how does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal is a long-lasting form of hair removal that damages or destroys the hair follicle. Concentrated beams of light at a specific wavelength and pulse duration target hair follicles with minimal effect on the surrounding area. The light energy travels via the hair to the follicle with the energy targeting pigment and damaging the hair follicle. This is why laser hair removal works best on dark hair and lighter skin. The concept of laser hair removal is called selective photothermolysis, which means using light (photo) to create heat (thermo) to destroy cells.
While all skin types can be treated for laser hair removal (with the appropriate laser), the greater the variance in the skin and the hair the better the result. The darker an individual’s skin becomes, the more melanin they have, causing the skin to heat more with the application of laser or light. Therefore, darker skinned individuals must be treated at lower energy levels and often require more treatments to attain good hair reduction.
The selection of the most appropriate wave length is essential. Options like a Nd YAG 1064nm laser can be an alternative for some patients because they rely less on the melanin to be absorbed to get to the hair follicle.
Clients must shave the areas being treated the day before your laser hair removal appointment to ensure the light energy transfers to the hair follicle and does not remain on the skin.
How long will laser hair removal work?
Although laser hair removal is not classified as a permanent hair removal method, many patients do experience permanent hair removal after their treatments. Some patients may need more sessions, and results vary from person to person. While individuals’ hair structure, growth cycle, growth speed and personal lifestyle are unique, laser hair removal certainly offers longer lasting results than waxing and shaving.
What could trigger regrowth?
Laser hair removal does not always destroy the hair follicles. With repetitive sessions, it is reasonable to expect 10 – 25% reduction of hair per session. The goal of our team at Perceptions is to be realistic. It is rare to see 100% total clearance of hairs in an area, and in general patients should expect decreased hair thickness in treated areas.
Hair regrowth can happen if hair follicles regenerate, resting hair follicles that did not produce hair during the treatments so they could not be targeted, wake up, or some hair was not successfully treated during the right stage of growth.
Hormonal changes may also trigger additional hair growth. Younger patients even after they have been treated will continue to grow hair for decades and older patients, especially back areas for men, and the face area for women, are genetically programmed to continue growing hair over time.
So, is laser hair removal really permanent?
In conclusion, is laser hair removal really permanent? According to FDA standards, the answer is no it is not. Laser hair removal is a long-term hair reduction method. Some patients will achieve permanent hair removal while others will need an increase in sessions to complete their treatments, or additional “touch-up” sessions later on.
While most clients receive hair reduction that lasts several years, laser hair removal treatments do not guarantee permanent hair removal, particularly if the follicle is damaged but not destroyed. If there is no melanin in the hair (white, gray, or blonde) laser hair removal cannot work. Red hair also does not absorb light well, but thicker hairs (simply because they are bigger and hold more melanin) tend to be better treated than finer hairs.
Laser Hair Removal Before & After
Laser Hair Removal (LHR) FAQs
- It is normal to experience redness and swelling in the treatment area following laser hair removal. This may persist for several days. The treated area may feel like a razor burn or sunburn for a few hours after treatment. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone or aloe vera may be used to alleviate redness and irritation.
- The heat from the laser stays in your skin for 24 hours, so it is best to avoid the gym and long, hot showers up to 24 hours after treatment.
- Hair in the treated area will slowly shed, typically over the course of two weeks. Patchiness of hair growth is normal, and will dissipate towards the completion of your laser hair removal treatment series.
- Improper post-treatment care, including excessive heat or sun exposure of the treated area, may increase the chance of scarring, pigmentation changes and skin texture changes. It is imperative that you avoid excessive heat in the treatment area, such as hot tubs, saunas or working out for 24 hours after laser hair removal treatment. Avoid sun exposure to the treatment area, and do not use UV tanning beds at all for two weeks after treatment.
- Shaving can irritate the skin after LHR and it is best to wait 2-3 days after treatment to shave the treated area.
- Use a broad-spectrum sunblock with an SPF of 30 or above on a daily basis (rain or shine).
- Do not use any topical products that cause photosensitivity (e.g. hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, retinols, and benzoyl peroxide) in the treatment areas for three days after treatment. Use a gentle cleanser and lotion on treated areas.
- Follow instructions regarding all oral medications that we provided at your medical laser consultation.
- Do not have Botox injections, dermal filler injections, chemical peels or microdermabrasion in the treatment area for at least 14 days after laser hair removal.
Yes. However, Laser Hair Removal works by targeting the melanin in the hair; therefore, it is most effective on darker, thicker hair and light skin tones. The number of treatments required for reduction will vary depending on a number of factors including skin type.
Unfortunately, red hair, grey hair and very fine hair is untreatable with the laser due to the lack of color at the base of the follicle.
Time of treatment will vary depending on the area treated from 5 minutes to an hour or more for multiple larger surface areas.
Costs vary depending on the area being treated and number of treatments needed due to skin type. Please call 916.844.0155 and ask to speak with one of our Medical Aesthetic Sales Consultants for more information.
Excluding areas around the ocular region, all areas of the face or body can be treated with the laser that is suited for your skin type.
While everyone’s pain tolerance is different, the majority of clients do not think it is painful. Our patients report that treatment with our lasers is much more comfortable than other lasers and far more comfortable than waxing. Any discomfort one experiences is over very quickly. (Numbing is not used for LHR)
The number of treatments necessary varies per individual, on average 6-9 treatments, although because of numerous variables this medical treatment cannot be guaranteed. Multiple treatments performed at 6 to 10 week intervals are necessary in order to obtain the best result. Irregular treatment schedules and prolonged intervals between treatments may reduce the efficacy of laser hair removal. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you can expect 10% -20% hair reduction with each treatment.
Laser hair removal at Perceptions Aesthetic Spa is FDA-cleared to permanently reduce hair anywhere on the face or body. Laser hair removal is permanent when the hair follicle is destroyed, however, some is only damaged and hair can reappear. Additionally, some hair follicles are stimulated by changes in hormone levels. Laser hair removal treatments do not prevent new hair growth in those follicles. Patients may experience hair regrowth from various hormone related causes, such as pregnancy or hormone changes related to aging. Most patients can expect approximately 80% hair reduction.
How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal Treatment
- Freshly showered or bathed with completely clean skin, without lotions, oils, creams or fragrances.
- Shaved completely prior to treatment (within 24 hours prior to your appointment).
- Do not wax, tweeze, epilate or use chemical depilatories between laser treatments. (Since the laser targets the root of the hair, it must be present for the treatment to be effective. Shaving is the only form of hair removal recommended during the course of your treatments).
- When scheduling an appointment, it must be least 7 days after taking antibiotics.
- Avoid sun exposure to the treatment area, and do not use UV tanning beds at all for two weeks before treatment.
- Use a broad-spectrum sunblock with an SPF of 30 or above on a daily basis (rain or shine).
- Do not use any topical products that cause photosensitivity (e.g. hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, retinols, and benzoyl peroxide) in the treatment areas for three days before treatment. Use a gentle cleanser and lotion on treated areas.
- Do not have Botox injections, dermal filler injections, chemical peels or microdermabrasion in the treatment area for at least 14 days before laser hair removal.
Laser Hair Removal Technology Used at Perceptions Aesthetic Spa
