from growing in their place. This treatment is generally safe and effective, but it can take several sessions to achieve the desired results. Laser hair removal is particularly effective for coarse hair, which absorbs laser energy well. Most people need between four and six sessions to achieve their desired results. Here’s a closer look at how quickly you can expect to see your results from this innovative, revolutionary treatment.
How Soon Do You See Results From Laser Hair Removal?
Most people start to see their hair fall out three to five days after their laser hair removal session. The hair follicles in the targeted areas are damaged with each laser pulse. Once the hair follicles are damaged, they release the hairs they were growing, and they can’t grow any more hairs. The number of sessions required will depend on the person’s skin type, hair color, and thickness. Other factors affecting laser hair removal results include individual skin tone and hair texture.
The darker the hair and the lighter the skin, the fewer sessions will be required. However, you should keep in mind that you will definitely need multiple sessions per targeted area because the laser can only destroy hair follicles in the active growth phase. Hair follicles are in different growth cycles, and the hair growth cycle includes phases where hair grows (anagen) and rests (catagen and telogen). Unfortunately, hair follicles in the same treatment area are in different stages at the same time. That’s why you need four to six sessions for long-lasting results.
How Laser Treatment Works
Laser hair removal is a highly effective medical procedure designed to remove unwanted hair by targeting the hair follicles beneath the skin’s surface. During each session, a specialized device emits concentrated laser light, which is absorbed by the melanin in the hair. This light energy is then converted into heat, damaging the hair follicle and significantly reducing its ability to support future hair growth. As a result, treated areas gradually become smoother and hair free, offering a long-term solution for those seeking to remove unwanted body hair.
The effectiveness of laser hair removal treatments is often highest for individuals with dark hair and light skin, as the contrast allows the laser to precisely target the hair without affecting the surrounding skin. However, advancements in laser technology now make it possible for people with darker skin tones to benefit from this treatment as well. Regardless of skin color, the key to successful hair removal lies in the laser’s ability to target hair during its active growth phase, known as the anagen phase. Since not all hair follicles are in the same growth cycle at once, multiple sessions are necessary to achieve optimal, long-lasting results.
During a typical laser treatment, you may feel a sensation similar to a rubber band snapping against your skin. While this is generally well-tolerated, many modern devices include cooling systems to help minimize discomfort. For your safety, you’ll be asked to wear protective eyewear throughout the procedure to shield your eyes from the laser light. Each pulse of the laser targets only the hair follicles in the treatment area, leaving the surrounding skin unharmed.
After your session, it’s normal for the treated skin to appear slightly red or swollen for a few hours. Over the following days, the treated hair will begin to shed as part of the natural shedding process. To help prevent ingrown hairs and promote smooth skin, gently exfoliate the area a few days after treatment. It’s also crucial to avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and waxing both before and after your laser hair removal sessions, as these can interfere with the laser’s effectiveness and increase the risk of complications.
The laser hair removal timeline varies depending on the treatment area, hair color, and individual hair growth cycles, but most people see significant long term hair reduction after completing their recommended treatment plan. While the laser hair removal cost can differ based on location and the size of the area being treated, many find the investment worthwhile for the convenience of permanent hair loss and the confidence that comes with hair free skin. By following your provider’s instructions and maintaining your treatment schedule, you can enjoy the benefits of smooth, hair-free skin for years to come.
How Often Can I Get Treatment?
Most people schedule their laser hair removal sessions four weeks apart. If you need four treatment sessions to achieve your desired results, it may be 12 weeks and a few days before you can enjoy long-lasting results. On the other hand, if you need 10 sessions to achieve your desired results, it will take roughly 36 weeks and four days to achieve long-lasting results.
Is This Treatment Safe?
Yes, this treatment is incredibly safe for most individuals. It works by targeting the melanin, or pigment, in the hair. The laser light is absorbed by the melanin and converted into laser energy, which heats and destroys the hair follicle. This heat damages the hair follicle and inhibits future hair growth. The heat from the laser removes hair by destroying the follicle, making the process both effective and safe. It also causes the burned hair follicle to release the hair it was growing. This is how laser hair removal works: the laser targets hair follicles to prevent future growth. Since the laser only hones in on highly melanated hair follicles, your surrounding skin tissue will not be affected by the laser. The treatment is specifically designed to prevent future growth of unwanted hair.
How Long Will the Results of My Treatment Last?
