Laser Hair Removal Treatment

Q: Who is a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

Dark hair with light skin: The contrast between fair skin and dark hair can make it easier for the laser to target hair follicles directly without impacting the skin. However, those with darker skin complexions can still be good candidates for laser hair removal, as laser technology continues to advance. A skilled medical provider will be able to determine the proper laser treatment for you based on your complexion and hair coloring. No sun-kissed skin: It is best practice for patients to receive laser hair removal when their skin has no tan or burn. Since the laser also targets melanin in the hair follicles, it can increase the chances of burns or hyperpigmentation in skin that has increased melanin. Coarse hair: Thick, coarse hair typically contains more pigment, allowing it to respond better to the laser.

For those looking to remove unwanted hair and keep it away for extended periods, laser hair removal treatment is typically the gold standard. Whether it’s leg hair, facial hair, or the bikini line, laser hair removal can do wonders for those seeking alternatives to daily shaving,painful waxing, and other inconvenient hair removal methods. While laser hair removal has continuously grown in popularity, it is important to understand how it works, its benefits and risks, and what makes someone the right candidate for this specific type of laser treatment.

The team at The Lett Center wants to provide you with the answers to all questions related to laser hair removal! Read on to learn more about this transformative treatment available today with The Lett Center.

What is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal treatment is a type of treatment that works to remove unwanted hair with the help of a concentrated beam of light, or laser. The heat from the laser targets and destroys the hair follicle, which also prevents it from producing new hair. Typically, multiple treatments or sessions of laser hair removal are needed to see long-lasting results of less hair in the targeted area.

What Areas Can Laser Hair Removal Treat?

Laser hair removal can be performed in a variety of locations on the body that are prone to unwanted hair. Some of the typical spots of unwanted hair that the laser can treat include:

Bikini Line/Area
Legs
Arms
Underarms
Back
Chest
Face

Some men and women may have unwanted hair on their hands, feet, or toes, which can also be treated with the help of laser hair removal. Regardless of gender, laser hair removal is geared toward any patient looking to remove or reduce the amount of unwanted hair production on the body.

Who is a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

Now that we know how laser hair removal works and what it can treat, let’s see what makes an ideal candidate for this treatment. A good candidate for laser hair removal typically meets some of the following characteristics:

Dark hair with light skin: The contrast between fair skin and dark hair can make it easier for the laser to target hair follicles directly without impacting the skin. However, those with darker skin complexions can still be good candidates for laser hair removal, as laser technology continues to advance. A skilled medical provider will be able to determine the proper laser treatment for you based on your complexion and hair coloring.
No sun-kissed skin: It is best practice for patients to receive laser hair removal when their skin has no tan or burn. Since the laser also targets melanin in the hair follicles, it can increase the chances of burns or hyperpigmentation in skin that has increased melanin.
Coarse hair: Thick, coarse hair typically contains more pigment, allowing it to respond better to the laser.

While these characteristics can make up an ideal candidate for laser hair removal treatment, patients can still receive laser hair removal without these traits. Connecting with a skilled provider will be the first step in knowing if laser hair removal is right for you!

What a Laser Hair Removal Treatment Looks Like

A laser hair removal treatment is more straightforward than you might think. Of course, there are ways to prepare for better results, as there are directions to follow post-treatment to also ensure quality results! Let’s break down what a laser hair removal session entails.

Before a Laser Hair Removal Treatment

After a thorough consultation with your medical provider, they will share with you some ways to best prepare for treatment to see the desired results. Preparation for laser hair removal may include:

Avoid waxing, threading, or plucking at least 4 weeks before treatment.
Avoid sun exposure at least 4 weeks before treatment.
Shave the treatment area 12 – 24 hours before treatment, which helps the laser target the hair follicle more directly.
Clean the treatment area of any lotions, sunscreen, oils, or perfumes before treatment, as it could interfere with the laser.

It is also important to share with your provider any medications you are taking in case any should be avoided before treatment.

During a Laser Hair Removal Treatment

Now that you have prepared for your laser hair removal, it’s time for the main event! Here is what you can typically expect during a laser hair removal treatment:

Your medical provider will thoroughly clean the area to prevent infection and ensure hair is trimmed if needed.
Numbing cream will be applied to the treatment area(s).
You and your medical provider will wear protective eyewear to prevent any damage from the laser.
The settings on the laser are appropriately adjusted based on the area of treatment, skin type, and hair type.
The laser is then applied to the treatment area. Most patients describe the warm feeling as similar to a rubber band being snapped on the skin, but numbing cream and cooling gel can help with this discomfort.

If you experience any severe discomfort or pain, share that with your provider so that they can either adjust the laser or pause during the treatment.

After a Laser Hair Removal Treatment

In the moments and days following laser hair removal treatment, it is expected to experience minor redness and swelling, but it only lasts a few hours to a day. Your medical provider may suggest creams or ice packs to treat any pain or swelling. Additionally, you will want to be mindful of sun exposure following this treatment, as the skin can be more sensitive, and sunburn could cause damage to the treated area.

Ultimately, you will want to follow any post-laser hair removal instructions to see the best results!

Benefits and Risks of Laser Hair Removal

While laser hair removal can be helpful in the way that it prevents the need for consistent waxing or shaving, helping you save time and money in the long run, there are pros and cons to be aware of. Here is a general breakdown of some benefits and risks of laser hair removal.

Benefits of Laser Hair Removal

Cost-effective: Due to less money spent on razors or waxing strips over time, it can be beneficial to invest in laser hair removal on the front end.
Time-saving: You don’t have to worry about carving time out of your day for a wax or shave, as the hair is already gone!
Less irritation: There can be a decrease in the risk of ingrown hairs over time with less irritation on waxed or shaved areas.
Less hair growth: With laser hair removal, patients can expect to see a reduction of hair growth over time in the treated areas.

Risks Associated with Laser Hair Removal

Hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation of the skin are more likely to occur when pre and post-treatment directions are not correctly followed or when an inexperienced provider performs the treatment.
Scarring of the treated area is more common in patients who easily scar.
Infection can occur if the treated area is not correctly cleaned prior to treatment, and any skin breaking can pose a risk of infection.
Burns from the laser can occur if the laser settings are not correctly set – but are less likely to happen when done by a skilled and licensed medical provider.

How Many Sessions of Laser Hair Removal are Needed for Final Results?

The amount of laser hair removal sessions needed will vary depending on the area and size of the area treated. In most cases, 6 to 8 sessions are required to see long-lasting results of reduced hair. These sessions are spaced out 4 to 6 weeks apart, allowing the hair follicles to reset their hair growth cycle. To maintain these results after completing a set amount of sessions, patients may need touch-ups to keep hair away.