If you’re tired of shaving, waxing, and plucking hair that appears on your legs, back, underarms, or face, you’re not alone. Many people have unwanted hair growth on various body parts, which often leads them to seek resolution through laser hair removal.
The laser hair removal process involves using light energy to damage or destroy hair follicles.
Ultimately, the goal of undergoing a laser hair removal treatment is to prevent hair from growing back. While laser hair reduction may not completely remove all hair and follicles in the area, it can significantly reduce the appearance of hair growth. Any hair that does continue to grow often has a much finer and lighter appearance.
Undergoing multiple laser hair removal sessions typically produces the best results. The number of sessions required will vary by the size of the area to be treated. Annual maintenance sessions may help to discourage regrowth as well.
What Are the Benefits of Laser Hair Removal?
Undergoing laser hair reduction treatment can produce significant benefits. A few include the following.
Cost-Effective
Depending on the area you are treating, laser hair reduction can provide significant cost savings. This is especially true if you regularly spend money on waxing services, shaving creams, and razors. Undergoing regular waxing at a salon can add up to hundreds of dollars each year.
Choosing to get laser hair removal can result in fewer expenditures toward maintaining your body over time.
Smoother Skin
Laser hair reduction treatment results in less bumpy skin. Bumpiness often occurs as a result of irritation to the areas regularly shaved or waxed. Since laser hair reduction destroys the hair follicle at its source, the result is a smoother area less prone to bumps.
A Quick Solution
While you may need to undergo several sessions before you obtain the results you’re looking for, laser hair reduction sessions are generally quick. The length of your session will depend on the size of the area to be treated.
Smaller areas can usually be treated in less than 30 minutes, while larger areas may require up to an hour before results are obtained.
Ingrown Hair Prevention
Ingrown hairs often appear on the skin as a result of shaving or waxing, and they can cause inflammation in the area, tiny bumps, itchiness, and discomfort where the hair was removed. One of the most significant benefits of laser hair removal is getting rid of ingrown hair problems.
Precision
Laser hair removal is very precise. It attacks each hair follicle at its source. The laser itself is designed to only target dark or coarse hair. The surrounding skin will remain unaffected. This level of precision improves the outcome of the laser hair removal process.
Long-Term Results
Laser hair reduction treatment produces long-term results. Most people see a permanent reduction in the growth of hair in the targeted areas. Compared to other methods, laser hair removal services can last for a longer period of time, with only maintenance treatments necessary every six to twelve months.
What Can I Expect During a Laser Hair Reduction Treatment?
Before undergoing laser hair removal, you’ll meet with Dr. Balogun to discuss the areas to be treated and what you’re trying to achieve. During the appointment, Dr. Balogun will examine the area to determine whether it’s appropriate for laser hair removal. She will also answer any questions that you have regarding the procedure.
Expect to provide Dr. Balogun with your recent medical history, as well as a list of any medications that you are currently taking. This will help her figure out if you are a good candidate for laser hair removal. She’ll also determine which type of laser is best suited for you, as some lasers are more effective on certain areas of the skin than others.
On the date of your laser hair removal treatment appointment, you’ll lie on the treatment table with a pair of eye protection goggles. We provide these goggles for you to wear to prevent the light from damaging your eyes or vision. A cool gel will be applied to the area to be treated to help the laser penetrate.
Next, a test pulse will be administered in the treatment area. After several minutes, Dr. Balogun will review the results of the test to make sure that the laser is having its intended effects before continuing with the treatment.
When full treatment begins, the laser will emit a small beam of life to damage or destroy the hair follicle, with the aim of preventing regrowth. Since it is very precise, the laser will be used on every hair follicle in the area.
You can expect a few minutes of treatment for small areas, such as the lip or chin, while larger areas such as the legs or back may take up to an hour.
Following your treatment, you’ll be able to return to your normal activities. There is no downtime or recovery required for laser hair removal. Keep in mind that you may need several sessions with the treatment before you obtain the full results that you are seeking.
Regular maintenance or yearly upkeep may be required to ensure that the area remains smooth with minimal hair.
Are You Ready to Try Laser Hair Removal?
If you have areas on your body that you are tired of shaving, waxing, or plucking, you may want to consider laser hair removal. At SkinMD in Seattle, WA, Dr. Balogun can help you achieve your treatment goals. To get started, schedule a consultation at our office today.
