The dreaded waxing sessions are now but a memory for millions of people worldwide who want to get rid of their body hair. Laser hair removal is one of the most effective hair removal methods available today. The procedure has been tested since the 1960s but became more available to the public in the 1990s. The Aesthetic Society reports, that in 2019, laser hair removal was one of the most popular nonsurgical procedures performed in the United States.
At Aesthetics MedSpa Reno, we can attest to the popularity of this treatment. Our patients come from across the United States and internationally because they know we are the best at what we do. For the last 8 years running, we’ve been voted Reno’s best med spa.
What is laser hair removal?
As the name suggests, laser hair removal is the procedure of removing unwanted body hair using a concentrated beam of light (laser). It is a fantastic option for people who have excess body hair and want a more effective and less painful way to reduce or remove it from various areas of the body.
During the procedure, a laser emits concentrated light to damage hair follicles, the little orifices in the skin from which hair grows. The laser light is then absorbed by melanin, the pigment in the hair. The energy is converted into heat and instantly vaporizes the hair damaging the hair follicles. The damage prevents or delays future hair growth.
Since the laser beam is attracted by the pigment in the hair, laser hair removal treatment is often a great choice for people with dark hair and light skin. However, laser hair removal works for people with all types of skin color, including dark skin. The only category of patients that may not experience excellent results are people with light hair. The laser beam is not very effective against non-pigmented hair.
What to expect during the laser treatment?
Your doctor will usually provide recommendations on how to prepare for the procedure. You will have to avoid sun exposure a few days before the treatment because laser hair removal should not be performed on tanned skin. You should also avoid waxing and plucking because the procedure can’t be done on irritated skin.
If you are taking anti-inflammatory medicine, the doctor will recommend you to take a short break before the procedure to avoid the risk of bleeding. Also, one day before the procedure, it is best if you trim or shave the area you are planning to expose to the laser light.
During the procedure, the doctor will use a hand-held laser device that they will press on your skin. They might also use cooling devices or a cool gel to protect your skin and reduce the risk of side effects. When the laser beam gets to the hair follicles you may feel discomfort, like a warm pinprick, mixed with a sensation of cold coming from the cooling device or gel.
The pain is tolerable for most, and it is usually experienced when the laser gets to more sensitive areas like near the nose, chin, and temples. The treatment lasts a few minutes for small areas, such as the upper lip, but it can take up to an hour for larger areas. Laser hair removal can be used for different areas of your body, including the back, arms, bikini area, legs, chest, shoulders, neck, upper lip, and chin.
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What are the possible side effects?
Since the procedure is minimal and nonsurgical, the National Library of Medicine confirms that the side effects are rare. Common side effects include swelling, redness, and skin irritation. They usually don’t last longer than a few days. To reduce discomfort, you can apply ice to the treated area.
However, there have been rare reports of patients who experienced more serious side effects like burns, blisters, scars, infections, or changes in skin color. One of the best ways to avoid such complications is to always choose an experienced medical professional. At Aesthetics MedSpa Reno, our trained professionals have years of experience providing treatments like these. Furthermore, all of our patients go through a thorough initial consultation to identify any risk factors.
The recovery time is virtually non-existent. Most patients can return to their normal life immediately after the procedure. However, the doctor will recommend avoiding the gym, saunas, and hot showers for 24 hours. Also, always wear sunscreen after the procedure to prevent any possible irritation. Moreover, it is best to avoid sun exposure for up to six weeks after your procedure or for as long as your doctor recommends.
How long do the effects last?
One of the cons of laser hair removal is that the effects are not permanent. Moreover, the treatment requires multiple sessions for complete hair removal. Depending on the size of the treated area, you may need between three and eight sessions, and you will have to wait about six weeks between each session.
The process is long, but the results are worth it, especially since laser hair removal also reduces ingrown hairs and skin irritation because the laser helps the hair to grow straight. Hairs don’t fall out immediately after the procedure, but you should be able to see a significant reduction in the following days. Permanent hair loss is achieved at the end of the treatment, with most patients reporting a 10 to 25 percent hair reduction after their first session.
Since the procedure does not have permanent results, you might need a few touch-up sessions every four, six, or 12 months, depending on your skin type. However, the hair that does grow back is usually finer and lighter in color.
How much does it cost?
Cost depends on various factors. The size of the treated area will always play an important factor in the final cost, as will the number of sessions. However, considering the amount of money one pays for waxing or razors in their lifetime and the long-lasting results of permanent hair removal treatment, $200 to $400 per session is reasonable considering the long-term savings.
In 2020, the average hair removal cost was $389 per session. Sure, you can find cheaper options, but always pay attention to the reputation and experience of the specialist performing the procedure. If the procedure is done by untrained technicians, you could expose your skin to possible burns or scars. So always check that the specialists performing the laser hair removal have proper training and are certified.
Also, don’t underestimate the importance of the initial consultation. The procedure is relatively simple, but still requires a thorough understanding of the patient’s background and medical history. All of our treatments at Aesthetics MedSpa Reno begin with this critical step. We’ll review that the procedure is safe for the patient and aligns with their goals and expectations.
