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How to Make Your Laser Hair Removal Last Longer

Laser Hair Removal

laser hair removalWe’ve all felt the pain and frustration of hair removal, whether you find yourself struggling to keep up with the time-suck of daily leg shaving, you’ve grown weary of the pain and irritation associated with waxing, or you simply can’t stand the smell of depilatory, or hair removal, creams. The good news is that there’s a more permanent solution to your hair growth woes.

With laser hair removal, you have the opportunity to eliminate hair by targeting the follicles, effectively delaying or even eliminating the potential for hair growth. The question is: How long does laser hair removal last? More importantly, how can you make your results last longer?

While the relative success of a laser hair removal treatment could depend on several factors -- and it’s certainly more effective and long lasting than shaving or waxing -- there are steps you can take to ensure longevity. Here’s what you need to know!

What to Expect with Laser Hair Removal

The first thing you should know about laser hair removal is that it can work on all skin types, but it tends to work best for patients with lighter skin tones and darker hair. This is because the laser emits a concentrated light beam that targets the pigmentation in the hair, converting light to heat in order to damage the follicle and prevent further growth. Treatment itself is relatively quick and painless, usually lasting from just a few minutes to about an hour, depending on the area being covered.

How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last?

Laser treatment works best on hair in the new growth phase. But all follicles go through a growth cycle that involves rest, so you shouldn’t be surprised to see some new hair growth following treatment. Several treatments (usually about 6 to 10) are recommended at intervals of about four to eight weeks to account for hair growth in every phase. 

So how long does laser hair removal last? You can reasonably expect at least several months without new hair growth following a full treatment, and some people don’t experience any regrowth for years. If hair does begin to regrow, it’s typically much lighter and finer than before. You can always schedule follow-up treatment for maintenance, as needed.

How Can You Ensure Lasting Results?

There are several things you can do to make sure you enjoy the best results from your treatment, remaining fuzz-free as long as possible. First, it’s best to consult with a qualified practitioner, who can help you understand if you’re a good candidate for the treatment and provide you with instructions on how to prepare your body to achieve the best outcome.

Next, you’ll need to let your hair grow. While this may seem like it’s the opposite of your goal, it is an essential part of the process. Because of how the laser works to target the pigment in the hair, a lack of hair at the time of your appointment will definitely impact your results.

Shaving or waxing before your appointment will not only make it much harder to achieve hair removal, but it could affect the skin being treated, which you don’t want. You should also avoid applying lotion, deodorant, and other cosmetic products on the skin when you show up for your appointment.

Sun exposure can have an impact, as well. Because the laser targets pigment, your lovely tan could interfere with the efficacy of the treatment. Not only should you avoid sun exposure before your treatment, but you should also stay out of the sun after your treatments are finished to protect your skin and maximize results. This is why many clients opt to schedule their laser hair removal services before or after the summer season.

Finally, you’ll want to follow guidelines for the number and frequency of treatments, which your doctor can advise you on. Following an appropriate schedule for treatments will help to ensure the best and longest-lasting results. 

Are you interested in exploring the benefits of laser hair removal? Contact the professionals at Beverly Fischer, MD, and The Advanced Center for Plastic Surgery at 410-308-4700 or go online to learn more about our services and schedule your consultation.

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Dr. Beverly Fischer

Dr. Beverly A. Fischer, a leading female surgeon with over 20 years' experience, believes plastic surgery makes a profound difference in people’s lives.