How Many Treatments Do You Need for Laser Hair Removal?
There’s nothing quite like enjoying the great outdoors, feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin. But if you have unwanted hair on your body, it can be a challenging experience to expose it. Now, you can say goodbye to unwanted hair and feel more confident in your skin by considering laser hair removal. Enduring Beauty, located in St. Petersburg, FL, is here to help with all your hair removal needs.
call to schedule at 727-404-0857
All About Laser Hair Removal
In this medical procedure, lasers are employed to get rid of unwanted hair. A laser emits light that gets absorbed by the melanin pigment in the hair. This light energy then turns into heat, which travels from the hair down to the follicle beneath the skin. The heat damages the follicles, which can slow down or even stop future hair growth.
A Closer Look
Laser hair removal works on the principle that only the pigment in the hair absorbs the energy, not the skin. The skin remains unaffected, while the unwanted hair absorbs the energy and damages the follicle. This treatment is most effective when there is a noticeable difference in hair color and skin tone.
Initially, it was challenging to perform this treatment on individuals with minimal contrast between their hair and skin colors. This made it difficult to treat light skin effectively.
How Laser Hair Removal Works
Laser hair removal involves the use of a strong beam of laser light that safely passes through the skin. This laser light is attracted to and absorbed by the pigments in the hair bulbs that are actively growing.
The absorbed light energy generates enough heat to harm the hair bulb, which stops future hair growth. It’s important to note that this treatment only affects hairs in the active growth phase. Typically, about 85% of hairs at any given time are not in this active growth phase.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
The permanence of your results depends on the thickness of your hair and the quantity of hairs you have. Generally, when you undergo multiple laser hair removal sessions, you can expect to achieve around 90% to 95% reduction in hair growth.
What does laser hair removal feel like?
During the laser hair removal procedure, the handpiece is chilled to minimize any discomfort. However, some patients may still feel occasional, brief “pinching” sensations as the laser energy eliminates unwanted body hair. Patients often liken this sensation to a hot rubber band being snapped or a small pinprick.
How many treatments do you need for laser hair removal?
Every person’s body is unique, and biological factors can influence the number of sessions needed to eliminate unwanted hair. Typically, it takes about two to six laser treatments to achieve complete hair removal.
After your initial treatment, you can anticipate a reduction of 10% to 25% in hair. As you continue with more treatments, you’ll gradually lose more hair, and the rate of hair growth will also slow down.
How often can you have a hair removal treatment?
Is laser hair removal a permanent solution? Your doctor will determine the time between laser treatments, as it varies. Generally, hair removal sessions can be scheduled every four to eight weeks.
It’s important to note that hair growth rates on the body differ. For areas where hair grows quickly, like the upper lip, you might need laser treatments every 4 weeks. On the other hand, if you’re getting laser treatments on a slower-growing area, such as the back, you may only need them every 10 or 15 weeks.
Is there any downtime?
This treatment doesn’t require any downtime. Afterward, you should be able to continue with your regular day without experiencing any discomfort.
How long does it take for your hair to fall out?
Hair in the treated area doesn’t fall out immediately but gradually sheds over time, typically taking a few days or weeks. Hair grows in cycles, so it’s most effective to have repeated treatments that target follicles at the start of their growth cycle.
As you continue with treatments, you’ll notice a reduction in hair. To maintain your hair-free condition, you might need regular maintenance treatments.
call to schedule at 727-404-0857
How to Prepare
The initial step to get rid of unwanted hair is to set up a consultation at Enduring Beauty. During this consultation, your doctor will ask about your goals for laser hair removal. They will also inquire about your medical history, including any medications you’re taking, whether they’re prescribed or over-the-counter, and any herbs or supplements you use since these can impact the treatment.
Additionally, our team will take pictures of the areas on your body where you want hair removed. This helps them assess your progress before and after treatment. You’ll receive specific instructions from your doctor to prepare for the procedure.
Keep out of the sun
Avoid sun exposure as much as possible prior to the treatment. When you can’t avoid the sun, be sure to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF30 to protect your skin.
Lighten Your Skin
Laser treatment works best when your skin pigment is lighter than your hair. Avoid using any sunless tanning products that darken your skin. If you have recently tanned, your doctor may also prescribe a skin-bleaching cream.
Avoid other methods of hair removal
For the laser treatment to be effective, it’s crucial to keep the hair follicles intact. Refrain from waxing or plucking at least four weeks before the treatment, as these methods can disrupt the hair follicle.
Avoid Blood Thinners
Follow your doctor’s advice regarding medications. Avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications like Aspirin before the treatment.
Shave the Area
The day before your laser treatment, trim or shave the hair in the treatment areas. While the hair on the surface will be removed by the laser, it’s important to leave the hair follicle intact to ensure a safe and effective procedure.
The Treatment
During the treatment process:
Protection: You will be given special goggles to protect your eyes from the laser. If your hair is too long, an assistant may need to shave the area. The doctor will also apply a numbing cream to your skin to minimize any discomfort.
The Laser Treatment: The doctor will use a handheld laser device to target the area needing treatment. The laser light penetrates the skin and damages the follicles below the surface. Smaller areas can be treated quickly, while larger areas may take more time.
Aftercare
It’s essential to stay out of the sun as much as possible after each laser treatment. Avoid tanning beds for at least six weeks and use sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 daily to protect your skin.
Laser hair removal offers an effective and convenient way to reduce hair for an extended period.
