If you could give up endless shaving and waxing, wouldn’t you jump at the chance to be permanently hairless? Millions of men and women are doing just that with laser hair removal treatments. Whether you are looking to remove unwanted hair for the sake of convenience or for cosmetic reasons, there is a solution waiting for you.
Because laser hair removal is still a fairly new procedure, there have been many questions about its safety, availability and quality of results. Having your hair permanently removed can be a comfortable and affordable option if you are interested in always looking and feeling your best.
We are going to take a look at laser hair treatments and answer many of the most frequently asked questions concerning the procedure. You can decide for yourself if this innovative procedure is right for you.
Is it painful?
The targeted laser that is used in hair removal is focused on the hair follicle itself and not the surrounding skin. There is no pain during the treatment, even in areas where your skin is the most sensitive. A numbing cream is often used during treatments so the only thing that you will feel is the pressure from the laser apparatus.
Is it permanent?
In over 90% of patients treated with laser hair removal, the results are permanent. The hair follicle is actually damaged by the laser to the point of becoming incapable of regrowing any new hair. In some cases where the hair is particularly coarse or the area is large, you may have to get a follow-up treatment once a year.
Do you have to let hair grow between treatments?
You do not have to have long hair growth for the treatment to be successful as the laser targets the follicle and not the shaft of the hair. There are often several weeks between treatments, so you can shave or wax when necessary.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments is determined by many factors including hair coarseness and the size of the treatment area. Your hair grows at different rates in various areas of the body, so approximately 4 – 7 treatments are normal for the best results.
How soon will I see results?
You may not notice any results for up to a week following your treatment. It can take some time for your body to recognize the damaged hair and start to shed it naturally. After 30 days you will be able to see your final results.
How much does it cost?
There are many factors that go into the total cost of your treatment. The size of the area you are targeting, the number of treatments and also the area in which you live. A full treatment in New York City is likely to be much more expensive than in a smaller mid-Western town for example. You can expect to pay as little as $50 to as much as $2500.
Does it work anywhere on my body?
Yes, the laser treatments are safe to use on any part of the body with the exception of the eyelids. If you want to remove fine hairs from your face, bikini area or legs, you can do so safely with laser hair removal treatments.
Does it work on coarse hair?
Laser treatment is the most effective on people who have lighter toned skin and dark hair. It does work on different skin tones as well but may require more sessions to be the most effective. Most of the coarser hair on your body is often darker in color, meaning that it should not affect the quality of the treatment.