Get Rid of Unwanted Body Hair with Laser Treatments
What is Laser Hair Removal?
People typically don't like having body hair removed. Shaving and plucking can be time consuming, and waxing and sugaring can be painful. Some people also experience severe irritation during or after shaving and waxing. All of these methods can also be time consuming and frustrating, depending on how much hair you're trying to remove. If this describes your regular routine, you may want to consider laser hair removal treatment. Although costly when compared to the more traditional methods of hair removal, for some people, the convenience and longevity of laser hair removal makes it worth the investment.
What is laser hair removal? This treatment is a convenient alternative to shaving, waxing, plucking and sugaring, and it utilizes a safe laser to transmit focused light into the hair follicles, eliminating them and their ability to grow hair in the treatment area. The treatment can be used for places like your under arm, face, or legs, and full body treatments are also available.
Electrolysis vs Laser Hair Removal
You may wonder, what is the difference between electrolysis vs laser treatments? While laser hair removal quite literally uses a laser to target hair follicles, electrolysis involves the insertion of a probe into the hair follicles and delivers electricity through it to remove unwanted hair.
According to Healthline, both techniques are considered to be reasonably effective, however, electrolysis is more likely to yield permanent results. Electrolysis also normally has significantly less risks and potential side effects, while laser hair removal has the advantage of amazing precision, speed and coverage. However, regardless of which method you choose, make sure you are getting the procedure done by a licensed dermatologist; this will reduce your risk of unwanted side effects and increase the safety of the procedure.
How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost?
The average cost for the treatment is currently $285 per session, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. You can contact local providers for more information on pricing. The more hair you want to remove, the more expensive the treatment will be. Multiple treatments will also start to add up.
Booking Multiple Appointments
Having just one laser hair removal treatment may minimize unwanted hair, but most people need anywhere from two to six treatments to achieve significant removal of unwanted hair.
Each hair follicle has its own individual cycle consisting of growth phases. There is a growth phase and a dormant phase. During the dormant phase, hair will fall out of that hair follicle. Since the laser targets melanin, the presence of a hair is required, so multiple treatments ensure that each and every hair follicle is targeted when it is currently in a growth phase at the time of treatment.
What to Know Before Undergoing Treatment
In order to avoid laser hair removal side effects, you need to follow a few simple guidelines. As a guideline, avoid UV exposure for one week prior to and after your treatment so that nothing interferes with the treatment process, or hinders your recovery. However, please note that individual needs may vary, so you should always consult with your doctor in advance of any treatments.
You should come to the appointment with clean skin to avoid laser hair removal side effects. Avoid undergoing other laser procedures, chemical peels, or the use of retinoids before your treatment. Your skin needs to be completely clean without any makeup or moisturizers, as they could interfere with the laser equipment.
How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last?
You should notice a significant reduction in hair after several treatments, which usually last months, sometimes even years. However, results vary on a case-by-case basis, and long-term or permanent hair removal is not guaranteed. If any regrowth occurs, touch-up treatments can be scheduled. You can always ask questions at your appointment regarding follow-ups and touch-ups, so be sure to ask if you are unsure about anything.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Make sure the hair you plan on getting removed is shaved down before your appointment. This will help make the appointment a bit easier. Once the treatment starts, you will also need to wear protective eye wear before the lasers are turned on.
Your technician should also perform an equipment test in order to carefully adjust everything to your individual needs and treatment goals.
The technician will then transmit laser energy into the follicles on the treatment site. The energy is absorbed, destroying the treated hair follicles and their ability to regrow hair.
