Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure used to remove unwanted and excessive hair to create a smoother surface. It is less uncomfortable than waxing, and its results last longer than either waxing or shaving. Laser hair removal can be safely done on many parts of the body including the face, legs, arms, back, and chest.
Laser hair removal works by targeting the hair follicles. The laser harmlessly bypasses the skin and heats up the hair follicles and damages them. This makes it harder for them to produce hair, leaving you with smooth skin.
What does laser hair removal involve?
Our specialist uses a diode laser beam called Diolaze Laser that can work on any skin type and tone. It has a built-in cooling mechanism to keep the client comfortable. While many patients will not need an anesthetic, our doctor will offer a topical anesthetic to sensitive clients.
A typical treatment session takes 30 to 60 minutes, and most patients will need six to eight treatments to get the desired results.
Why does it take several treatments?
Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment within the hair. Consequently, it was only an effective treatment for people with light skin and dark hair for decades. Recent improvements in technology have now made laser hair removal a safe option for clients with dark skin. It still does not work well for people with red, blond, gray, or white hair because of the lack of melanin in such hair.
In addition, hair has a life cycle with three stages: dormant, growing, and about to shed. It produces the most melanin during the growing phase. The laser will, therefore, only affect those hair follicles with actively growing hair – and not all of the hairs in a given area will be growing at the same time. Any treatment site will have a mixture of dormant, growing, and about to shed hairs.
A hair’s life cycle lasts about a month. Our staff will accordingly schedule treatment sessions to be a month apart.
How should the patient prepare?
The patient should avoid waxing or plucking for several weeks before treatment, as they will reduce the effectiveness of the laser. They should not bleach their hair for the same reason.
You may be asked to shave a day or two before treatment, as long hair can increase discomfort. The client should clean the treatment site and not apply any lotions, creams, deodorants, etc., to it.
Contact us at Le Beau Visage Medical Spa to learn more about laser hair removal or schedule an appointment.
