What You Should Know About Laser Hair Removal

More than 1.1 million Americans had laser hair removal last year, making it one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States. Recent advances in laser hair removal have made it safer and more effective in people with all skin and hair types, enabling men and women to permanently rid themselves of unwanted hair so they feel more attractive and more confident. If you’ve been considering laser hair removal but you’re not sure what to expect, here’s the scoop.

How does laser hair removal work?

Lasers emit powerful energy that can precisely target individual hair follicles to damage hairs and prevent future hair growth. As the energy from the laser reaches the shaft of the hair inside the follicle (the root portion), it heats the hair, damaging the root so the hair won’t regrow. The very precise delivery of laser hair removal systems means the tissue surrounding the follicle remains unharmed. Darker hair tends to absorb more energy, but developments in laser technology and hair removal techniques have enabled people with lighter hair to benefit from laser hair removal as well.

What happens during treatment?

Before treatment, you’ll need to let the hair in the treatment area grow out for a couple of weeks – that means no shaving, waxing, plucking, threading, or electrolysis. Just before your treatment, the hair will be shaved close to the skin’s surface. This approach ensures the hairs will be at a consistent length so the laser can achieve better results throughout the treatment area. A topical gel will be applied to keep the skin cool and comfortable. Then the laser will be fired in a small “test area” to ensure the device is properly adjusted for your needs. Once any needed adjustments are made, the laser hand piece will be passed over your skin, emitting laser energy in tiny bursts to treat each hair follicle. The length of treatment will depend on the size of the area being treated. Once treatment is complete, patients can return to their regular routines. The hair in the treatment area will begin to shed in about one to three weeks.

Will I need more than one treatment?

Hair grows in cycles, and in order to halt hair growth, each follicle must be treated at a specific time during that cycle. For that reason, most patients need a series of treatments spaced out over a few weeks to ensure follicles are treated throughout the hair growth cycle for optimal results.

Learn more

Avail Dermatology is a leading provider of state-of-the-art laser hair removal treatments for patients throughout the Greater Atlanta area. To find out more about laser hair removal and how it can help you enjoy healthy, smooth skin, call Avail Dermatology today at 770-251-5111 and schedule your personal consultation.