Your Laser Hair Removal Guide: Benefits, Risks, Cost
Posted on Aug 24, 2023
Laser hair removal is a noninvasive way to remove unwanted hair and prevent future hair growth. Let’s take a closer look at laser hair removal service, and whether it’s right for you.
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What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal treatments use laser light to penetrate the hair shaft, removing hair in the treated area by targeting the hair follicle itself.
Unlike other hair removal methods (like waxing or electrolysis), a laser hair removal machine uses a special kind of light, called laser pulses, to target the darker color of body hair against our skin and destroy hair follicles themselves. This works on people with both light skin and dark skin, and can reduce or prevent future hair growth.
The laser beam used to remove hair doesn’t affect all treated areas or skin types equally. The laser targets dark hair against light skin easily, but if your hair grows in very lightly, or if your skin color is very dark, then you may require more specialized laser treatments to get the best results.
Often, clients of beauty salons will require multiple treatments to completely remove unwanted body hair or facial hair. A single laser treatment doesn’t guarantee permanent hair removal, since each session will most likely just reduce hair growth by about 10% to 25%. Many people also require periodic maintenance treatments to keep their shin free of unwanted hair.
Even though you’re treating hair, laser removal is still a medical procedure that uses very specialized equipment. As such, it should only be performed by a trained medical professional like a board certified dermatologist, physician or nurse practitioner.
Electrolysis vs Laser Hair Removal
Like laser treatment, electrolysis is another permanent hair removal method. Electrolysis is actually more effective and permanent than a laser hair remover: instead of using a highly concentrated light, the technician inserts a probe directly into the hair follicle, using electricity to kill the hair bulb and prevent future hair growth.
This method also causes temporary discomfort, similar to what the concentrated beam of the laser causes. It’s more expensive and time-consuming than laser hair removal.
Waxing vs Laser Hair Removal
Waxing is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures, and many people use it to remove unwanted hair from different areas, such as the upper lip or bikini line. Since waxing just pulls out the hair follicle, hair regrows relatively quickly.
Waxing is a bit uncomfortable, but much cheaper and faster than using a laser. If you’re looking for a more permanent option for your bikini line, many dermatologists offer brazilian laser hair removal.
Laser Hair Removal Treatment: Preparation, Procedure, Recovery
Before Your Laser Treatment
Avoid sun exposure or anything that could darken your skin for at least six weeks before treatment begins. If you have darker skin, it can be harder for the laser to effectively target and remove hair.
Your doctor might suggest some skin lightening methods or prescribe a skin bleaching cream during your consultation. Never buy your own skin bleaching cream without consulting a doctor or dermatologist. Many creams for sale online contain unsafe skin lightening ingredients that can damage your skin texture or cause burns.
It’s also important to avoid direct sunlight or a tanning bed because UV light dries your skin and makes it more sensitive. Finally, if you take blood thinning medications, let the dermatologist know- you may have to stop taking them before your treatment.
During Your First Treatment
If you haven’t shaved or trimmed your hair, you may be asked to do so now, so that the laser can work more efficiently.
Your dermatologist will wipe your skin clean and apply a topical anesthetic. Once this takes effect in about 20 minutes, you’ll put on eye protection and they will begin treatment.
You may feel a slight burning or stinging as the laser’s pulses start to work. The staff will work slowly and keep an eye on the treated hair and skin, to make sure that you don’t have any bad reactions to the laser.
After Treatment
Your treated skin may feel a bit tender, like a sunburn, for a few days afterwards.they may give you creams or ice packs to help with this. You’ll need to wait about four to six weeks until your next treatment. It may take as many as four to six treatments to stop all the hair from growing.
During this time, avoid direct sunlight and indoor tanning equipment like tanning beds and sun lamps. Sun exposure may slow healing and make it harder for the laser to “see” your hair.
So, is laser hair removal safe? Laser hair removal side effects are rare, but they can include burns, blisters, and (in rare cases) increased hair growth.
Pro tip: It’s important to have realistic expectations. Take a look at each clinic’s laser hair removal before and after photos on their website before deciding if this treatment is right for you.
Laser Hair Removal Pros and Cons
Laser hair removal can be a great option for people looking for a long-term solution to unwanted hair, but it’s not right for everyone. Here are some of the biggest advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages of Laser Hair Removal
When it’s done by skilled technicians or plastic surgeons, laser hair removal risks are minimal, and it’s an effective way to achieve permanent hair reduction. You can target very precise areas of the body or face, and each treatment is relatively quick.
Disadvantages of Laser Hair Removal
First of all, the cost of laser hair removal might be a major disadvantage for some people, since it is much more expensive than waxing. Depending on the size and number of hair follicles, laser hair removal cost can go up, since you might need more initial treatments to remove dense, thick or coarse hair.
Your hair color can impact how effective laser removal is, since dark hair is much easier to remove than light colored hair.
Finally, some people require maintenance laser treatments every few years to keep their skin hair-free.
At Home Laser Hair Removal - Is it Worth It?
Since this type of dermatologic surgery or procedure is usually not covered by health insurance, you might be tempted to save on the out of pocket expense by trying laser hair removal at home.
Please don’t take this risk.
Since the laser beam damages your hair follicles, it produces intense heat and needs to be carefully monitored. This is not something that even the best at some laser hair removal devices can do safely. In fact, we’re not even sure if there is such a thing as the “best” home laser hair removal device.
Your best and safest option is to spend a bit extra and let a trained professional handle this procedure. They can ensure that the laser is properly calibrated, keep an eye on how your skin responds to treatment, and take proper precautions to protect your skin, eyes and health during your appointments.
Recommendations
Laser hair removal is becoming increasingly popular nowadays. We hope that this article has helped you to understand the process a bit better.
If you’re looking for a long-term solution to unwanted facial or body hair, laser hair removal can be a great choice. Just make sure to do your research before booking an appointments, and take the time to have a detailed consultation with your dermatologist before beginning treatment.
Laser Hair Removal FAQs
How much is laser hair removal?
We often get asked: so, how much does laser hair removal cost? Everyone’s laser hair removal price is a bit different, since factors like hair density, hair colors and skin type influence the nature and number of treatments necessary. Darker skin types may also require pre-treatment procedures like prescription skin lightening creams.
In general, small areas of skin like laser facial hair removal can start at about $250 per treatment, while bikini laser hair removal can range from about $250 to $350 per treatment. If you’re looking to get a full laser hair removal brazilian, the cost will go up a bit more.
Finally, laser hair removal for men costs the same as it does for women, but more treatments may be required to cover larger areas like the back, chest or legs. Even the best laser hair removal clinics charge at least $600 to treat these large areas in a session.
How long does laser hair removal last?
People often wonder, is laser hair removal permanent, and if not, how long the results last? In many cases, clients will be able to achieve permanent hair reduction or complete removal, but some people do need to come back for maintenance. In these cases, treatments spaced about a year apart for the first few years are usually enough
Does laser hair removal hurt?
Does laser hair removal work? Yes. Is laser hair removal painful? A bit. Most of the time, you’ll be provided with a numbing cream to minimize any discomfort. Many people compare the sting of the laser to a sunburn or the snap of an elastic band against the skin.
If your skin is tender afterwards, you can apply ice packs or get a prescription lotion from the clinic to help with inflammation.