Most of us start shaving our underarms, bikini line, legs, and even arms in adolescence. Later on, we may graduate to procedures like waxing or threading to remove unwanted facial and body hair, or even try at-home products like foul-smelling depilatory creams or painful epilators that pull hair out at the roots. The only constant with all of these options is that they are not permanent, and they will require frequent scheduling to maintain a fuzz-free appearance.
What is Laser Hair Removal?
If you’re fed up with daily shaving, monthly waxing, or other regular hair removal techniques, there are more permanent solutions to explore. Electrolysis is the only form of hair removal guaranteed to deliver completely permanent results, but it is expensive, it can be quite painful, sessions are extensive, and you may need to return for multiple touch-ups to ensure total coverage.
A more attractive option is laser hair removal, a semi-permanent procedure that involves heating hair follicles to the root to significantly reduce regrowth. With minimal discomfort, speedy treatment, and lasting results, this has become the preferred method for semi-permanent hair removal for many women.
What to Expect with Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal works by targeting hair follicles in order to heat and kill the hair so it falls out. It does this by differentiating the pigmentation of the hair from your skin tone, which means that those with light skin and dark hair will see the best results from laser hair removal procedures. Laser hair removal is not recommended for light blonde, white, or gray hair.
On lighter skin tones, finer, lighter hairs may escape the laser, but the good news is these are least likely to be noticeable against skin should they remain after treatment. It’s best to prep your skin before your appointment by avoiding sun exposure that could darken skin, as well as products that could make your skin more sensitive.
When you show up for your appointment, you’ll be happy to discover that laser hair removal procedures are safe for any area of your body, and the machine can cover large areas relatively quickly. Laser treatment of the underarm area may take as little as about a minute.
Ice may be used to numb the area prior to treatment (and to soothe it after), and the procedure itself has been compared to the feeling of a rubber band snapping on your skin, so you’ll experience a bit more discomfort than shaving, but less than waxing. Mild redness and irritation are normal in the 24 hours following treatment.
How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last?
Because hair growth cycles vary, you will almost certainly need several treatments to see full hair removal. Generally speaking, you’ll need to wait about six weeks between appointments. Most doctors agree that the average patient will see total hair removal in as few as four sessions, and all patients should see maximum results in about eight sessions. After you complete the initial treatment sessions, you should only need to go in for touch-ups 1-2 times each year to remain hair-free.
If you’re interested in improving your appearance and your confidence, contact the qualified and caring professionals at the offices of The Advanced Center for Plastic Surgery today at 410-308-4700 or online to schedule a consultation and learn more.
