Are you considering laser hair removal? Women and men alike spend thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours each year shaving, waxing, and using other temporary hair removal methods. Laser hair removal offers a long-term alternative to these expensive, time-consuming options. Here’s what you need to know about this exciting option.
Is it permanent?
After finishing a recommended course of treatment, most clients do not see any hair in the treated area for several months or even years. When the hair regrows, it tends to be sparser, finer, and lighter in color. Periodic follow-up maintenance laser treatments can help keep the area free of hair.
What areas can be treated?
Today’s hair removal lasers can be used on almost every part of the body where hair grows. They are able to effectively treat large areas as well as target very small and sensitive areas. Laser hair removal is possible and common on the back, neck, face, bikini area, shoulders, legs, underarms, and more.
Does it work for all types of hair?
In recent years, significant advances have been made in laser medicine, including innovations in hair removal technology. Previously, only people with dark hair and light skin could safely have laser hair removal. Today, laser hair removal is available to everyone, including people with light-colored hair and light skin and people who have dark skin. UrbanEffects MedSpa uses the CUTERA excel HR™, a state-of-the-art laser hair removal system that is appropriate for all skin and hair types and types.
How will it feel?
To perform the procedure, the skin is held taut as the laser emits a pulse of light. Many patients say that these feel similar to warm pinpricks or a rubber band snapping against the skin. Because the laser removes hair by vaporizing it, the procedure causes small plumes of smoke and a sulfur-like smell.
According to the manufacturer, 100% of respondents in a patient preference study that measured comfort and satisfaction preferred the CUTERA excel HR over a comparable, competitive laser hair removal procedure. Before your treatment, if you are very sensitive, you may receive a numbing gel; this takes about 30 to 60 minutes to take effect.
How long does it take?
How long each treatment lasts and how many are needed varies depending on the size of the area being treated and the density of hair follicles in that area. For example, removing hair from the upper lip can take mere minutes, while treatments on the legs or back can take more than an hour. However, there is generally no “downtime” after each session; you can return to work or other activities without interruption, although the treated skin may be slightly red or swollen.
How many treatments will it take to see results?
You will likely see the results immediately following each treatment as hair regrowth slows, although results vary greatly. Your hair’s color and thickness, the color of your skin, the area treated, and the type of laser used are some of many variables. You can expect a 10% to 25% reduction in hair after the first CUTERA excel HR treatment. Most people achieve optimal results from a series of 3–6 treatments spaced 6–8 weeks apart.
What follow-up is necessary after laser hair removal?
It’s important to protect your skin from damage and trauma after each treatment. Avoid direct sunlight or tanning equipment, and wear sunscreen. You may see some redness and swelling after each treatment, like a mild sunburn. A cool compress can help reduce your discomfort, as can taking an anti-inflammatory medicine like ibuprofen.
What are the possible side effects?
The most common side effects are minor and temporary, including discomfort, swelling, and redness. Other rare side effects include blistering, herpes simplex (cold sores) outbreaks, scarring, infection, and changes in skin pigmentation that usually return to normal but are occasionally permanent.
If you’re ready to stop shaving, waxing, and wasting your time and money on hair removal, contact Urban Effects MedSpa to learn more about the laser hair removal options available to our clients in the greater Des Moines area.
