Laser hair removal is one of the most popular ways of getting rid of unwanted body hair and enjoying smooth skin for the long run. Not only can it completely remove hair from just about any part of your body, but you could also experience less hair growth in the future. At Southeastern Institute of Restorative Medicine in Dothan, AL, we specialize in this effective and convenient treatment!
How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Take?
Removing your hair can be painful, time-consuming and repetitive. Previously, the only options available to most people were shaving, plucking,melanin or waxing. Shaving is relatively painless but time-consuming and not fully effective. Waxing and plucking are more effective options but often can hurt. Fortunately, with laser treatments, you can experience the best of both worlds without rapid regrowth or pain!
These treatments are generally done over the course of several sessions, although everyone is different, and you should consult our team to determine which course of action is right for you. The sessions’ spacing also could vary and depends largely on your body and the area where you are getting the treatment done. Certain areas of the body, like the upper lip, need to be treated more regularly than others. Our team prides itself on developing personalized plans that help you reach your objectives. Talk to us about what you need, and we will come up with a roadmap for success.
What Does This Treatment Entail?
Essentially, this treatment uses a beam of laser light to eradicate unwanted hair from your body. The melanin in your hair gets absorbed by the light and then is heated away through a special process that damages the hair follicle and prevents it from regenerating. Although the hair follicle is heated, the process doesn’t burn your skin. Most of the time, this treatment eliminates existing hair, but it doesn’t prevent any hair from ever growing in that region again. That’s why most people need to get many sessions.
People with lighter skin and darker hair are the best candidates for this treatment, although pretty much everyone can have it done with a few modifications. We are happy to consult you on a personal treatment schedule and give you a set of realistic expectations for your personal care.
Treatment Areas
Almost any area where you grow hair can be treated. Today’s lasers are gentle enough to target sensitive skin without hurting it. The most popular areas are the bikini area, shoulders, stomach, sideburns, neck, arms, legs, and chin. If you want to remove hair from another part of your body, simply talk to us about your needs, and we’ll let you know if this treatment is appropriate for you.
Treatment Preparation Tips
Since everyone’s body and hair composition is different, you should observe the specific treatment prevention tips that we layout for you. In general, it’s a good idea to stay out of the sun and stay away from tanning lotions or bleaching agents right before your treatment. It’s important for your hair follicles to be visible and your skin to be as close to its natural color as possible.
During the Treatment Session
We prioritize your comfort, so your session will be conducted in a safe, welcoming space where you can relax. Since our lasers have a built-in cooling mechanism, you shouldn’t feel any pain or discomfort at all. Treatment times vary. If you are having the treatment done on a small part of your body, like the upper lip, expect to be in your session for just a few minutes. Those who are having a larger area treated might need to be in a session for up to an hour. We will review all of this with you prior to your first session.
Post-Treatment
Unlike waxing or shaving, the results are not immediate. Most people can expect to see their hair shed off their legs within a few days. Also, when you do get new hair growth, it’s usually a lot lighter and finer than your previous growth.
Why Do People Get This Treatment Done?
There are many reasons why people opt for this treatment above others. It’s a lot more effective than many other options, and it’s certainly a lot less painful than waxing. Although waxing, shaving, and plucking can give you the same result as a laser hair removal treatment, they tend not to last as long and be a lot less effective in the long run. Shaving also eats up a ton of time, and hair can grow back very quickly. If you want to enjoy the long-term results of hairless skin, this treatment could be perfect for you.
Benefits of This Treatment
Benefits vary from person to person, so talk to our team about what you can realistically expect from your treatment. Most people experience these common and pleasant benefits after a laser hair removal session.
It Can Substantially Reduce Your Body Hair
This treatment eliminates body hair in the days after your session is complete, but it also substantially reduces new body hair. Some people don’t even need to shave after a few laser treatment sessions. The hair that grows in will be a lot lighter in color and finer than your previous hair. Although waxing can have a similar effect, it’s not anywhere near as drastic as you can generally get with a laser.
