Say goodbye to the hassle of shaving, waxing, and plucking with laser hair removal. This popular treatment uses targeted laser energy to get rid of unwanted hair and can bring long-lasting results. Elizabeth Harrell, a highly trained Electrologist, Laser Technician, and esthetician at The Laser Center of Melbourne in Melbourne, Florida, is pleased to offer laser hair removal to help her clients achieve their desired goals.
What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective non-invasive procedure that reduces unwanted body hair. This procedure uses intense heat to damage targeted hair follicles at the blood supply, which stops new hair from growing. Any hair that does regrow will be finer and less noticeable. After completing a full course of laser hair removal treatments (typically 7 sessions), the results are long-lasting. The only factors that can stimulate new hair growth are hormonal changes, such as those associated with PCOS, hormonal replacements, or pregnancy.
What body areas can be addressed?
This treatment can target any area on your body as long as the hair is dark. Common areas include the bikini line, Brazilian, buttocks, arms, armpits, back, chest, and legs. Even sensitive areas such as the upper lip and chin can also be treated.
What should I do before my appointment? NO TANNING, TANNING BEDS, OR SELF TANNER
To ensure the best results and minimize the risk of complications, it's important to prepare your skin before laser hair removal. For at least two weeks prior to your appointment, avoid tanning beds and prolonged sun exposure, and wear sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors. If you're treating the face, it's best to avoid chemical peels and collagen injections as well. Additionally, it's recommended to avoid blood-thinning medications like aspirin and herbal supplements to reduce the risk of bleeding during the procedure, although this is a rare occurrence. By taking these precautions, you can help ensure a safe and effective laser hair removal treatment.
What happens during the procedure?
It is important to note that before the laser hair removal treatment begins, a cooling gel or spray may be applied to the treatment area to minimize discomfort. The handheld laser device is then pressed against the skin and laser energy is applied to the targeted hair follicles. During the procedure, you will be provided with goggles to protect your eyes from the laser. The length of the treatment depends on the size of the treatment area and can range from a few minutes for a small area like the upper lip to over an hour for larger areas like the legs or back.
How will I feel after the treatment?
After laser hair removal, redness and swelling may appear and can last for several hours. Any discomfort can be minimized with the use of cool packs, hydrocortisone cream, and gentle hygiene practices such as washing the treated area carefully with soap and water. It is important to avoid picking or scratching the skin and to protect it with sunscreen for at least one week after treatment.
How many treatments do I need?
The number of treatments necessary to achieve desired results varies based on factors such as the prevalence of hair in the treatment area. While many people see the best results with 7-8 hair removal treatments, it takes at least 7 treatments to go through all the hair growth cycles. You should expect a 10 to 15% reduction with each treatment. However, in some cases, people require 9 to 12 treatments to achieve an 80% reduction in hair. Once you're pleased with the outcome, occasional maintenance sessions about once or twice per year may help maintain the results.
Are there any side effects?
Although laser hair removal is generally considered safe, like all procedures, it may cause side effects. While temporary swelling and redness are common and will typically subside on their own, there is a risk of skin irritation, scabbing, and potentially permanent pigment changes. To minimize these risks, it's important to avoid sun exposure and use sun protection before and after the treatment.