Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is a non-invasive, gentle technique that eliminates undesirable hair from all parts of the body. Laser hair removal makes use of laser energy to produce long-term hair reduction. This treatment can be used on all body parts, including legs, back, abdomen and even the soft and fine skin of the bikini line and the face. This is accomplished by producing heat in the hair, which is transferred to the hair follicle. This produces inflammation which sends a signal to the hair follicle to go into the resting (telogen) phase. The pigment in the hair follicle is the target of the laser used in hair removal, and for this reason laser hair removal is less potent on white, gray or extremely blonde hair. However, there are new laser hair removal treatments that can be used for nearly all people. Laser hair removal is suitable for the vast majority of people and most are highly satisfied with the end results.
In addition to lasers, intense pulsed light sources are also used for hair removal. These light sources do not emit a single color or wavelength of light, but emit light containing many colors. It may be more difficult to predict the outcome and avoid complications when using light sources that contain many wavelengths of light. And this is where Laser, Beauty and Wellness Center Medical Spa can help. You will be given excellent advice as to the number of sessions of laser hair removal you will need and the length of time required to achieve the result you desire.
Laser hair removal is probably the most potent way of preventing or at least managing unwanted hair growth, but it is important to realize that no hair removal process is flawless. Laser hair removal is unlikely to remove all your hair in the treatment area permanently – most people have some hair regrowth within a year – but the good news is that hairs that do grow back are likely to be paler and weaker, and will also respond more quickly and effectively to repeat laser hair removal treatment.
Lasers are highly powerful rays of light and they can harm tissue – however, the lasers used in hair removal are specially designed to pass with confidence through the skin, targeting the pigmented cells at the root cells of the hairs, underneath the surface, without damaging the surrounding tissue and the skin.
There are a few contra-indications, or circumstances in which our laser hair removal specialist will recommend you to wait before commencing hair removal by laser. These include rashes in the body parts you wish to have hair removal performed on, and if you have recently had certain acne treatments.
Some people might experience side effect from Laser Hair Removal. Some of the known side effects of laser hair removal are:
- New hair growth may be finer and lighter in color. In some cases, new hair may grow in areas adjacent to the treated areas. This can be successfully treated with additional laser.
- Incomplete hair removal or regrowth. Some hair may be resistant to the laser treatment or may regrow after treatment.
- Darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation) or Lightening of the skin (hypopigmentation). This is usually a temporary condition, but in rare instances, is long lasting or permanent.
- Blistering and scarring. These rarely occur.
- Changes in the skin texture. These rarely occur.
- Crusting or scabbing. If this occurs, it's temporary.
Schedule for an appointment by calling or emailing us and one of our laser hair removal specialist will discuss with you the process of removing unwanted hair and the importance of customizing a treatment for your skin tone and hair type. This free consultation will help you learn more about how laser hair removal works and also the cost and the necessary preparations you will need for your laser hair removal treatment. Just imagine the hours you would save never having to shave, tweeze or wax again after you've had the laser hair removal treatment.
Laser, Beauty and Wellness Center, Orange County's Medical Spa is only a few minutes away from cities such as Anaheim, Buena Park, Cerritos, Garden Grove, Irvine, Newport Beach and Tustin. Our medical spa is the ideal place to go for your non-surgical medical cosmetic procedure and aesthetic spa treatment if you live in or near Orange, CA.
Frequently Asked Questions about Laser Hair Removal
What body areas can get treated by Laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal can be used on any area, except around the eyes. The underarms, legs, back, bikini line, face, neck, etc., can all be treated by laser hair removal... fast!
What are the laser hair removal treatment sessions like?
Quick and easy! After your initial preparation, laser hair removal specialist will move a wand-like handpiece over your skin. The handpiece emits a light that disables the hair follicles. Most people perceive the light as a gentle, "snapping sensation". Once this is completed, our laser hair removal specialist will wipe away any loose hair from your skin, and you're ready to go.
Is Laser Hair Removal Painful?
In one pulse, the laser can remove all the hair on a patch of skin approximately the size of a nickel depending on the specific laser spot size. Everyone’s pain threshold is different, but generally laser hair removal is not much more painful than waxing, but the sensation is different. It resembles a rubber band snapping against the skin for a quick second with each pulse. Most people do not require an anesthetic cream, but one may be used for very sensitive patients/areas. Be aware that using anesthetic creams is only safe on small areas like upper lip, bikini, or underarms and in small quantities.What should I do before my laser hair removal treatment?
You should shave the area to be treated 1-3 days before treatment (some clinics will offer to do this for you, but beware of irritation caused by disposable razors etc). No waxing or removing hair with the root with any other way is allowed 4-6 weeks before and throughout the course of treatment as hair needs to be in place to be targeted by laser. The area should be shaved as closely as possible so that laser can target the most energy towards the hair follicle and not waste energy on the part of the hair above the skin’s surface. If your hair is the type that you can’t see where it was right after you shave, make it a bit easier on your tech not to miss the spots you want treated by shaving 1-3 days before so the outline of where hair is growing is just VERY slightly visible.
What should I expect after my laser hair removal treatment?
You can experience some mild redness and tenderness in the treated area shortly after your laser hair removal treatment. This does not interfere with normal activities and usually subsides within a day. In some cases, the redness may last longer, but will still be mild and temporary. There will be other, less likely side effects that will be explained to you by your laser hair removal specialist during the treatment.
What should I do after my laser hair removal treatment?
After the laser hair removal treatment is completed, you should apply aloe vera to soothe the skin for a few days. Within 2-3.5 weeks, you should experience shedding of all treated hair. At first, hair will look like it’s growing back in, but it is just coming through the skin to shed. Shedding starts at about 1.5 weeks and can last until 3.5 weeks post-treatment or so. Exfoliating and/or scrubbing gently in the shower with a loofa can help speed up the process. After shedding finishes, you might experience little black dots still “stuck” in the skin. These are commonly referred to as “pepperspots” and will shed eventually, but might take a bit longer. Exfoliate to help those out as well.
After shedding occurs, you should experience a hairfree period for a few weeks, until next set of hair that was dormant before starts to come in. Once you have enough to justify one, go in for another treatment. This usually happens within 4-8 weeks post-treatment. Patient continues this process until he/she has reached diminishing returns and the remaining hairs are too fine for laser to target, or until you have reached you desired reduction.
How many laser hair removal treatments will I need?
Most people need at least 5-8 initial treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart. This is because hair grows in 3 phases and is killed in the first “anagen” active growing phase. Several treatments are needed to target ALL hair in the active growth phase. Approximately 4-8 weeks after every treatment, additional treatment is required to eliminate the hairs that came out of the dormant phase and are now active. After 6-8 treatments or so, patients should experience a considerable percentage of hair reduction. Depending upon hair type and genetic factors, some clients may require additional treatments beyond these initial treatments.
How much does Laser Hair Removal cost?
The cost for laser hair removal will vary depending on the area that needs to be treated. We suggest you contact us for an appointment and our Laser hair removal specialist will discuss with you the cost and all other concerns you might have about laser hair removal.
Ready to Schedule your Laser Acne Treatment? Contact Laser, Beauty and Wellness Center - Orange County's Medical Spa
Laser, Beauty and Wellness Center - Orange County's Medical Spa also offers Acne Treatment, Laser Hair Removal , Restylane, Juvederm, Photorejuvenation and Microcurrent holistic approach.
Laser, Beauty and Wellness Center - Orange County's Medical Spa is conveniently located in Orange County CA. We are a few miles away from Anaheim, Buena Park, Cerritos, Garden Grove, Irvine and Tustin.
