At ReviveMD Center in Glen Allen, VA, we love helping our clients feel more confident in their skin. One of our most popular treatments is laser hair removal. People are often on the fence about whether this treatment is right for them. To help you figure out if it is a good fit for you, keep reading to discover the answers to our most frequently asked questions, including how many sessions you will need to get your desired results.
Typically, between two and six laser hair removal sessions are required before the final results can be enjoyed. However, there are several factors that affect how many sessions will be necessary for you. One such factor is the area being targeted for treatment. Another factor affecting how many sessions you will need is your hair color. Generally, the darker and thicker your hair is, the fewer sessions you will need to achieve your desired results.
Laser technology has come a long way, and treatment is more effective and efficient than it has been in the past. However, this laser treatment still works the same way it always has. It delivers a lot of hot light energy to the highly concentrated melanin in the actively growing hair follicles. It is better at targeting these follicles when there is a great contrast between your skin tone and hair color. Also, you’ll need fewer treatments if you only want to thin out your hair.
Before your first laser hair removal session, you need to attend an initial evaluation to find out if it is a good fit for you. During this evaluation, we will discuss your medical history, including scarring or skin disorders you’ve had in the past, drug use, and previous hair removal treatments. We will also photograph the targeted area or areas and thoroughly discuss what results you can realistically expect. We will also give you a complete list of preparation instructions.
Another important preparation step you will need to take is to stay out of the sun as much as possible. When sun exposure is unavoidable, make sure you’re wearing at least an SPF 30 sunscreen that blocks all UV wavelengths. Additionally, you will need to avoid any form of skin tanning, including creams, tanning beds, and tanning lamps. Remember, the greater the color contrast there is between your hair and skin, the better your results will be.
Yes, it is advisable to shave the day before your appointment. Just be extremely careful when you do. Your razor blades should be sharp, and you should use gentle shaving cream. To reduce the likelihood that you cut yourself while shaving, buy yourself new blades if your current blades are dull.
Do not use any other hair removal method prior to your treatment. Depilatory creams, hot wax, and tweezers can cause burning, pain, discomfort, and other side effects. If your skin is irritated at the time of your appointment, it must be rescheduled.
Before your treatment begins, you will be given eye protection. Additionally, the targeted areas will be numbed with a topical anesthetic. This ensures you will remain comfortable throughout the treatment process. Once you’re prepared for your treatment, the laser will be held against your skin and activated. Once activated, the laser will deliver energy to the actively growing follicles. This energy is hot; it will burn the zapped follicles to death.
How long you can expect your treatment session to last depends on several factors. If you are only targeting a small area, like your upper lip, the laser therapy portion of your treatment will only take a few minutes. It will take longer to prepare your skin for treatment than it will to burn the actively growing hair follicles. On the other hand, your treatment session may take over an hour if you are targeting a large area, like your back, or several areas.
You will need to come in for treatment when hair starts growing in the treated area again. If you are targeting your upper lip or another area that experiences rapid growth, you may be able to come back for a follow-up session after just four to eight weeks. On the other hand, you will need to wait three to four months before treatments if you are targeting your back or another area that experiences slow hair growth.
Laser hair removal can be used to remove hair from virtually any region of the body or face. However, there are a few exceptions. For example, you cannot get laser therapy to remove unwanted hair from your eyebrows. During your initial consultation, we will inspect all of your areas of concern and advise you on whether your skin is healthy enough for treatment.
Once your treatment session is complete, you may want to ice the treated area. It will feel warm, but it will not cause you any pain. Additionally, you shouldn’t anticipate feeling any discomfort after your treatment. It is essential that you take good care of your skin after each session. You may not sunbathe or use indoor tanning during the first six weeks following each session. Furthermore, it is imperative that you apply a broad-spectrum SPF30 sunscreen regularly.
Once the laser heat has burned the active hair follicles to death, the follicles will not release their hair immediately. Rather, it will take several days to several weeks for the hairs in the targeted area to shed. If you need two sessions spaced four weeks apart to see your desired results, you should be able to enjoy them after no longer than 1.5 months. On the other hand, if your goal is total back hair removal, it may take you closer to a year to see your desired results.
Once your final results are realized, you can expect them to last forever. Once the hair follicles are killed with the laser heat, your body will not produce new ones in the treated area. However, there are rare circumstances under which follow-up treatments are necessary. For example, excess androgen levels and certain pharmaceuticals can lead to new follicle growth.
You may think it is more affordable and convenient to purchase a home laser for hair removal. However, purchasing a home laser for hair removal is not a good idea. According to the FDA, these devices are considered cosmetic rather than medical. They are not scrutinized like lasers used in a professional setting, so you can’t feel confident about their safety. Additionally, their efficacy leaves a lot to be desired. Moreover, there is a chance that you will hurt your eyes or skin.
How much time you will save having your unwanted hair removed permanently depends on several factors, including the areas you are targeting for treatment and your current hair removal routine. Some people spend four to 10 minutes shaving every time they shave. On average, this equates to around 30 hours per year saved. Waxing can take anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes per session. You may save around 18 hours per year if you get a wax every month.
Yes, you will save money if you choose to have your unwanted hair permanently removed. Shaving usually costs between $112 and $393 per year. Waxing costs around $1,800 per year. Laser hair removal costs vary based on the number of areas being targeted and other factors. However, you will come out ahead.
You can generally expect to need two to six laser hair removal sessions to achieve your desired results. Factors affecting how many sessions you will need include the area being targeted, your hair and skin color, and your goals. Contact us now at ReviveMD Center in Glen Allen, VA to schedule an evaluation and find out if this life-changing treatment is right for you.
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