Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?

Advancements in laser technology are often seen as miracle cures for different conditions. And many times they are! Advanced technology that uses a pulsed-intense light source allows medical providers to deliver non-invasive treatments that in the past would require extensive surgery and long weeks of recovery while leaving behind discomfort and scars.

Dermatology is one of the medical fields that has found numerous purposes for the all mighty laser beam. Laser treatment is now a common procedure for people looking to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, treat scars, combat hyperpigmentation, and rejuvenate their skin. However, there is much more a laser can do besides helping us look younger and healthier. A laser can also be used to help patients get rid of unwanted hair. 

And now the questions we all have right before thinking to schedule our laser hair removal treatment: Is laser technology going to help us achieve permanent hair removal? Do we need more than one laser hair treatment to enjoy smooth skin? Can anyone be a candidate for laser hair removal? And does laser hair removal hurt? There's no better time than the present to find the answers to your questions related to the effects of laser hair removal.
 

How does laser hair removal work?

Let's start with some essential facts on laser hair removal. The procedure involves the use of concentrated light to destroy hair follicles while keeping the surrounding skin undamaged. Yes, the laser procedure uses a beam of light just like you've seen in the movies, but the treatment is nothing to be afraid of. The procedure can cause mild discomfort, but the technician performing the treatment will use numbing medicine on the treated area to help with the sting of the laser. Most patients experience a warm pinprick sensation, as well as a sensation of cold due to the cold gel applied to the skin to facilitate better light penetration.

The laser emits pulses of light that our hair's pigment (melanin) gladly absorbs. The laser light is then converted to heat that destroys the hair follicles responsible for hair growth. But the process does not end here. The concentrated light also manages to prevent future growth phases and delivers significant and effective hair reduction.

Laser hair removal devices can be used to help people remove hair from different parts of their body, including their face, bikini, area, chest, back, and arms. Depending on their skin type, hair color, and the type of laser used, the results can be noticed earlier or later in the process, but most of them can enjoy great results after six to eight treatments.

How many sessions of laser hair removal are necessary?

The number of necessary sessions to get rid of all unwanted hair depends on every individual. Hair color and skin pigment play the most important part in establishing the length of the laser hair removal treatment. The goal of the procedure is for the hair pigment to absorb the light as opposed to the skin pigment. This means that the greater the contrast between hair and skin color, the better the results.

In other words, the best candidates for this cosmetic procedure are patients with light skin tones and dark hair. However, this doesn't mean that people with darker skin tones or light-colored hair are not able to enjoy the benefits of laser hair removal. They can be good candidates for the procedure, but they may need more sessions, or the results may require a longer period of time to achieve their full potential.

Nature has made us resilient, and this can also be seen in the growth cycle of our hair. Most hair follicles require more than just one laser treatment to be destroyed. According to the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, patients usually need 6 to 9 treatments to achieve hair reduction. However, every session will leave behind less hair and smoother skin. Laser sessions should be spaced at least 6 weeks apart to allow the hair to resume its growth cycle.

Am I a good candidate for laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal therapy is well-tolerated by the vast majority of people. In other words, if you are struggling with excessive hair growth or are simply tired of waxing, plucking, or shaving your hair, this is the procedure for you. However, the best way to establish if laser hair removal poses no risks to your health is to discuss it with your doctor and assess all the factors that come into play. Review your medical history and tell the physician everything about any skin disorders you might have had in the past. Discuss the risks of the procedure as well as the expectations. 

Laser hair removal treatment is a non-invasive outpatient procedure, but it may come with potential side effects. The adverse effects vary depending on the skin color and hair color of the patient, as well as the way they prepare for the procedure and perform the aftercare routine. A few of the most common side effects people have noticed after the treatment are skin irritation, redness, and swelling, all symptoms that usually disappear on their own within several hours.

Pigment changes are also possible as the laser light may darken or lighten the surrounding skin surface. This potential side effect usually affects patients who don't follow the recommendation to avoid sun exposure before and after the treatment but has mostly been noticed in patients with dark skin. Avoiding sun exposure before and after the procedure is essential for a speedy and uneventful recovery, as is avoiding other hair removal methods at least four weeks before treatment.
 

Is laser hair removal permanent?

As much as we want to believe that a laser is a magic wand that can help us get rid of all our unwanted hair for good, the reality is that laser hair removal is not permanent. However, this doesn't mean the benefits of laser hair removal should be dismissed without a chance for appeal. Many people choose to have laser hair removal, and the majority are always happy with the results. 

The best possible result of laser hair removal treatment is a 75%-90% hair reduction in the treated area. The results vary depending on the treated area, type of hair growth, and, as we've mentioned before, skin pigment. 100% hair removal is not a realistic expectation, but most of the hair follicles will get destroyed in the process, and the ones that don't will certainly get damaged leading to much finer and lighter hair and a significantly slower growth process. 

Each treatment will help you achieve a 15 to 30% reduction in hair loss depending on the area exposed to the light energy. Some areas of the body require more treatments than others. For example, facial hair is usually more difficult to remove than leg hair, and it will require more sessions of concentrated light. Hairs do not fall out immediately after the procedure, but you can expect to see them admit defeat within a few days or sometimes, a few weeks after the treatment. 

Maintenance laser treatments are required because hair growth and loss occur in a cycle, and the laser energy delivers the best results when hair follicles are at the beginning of their growth stage. The majority of people who decide to use laser pulses to combat excess hair growth and remove unwanted hair experience the results for several months. However, there are numerous cases when hair reduction has been maintained for years after ending the treatment plan. What is important to remember, though, is that the hair that does grow back is usually finer and lighter in color.
 

Laser Hair Removal in Tampa

Unwanted hair can make you self-conscious or impact your self-confidence. Fortunately, laser hair removal can minimize or eliminate the problem. Visit the best med spa in Tampa! Prime Aesethetica combines the best in experienced professionals with the latest in laser technology to deliver outstanding results for all our customers in the Tampa Bay area. Contact us today to learn how we can help.