Laser Hair Removal treatments are an increasingly popular choice for people who want to do away with the hassle of shaving, plucking, or waxing unwanted body hair. After a laser hair removal procedure, you will not have to worry about problems such as ingrown hair, skin irritation, and/or accidental cuts.
The procedure is a quick and relatively painless alternative to waxing, tweezing, depilatories, and electrolysis. Laser hair removal carries a higher initial price than a razor or a wax strip. However, it pays for itself over time when you consider the cumulative cost of what you spend on temporary solutions, such as waxing, tweezing, shaving, and uncomfortable hair removal creams.
Additionally, the results are more permanent unless you go through further hormonal changes after treatment.
Hair development and growth occur over four stages:
- Early anagen phase is when the new hair is just starting to develop.
- Anagen or growth phase is when hair is actively growing and has the darkest color as it is fed nutrients from the blood vessels.
- Catagen or transitional phase is when growth stops, and the hair becomes dormant.
- Telogen or resting phase is after the dormant stage when the hair eventually falls out.
Laser treatment can permanently destroy hair growth only during the anagen stage. However, since every strand of hair does not go through the same phase at the same time, multiple laser treatment sessions are needed to effectively rid unwanted hair growth.
This will ensure that maximum hair is targeted by the laser during the anagen stage. These sessions will be spaced 6-8 weeks apart.
Laser hair removal focuses energy onto hair follicles by targeting the hair’s melanin or pigment, which peaks during the anagen phase. The follicles absorb most of the laser light energy released by the device and become heated. This damages the root of the hair follicle, which results in lost of hair indefinitely.
Since laser treatment targets melanin, dark-colored hair is more susceptible to the light from the laser. The treatment tends to be the most effective for patients with thicker and darker hair.
Laser hair removal can be performed on any body part, including the face, legs, arms, hands, stomach, underarms, bikini, and back.
During treatment, most patients notice a warm sensation combined with a feeling of a rubber band snapping against their skin. Our aesthetician can test a small area with the laser device, so you can decide if you need a topical anesthetic during your treatment session.
The number of laser hair removal sessions needed for optimal long-term benefits depends on the hair thickness, the area treated, and the hair’s growth cycle. Most areas of the body require up to 6 treatments. To ensure hair does not grow back, an annual maintenance treatment is recommended.
After treatment, your skin may experience some redness and swelling. These typically resolve in a few hours. Since laser hair removal does not involve injections or incisions, there is generally no downtime required.
For best results, please follow the aftercare instructions our aesthetician will give you. Ensure you avoid harsh and direct sunlight in the weeks after a laser hair removal session.
There is no downtime after laser hair removal, and you can return to normal activities immediately. There are minimal side effects with the procedure.
In rare cases, patients may experience blistering. Please contact your provider in such a case.
Dr. Timothy Greco and his trusted team are skilled at all types of facial treatments and procedures that help counter the effects of aging and reduce facial scarring.
Greco MD focuses on patient experience and satisfaction at their in-office, state-certified aesthetic surgical center. If you are interested in laser hair removal, we can help!
Get in touch today to schedule a consultation with Greco MD’s licensed medical aesthetician. For appointments, call (610) 664-8830 or check the provider’s schedule online.