Body
Laser Hair Removal
Want to be hair-free everywhere on your body except your head? You’re not alone. And for that very reason, laser hair removal remains the top choice for getting rid of hair anywhere on the body where it bothers you. What used to be a very complicated and tricky procedure has advanced over the years.
laser hair removal is more precise and effective than ever. In addition, it is compatible with a wide array of skin tones, making it a procedure everyone can benefit from.
Deciding on the proper hair removal treatment for you and your skin can be tricky—the options are endless. But settling on the right one depends on your budget, the time you can dedicate to the treatment, and the upkeep. Sure, quick fixes like shaving and waxing will always be around, but laser hair removal is the way to go if you want to remove unwanted hair once and for all.
What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is an effective and permanent way to eliminate unwanted hair everywhere on the body. In the past, the treatment was reserved for those with light skin and dark hair (the laser picked up this coloration best), but thanks to modern-day advancements, laser hair removal now works for a wide variety of skin tones, including those with darker skin.
However, if the hair is white or has no pigment, the laser will still be unable to detect and remove this hair color. On the flip side, dark hair contains more melanin, which absorbs the light (this transitions to heat) from the laser and causes more heat to generate within the skin for better results.
How does laser hair removal work?
All lasers emit energy or heat, and laser hair removal is no different. To target hair on the body, the laser heats it within the hair follicle via a beam of light energy that converts into heat. The heat is delivered into the hair and follicle.
The pigment in the hair picks up the light, which destroys the hair at the root and the bulb. The laser also damages the hair deep within the follicle (hidden under the skin) to stop it from growing.
Although the results of laser hair removal are rather remarkable and can leave you fuzz-free for years, they don’t come all at once. Laser hair removal often takes multiple sessions; on average, about six or more are necessary. However, some parts of the body may experience hair regrowth due to hormones and the fact that hair does not all grow at the same rate.
Before the first session, you’ll want your hair follicles to be intact, so that means no waxing or plucking, which removes the hair bulb.
Your provider will probably advise you to shave the treatment area since shaving only cuts the hair and does not affect the hair follicles. Shaving pre-laser hair removal also makes it easier for your provider to locate the hair follicles.
After each session, which takes about 20 to 30 minutes, it’s normal for the skin to feel warm to the touch and be a little red, which subsides in a few hours. The skin may also look and feel like it has a mild sunburn.
At AdvancedMD Aesthetics, we use the Lutronic Clarity II laser hair removal device. This high-powered dual-wavelength laser machine allows faster, more effective treatments of all skin types. It also features shorter pulse widths to remove more delicate hair effectively.
What are the benefits of laser hair removal?
Hands down, the main benefit is getting rid of unwanted hair from select body parts once and for all. Some of the more popular areas to treat with laser hair removal include:
- The underarms
- The legs
- The bikini line
- The back
- The upper lip and chin
- The chest
- The shoulders
- The neck
Because there’s no need to shave or wax with laser hair removal, there’s no need to worry about razor burn or ingrown hairs. For some, the lack of ingrown hairs, which can cause hyperpigmentation in the area, can lessen the chances of discoloration from forming on the skin.
However, the results are not immediate, nor do they shed from the follicle instantly. It can take a few days to a few weeks for the hairs to shed and slow the rate at which they grow. Remember, not all follicles grow at the same rate, which is why it may appear like hair is still growing.
Who is laser hair removal for?
Laser hair removal is best for those who want to eliminate hair on their face and body from head to toe.
You’ll also need to be patient to see results. You may not see any changes to the amount of hair or how much is growing until a few weeks after the first treatment or even the first few treatments. Therefore, it’s crucial to complete all of the treatment sessions to reap the full benefit. This ensures that almost all of the hairs are targeted at the different cycles of growth.
How much does it cost?
The cost of laser hair removal varies from person to person. The type of laser used, the number of sessions needed, and the size and location of the treatment area are factors in the overall price. We recommend a consultation for a detailed estimate to determine your treatment’s cost.
Common FAQs
You can ice it or apply a cold compress if the skin feels warm to the touch. Moisturizer also helps. Any facial areas treated with laser hair removal can resume their routine, and you can wear makeup 24 hours later. However, you should protect all treated areas with sunscreen. Also, avoid exfoliating acids and exfoliators for a few days after treatment.
You can ice it or apply a cold compress if the skin feels warm to the touch. Moisturizer also helps. Any facial areas treated with laser hair removal can resume their routine, and you can wear makeup 24 hours later. However, you should protect all treated areas with sunscreen. Also, avoid exfoliating acids and exfoliators for a few days after treatment.
Laser hair removal may be uncomfortable. Topical numbing cream is used to prep the skin (for about 20 minutes) and reduce discomfort so that the treatment is as painless as possible. Topical numbing cream is always recommended when treating sensitive areas like the upper lip and bikini.
Once the skin is nice and numb, your provider may apply a cooling gel to the skin to help keep it feeling chilled. Some laser devices have a built-in cooling applicator that provides the same effect. The cooling technology also protects the skin, so it doesn’t get too hot and burn.
As the laser light reaches the skin in short bursts, a slight feeling of heat or discomfort may quickly fade. Some patients say it feels like a rubber band snaps on the skin. This heat remains in the skin for 24 hours after your appointment, so avoiding the gym, hot baths, and saunas for the next day is best.
Everyone has different goals, so the requirements and number of sessions vary from patient to patient. Laser hair removal is not a one-and-done treatment; you’ll need at least six sessions or more to eliminate unwanted hair. Each treatment session is spaced out by about one month.
Yes, there are a few things you’ll want to do before each laser hair removal session. For starters, shave (no waxing or tweezing) the area one day before your appointment. You’ll also want to come to your appointment without deodorant, makeup, or lotion. You can’t treat sun-exposed skin, so avoid the sun and self-tanner for at least one month before your session.
Most patients require some maintenance treatment at some point since hormones can affect how your hair grows. And, sometimes, not every last hair is targeted, which may continue to grow. Touch-up sessions are usually once per year.
Get started with AdvancedMD Aesthetics of Atlanta
If you’re ready to get rid of unwanted hair once and for all, there’s no better time than now to book a consultation with Advanced MD Aesthetics of Atlanta. A one-on-one consultation with our experienced, professional aestheticians and team of skin experts will determine the best hair removal treatment for you. We can also customize a package specific to your needs so you can obtain the best results possible.
Click the button below to schedule a consultation or book your laser hair removal appointment today!
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