What Areas Can Be Treated With Laser Hair Removal?

At ReviveMD Center in Glen Allen, VA, we are passionate about helping our clients feel as good about themselves as they can. We understand how hard it is to feel confident when you have unwanted hair and no time to shave. That’s why we’re excited to offer laser hair removal, a great alternative to traditional hair removal methods, like shaving, tweezing, and waxing. Today, we’re discussing everything you need to know about this treatment, including what areas it can target.

What Areas Can Be Treated With Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal can remove unwanted hair from virtually every region of your face and body. For example, it can be used to eliminate unwanted upper lip, chin, cheek, or sideburn hair. You can also use this treatment to rid your arms, underarms, and legs of unwanted hair. Moreover, laser therapy can be used on your back, shoulders, chest, stomach, neck, hands, and feet. You can even treat your bikini region.

What Areas Can’t Be Treated With Laser Therapy?

While laser therapy can target almost any area, there are a couple of exceptions that you should be aware of. First, you should know that this treatment cannot be used to remove unwanted hair from your eyebrows due to the proximity to your eyes.

Additionally, this hair removal method is not ideal for very sensitive areas, like the inside of the nose or ears. You should also know that you will not be able to have unwanted hair removed from tattoos or moles, and your skin must not be irritated at the time of your appointment.

How Many Treatment Sessions Will I Need to See My Desired Results?

The number of laser hair removal sessions required to achieve your desired results depends on several factors, including your skin tone, hair color, and the area being treated. The goals you are trying to achieve also affect how many sessions you will need to feel happy with your skin. Typically, six to eight sessions are required to destroy all of the hair follicles in an area of concern.

How Long Will My Treatment Sessions Take?

Thanks to Cynosure’s cutting-edge ICON laser, hair removal has never been faster or more effective. Even large areas, like your back or abdomen, can be treated in mere minutes. However, you should be aware that if you are treating several large areas, your session may take around 30 minutes to complete. We’ll give you a better idea of how long you can expect your session to last once we have discussed your goals and evaluated your areas of concern.

How Soon Will I Be Able to Enjoy My Desired Results?

Generally, you can expect to see your desired results three to five days after your treatment session. However, you should be aware that it may be several months before you can really enjoy long-lasting results. Once the burned hair follicles in the treatment area have released their hair, you will be able to enjoy smooth, hair-free skin for one to two months.

How Often Can I Come in for Treatment?

Generally, treatment sessions are spaced four to six weeks apart when the face is being treated. When the body is being targeted for treatment, sessions usually take place once every six to eight weeks. This treatment works by targeting the extra pigmentation in the actively growing hair follicles. Once the active hair follicles in your targeted area have been destroyed, you will need to wait until other follicles in the area enter the active stage of the hair growth cycle.

How Long Can I Expect My Results to Last?

Generally, you should not expect to need touch-up treatments once you have treated all of the follicles in your problem areas. However, there are some exceptions. For example, if you develop a severe hormone imbalance, new unwanted hair growth may occur. Additionally, follow-up treatments may be necessary if you start taking certain medications, like anabolic steroids.  

Am I a Good Candidate for This Treatment?

The best candidate for this treatment has light skin and dark hair. This is because the more contrast there is between your skin and hair color, the more effective this hair removal treatment will be. However, you should come in for an evaluation regardless of your skin type and tone and hair color. You may be considered a good fit for treatment; you just may need an extra session or two if you have very dark skin and hair or very pale skin and fair hair.

Who Isn’t a Good Candidate for This Treatment?

You will need to hold off on your course of hair removal treatments if you are pregnant. Additionally, you will be considered a poor fit for laser hair removal if your skin is inflamed, burned, wounded, or otherwise irritated. When you attend your evaluation, we will advise you on all of the contraindications for this treatment. We will also let you know what rules you will have to follow before and after treatment.

What Preparation Steps Are Required?

It is essential that you minimize sun exposure for two weeks leading up to your appointment. This is because your hair removal session must be postponed if any skin irritation, including sunburn, is present. It is also highly advisable to not try to tan your skin in any way, including indoor tanning, spray tanning, and applying tanning creams. Remember, your treatment will be more effective if there is a significant contrast between your hair color and skin tone.

Another very important preparation step to take is to not take any drugs that can cause photosensitivity. Furthermore, you need to avoid any cosmetic products or treatments that may cause skin irritation. For example, you will not be able to use a depilatory cream to remove unwanted hair before your laser therapy session. While this type of hair removal treatment does not damage the root of the hair, it has the potential to cause skin irritation.

What Aftercare Guidelines Will I Need to Follow?

After your laser therapy session, there are several aftercare rules that must be adhered to. For example, you need to protect your skin from UV radiation by keeping an eye on the UV index and staying indoors when the radiation levels are too high. You should also wear sunscreen diligently when avoiding sun exposure cannot be avoided.

It is also very important that you keep your skin moisturized after your treatment. You should moisturize your skin once or twice per day and drink plenty of hydrating fluids to ensure that the deepest layers of your skin are hydrated. Additionally, you should avoid wearing tight clothing in the treated areas and refrain from using any cosmetics that can irritate your skin.

Can I Perform This Treatment At Home?

No, you should not attempt to use a laser to remove unwanted hair at home. The primary reason this is a bad idea is that it may not be safe for you. The FDA has not approved any at-home lasers for hair removal. There is a chance that scarring, blistering, burns, skin discoloration, or other problems could occur. At-home treatments also aren’t as effective as the ICON laser.

What Are the Benefits of This Treatment?

There are many advantages of laser hair removal compared to other hair removal techniques. One of the most compelling benefits of this treatment is that it provides long-lasting results. To reiterate, until you have treated all of the hair follicles in your targeted area, you can enjoy hair-free skin for one to two months at a time. Once your course of treatments is complete, you may be able to enjoy hair-free skin for a lifetime.

Another incredible benefit of this treatment is its safety. Remember, this treatment is safe for all skin tones and types. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about experiencing the side effects of other hair removal methods, like ingrown hairs, razor bumps, or burning sensations.

Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today

You can use laser hair removal to eliminate unwanted hair from almost any part of your body or face as long as the area is not irritated or too close to your eyes. If you want to enjoy hair-free skin without the hassle of shaving, waxing, or applying depilatory cream regularly, drop us a line now at ReviveMD Center in Glen Allen, VA to schedule an initial evaluation and determine if this treatment is right for you.