What is Laser Hair Removal? How Does it Work?
Laser hair removal is a treatment that can reduce and remove unwanted hair permanently through the use of laser technology. During a laser hair removal treatment, an invisible beam of light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicles. These follicles then heat up to the point that they become damaged and unable to grow new hair, which results in permanent hair reduction.
Laser hair removal can reduce hair on any part of the body. Some popular treatment areas include the underarms, the upper lip, the chest, the back, the legs, and the bikini line.
How Many Laser Hair Removal Treatments Do I Need?
Laser hair removal targets hair follicles when they are in their growth phase (the technical term for this is the “anagen phase”). Since hair growth occurs in cycles and our hair follicles are not all in the growth phase at the same time, everyone needs multiple laser hair removal treatments for effective permanent hair removal. On average, patients need between 3 to 6 laser hair removal sessions to see the full results of laser hair removal. Laser hair removal treatments should be given 4 to 6 weeks apart.
How Do You Prepare for Laser Hair Removal?
To prepare for laser hair removal, you should shave your treatment area about 24 hours before your treatment. Since you want the machine to target hairs in your hair follicles, plucking or waxing body hair is not recommended before getting laser hair removal. However, shaving a day before your treatment is recommended because it leaves the root of the hair intact, while also allowing your technician to easily see the hair follicles they need to target.
In addition to shaving your treatment area, it’s best to head to your appointment with freshly washed skin that is free of products. Do not apply deodorant, lotions, oils, sunscreen, or other skin care products before getting laser hair removal.
What is Getting Laser Hair Removal Like?
Getting laser hair removal at the Z Center for Cosmetic Health is quite quick, since we use the advanced LightSheer DUET technology. Depending on the size of the area being treated, a laser hair removal session at our medical spa takes anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes.
Getting laser hair removal using our LightSheer DUET laser is also minimally painful. The LightSheer DUET uses vacuum and cooling technology to remove unwanted hair effectively, with little to no discomfort compared to other methods of hair removal. Most of our laser hair removal patients say that a LightSheer DUET treatment is less painful than a waxing appointment.
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe for Darker Skin Types?
While not all types of laser hair removal are safe for darker skin types, the laser hair removal technology we use at our medical spa is. The LightSheer DUET laser is safe for all skin types and skin tones, so it can be safely used on those with dark skin.
Are There Laser Hair Removal Side Effects?
The side effects of laser hair removal are minimal and no downtime is needed after getting a laser hair removal treatment. After a laser hair removal treatment, you may experience a slight redness of the skin in the treated area, which will resolve on its own within a few hours or days.
What Do You Do After Getting Laser Hair Removal?
You can immediately resume your normal daily activities after getting laser hair removal, with one exception: we recommend avoiding sun exposure for 24 hours after your treatment. If you experience any irritation or redness after your treatment, Dr. Zadeh may recommend you apply a soothing cream like hydrocortisone cream.
When Do You See the Results of Laser Hair Removal?
Since laser hair removal must be done in numerous sessions for full results, it can take some time to see the full results of this treatment. Our clients experience a permanent reduction of their unwanted hair in as little as 3 to 5 laser treatments.
Interested in trying laser hair removal to get smooth, hairless skin? Contact the Z Center for Cosmetic Health today and make an appointment.