If you opt for lightwave-based hair removal, you can expect your results to last for a very long time. In fact, it is not uncommon for laser hair removal results to last a lifetime once all of the hair follicles in the treatment area have been destroyed. However, you should keep in mind that there is a chance you will need a touch-up treatment in the future.
Even though over the course of several treatments, laser therapy can destroy every hair follicle in a targeted area, there is a chance that your body grows new hair follicles in the treated area.
How Should I Prepare for My Treatment Session?
To prepare for your hair removal session, you should avoid sun exposure before the treatment. You should also avoid plucking, waxing, and tweezing the hair you want to remove. You should also avoid using any products on the skin that contain retinol or alpha hydroxy acids.
Note, that shaving before your scheduled treatment session is a good idea because it helps to remove the top layer of skin. This makes it easier for the laser to target the hair follicles. Shaving also helps to ensure that the laser treatment is more effective. Also, keep in mind that you should try to come in without cosmetics applied to your targeted treatment areas. If you are wearing lotion or makeup, it will be removed before your treatment begins.
How Long Will My Treatment Session Take?
Treatment sessions in a Medspa usually last for about 15 to 30 minutes. However, the length of your treatment session depends on several factors, including the size of the areas you are treating and the number of areas you are treating. If your only goal is to remove unwanted hair from a small area, like your chin or underarms, the laser therapy portion of your session may only take five minutes.
On the other hand, if you aim to remove unwanted hair from your back, chest, upper abdomen, and lower abdomen, your treatment may take closer to an hour. We will advise you on how long you should expect your treatment session to take during your initial consultation. Note, that your treatment session may take 10 to 15 minutes longer if you opt for the application of a topical numbing cream prior to your treatment.
What Can I Expect During My Treatment Session?
Before your treatment session begins, we will sterilize the treatment area thoroughly. Also, the treatment area will be shaved if necessary. Additionally, we will inspect the targeted treatment areas for signs of skin irritation. Next, we will apply a topical numbing cream to your targeted areas if you’d like. It doesn’t take long to apply the medication to the skin, but you should keep in mind that it can take 10 to 15 minutes to take effect.
Once your targeted treatment areas are prepared, we will calibrate the wavelength of the laser to target only your actively growing hair follicles. Once the laser is ready, it will emit pulses of light in the treatment area. Once that is complete, we will discuss your post-treatment restrictions with you.
What Should I Avoid After My Treatment Session?
There are some restrictions that you need to be aware of after the treatment. First, you should avoid sun exposure for several weeks after the treatment. This is because the laser can cause skin sensitivity and increased sun damage. Additionally, you should avoid using any other hair removal methods, such as waxing, for at least a week after the treatment.
It is also very important that you avoid dehydration in the days following your treatment. Water is the best way to stay hydrated. However, you can also drink other fluids such as juice, tea, and coffee to reach your hydration goals. It is recommended that men drink about 3.7 liters of water per day. It is recommended that women drink about 2.7 liters of water per day. It is important that you avoid dehydration after your treatment for rapid results.
Am I a Good Candidate for This Hair Removal Technique?
Using laser therapy to remove unwanted hair is a popular choice. It is incredibly safe for most individuals, including those who have light hair or dark skin. However, it is not right for everyone. For example, this treatment is not recommended for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, this treatment is not recommended for people who cannot stop taking medications that increase photosensitivity.
Am I a Good Candidate for This Treatment if I Just Want To Thin My Hair Out?
Yes, there is a chance that you will be considered a good candidate for this treatment if your goal is to thin out your hair. For example, seeking this hair removal treatment for hair thinning is extremely popular among men who hate how frequently they have to shave or trim their facial hair. Hair thinning is also popular in women who do not mind having arm hair but feel that their arm hair is too thick due to a severe hormone imbalance.
Keep in mind, that if you only want to thin out the hair in the treatment area, you may be able to achieve your desired results after just two or three laser therapy sessions. Therefore, it may only be 4.5 to 8.5 weeks until you have achieved the aesthetic you want.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today
It is safe to assume that you will be able to see satisfactory laser hair removal results roughly 12 weeks after your first treatment session. However, you must keep in mind that individual results vary and the number of sessions you’ll need to achieve your goals will greatly affect how soon you can see your results. For more information on this life-changing treatment, contact us at Bentley Skincare & Wellness in Springfield, MO to schedule a consultation.