It Can Soften Your Skin
Waxing, shaving, and even plucking can leave hair behind, giving you a subtle stubble that appears a few days after your treatment is done. You don’t have to worry about that happening with laser treatments. Lasers get deep into your hair follicle and remove it from the root, so you can experience smooth, silky skin that lasts for the long run after one of these treatments.
Get Treated Anywhere on Your Body
Although lasers are effective, they are gentle enough to use anywhere on your body without experiencing too much discomfort. Depending on the area where you’re getting treated, it might only take just a few minutes. Laser treatments can be done in the same amount of time as waxing treatments, and they are substantially less painful and much more effective.
It’s Less Painful Than Other Options
Waxing is one of the most painful Laser Hair Removal treatments out there, but plenty of people opt for it because it gives them smooth, hairless skin. Fortunately, laser can do exactly the same thing with longer results. Lasers are one of the least painful ways to remove hair from your body. You don’t need any downtime after this treatment, and most people don’t experience any lingering discomfort whatsoever.
It Can Reduce Ingrown Hairs
Waxing and shaving can both have an unpleasant side effect; the occurrence of ingrown hairs in the treated region. Ingrown hairs can look fairly unsightly and are also painful. They can become infected too. With lasers, you don’t need to worry about ingrown hairs.
Zero Scarring
Lasers don’t leave any marks, unlike other hair removal methods. Waxing can sometimes irritate the skin and give you the appearance of ingrown hairs. With shaving, you risk nicking your skin or getting razor burn, especially if you’re shaving in a sensitive region. Lasers don’t leave marks, so the only thing that they will see is your beautiful, hairless skin.
You Can Shave Between Sessions
There are some hair removal methods, like waxing, where you can’t shave in between treatments. This is a huge inconvenience for many people, especially if they get waxed on a highly visible area of the body, like their legs or armpits. You can shave between laser sessions. The only things that you are not encouraged to do are to get a lot of sun and use follicle bleaching treatments right before your session.
Caring for Your Skin Post-Treatment
If you want to make the most of your laser experience, there are a few things that you can do to care for your skin in between sessions.
Stay Out of the Sun
Your skin will be exceptionally sensitive to the sun right after your laser treatment, so make sure that you stay out of direct sunlight and avoid using tanning booths for at least 14 days after you complete your treatment. If you do head out into the sun, make sure that you use proper SPF and wear lightweight clothing over your treated area to eliminate the possibility of sun irritation.
Avoid Saunas for a Week
Resist the urge to go relax in a steam room, spa, or sauna for at least a week after your treatment. Hot steam or water can irriate lasered skin. Additionally, try to avoid hot showers and baths for two days. You can certainly take cool or lukewarm showers, but you skin could be extra sensitive to heat.
Don’t Exfoliate or Shave for at Least a Few Days
Although you can shave between lasering sessions, it’s a good idea to avoid shaving or exfoliating the treated area for at least a few days after your session. The hair will still be falling off, and it’s important to allow the process to happen smoothly. After a few days, you can resume your regular beauty routine.
Avoid Chemical Substances or Treatments for 48 Hours
If you chemically treat your skin with any substances, stop using them for at least 48 hours after your session. You should also avoid going swimming, especially in cholorinated water. Don’t use any harsh perfumes or lotions on your skin during this time either, although it’s compeltely appropriate and a good idea to continue moisturizing as usual.
By following these general guidelines, most people are able to maximize their lasering experience and enjoy the benefits of smooth, hairless skin right away.
Get Smooth Hairless Skin Today
As the top anti-aging medical practice and spa in Wiregrass, Alabama, our practice is skilled in helping people achieve and maintain the body and look that they want. We use state-of-the-art hair removal techniques to give you smooth, supple skin, and our practice always puts your needs first. You’re not just a patient to us; you are an individual with needs that we can help address together.
Laser hair removal can help you to get the smooth, hairless look you want without the pain of waxing or plucking. It’s far more effective than any other treatment on the market, and over time, your body will naturally produce less hair in the treated area. Contact our specialists at Southeastern Institute of Restorative Medicine in Dothan, AL at 334-380-0766 for a no-pressure consultation today.