Laser hair removal is a fantastic way to get your skin looking summer ready! If you hate having prickly skin, struggle with growing hair in places you wish it didn’t, or just want to avoid the daily struggle of shaving, laser hair removal can help you resolve these issues once and for all.
At Flawless, our medical experts are trained and qualified to provide the best laster hair removal in Minneapolis, Excelsior, and the surrounding area.
If you’ve asked yourself, “Is laser hair removal right for me?” you’re in the right place! Today, we’re answering some common F.A.Qs to help you decide whether this treatment is a good fit for you.
What is laser hair removal?
Laser Hair Removal is a medical procedure that uses concentrated light in order to remove unwanted hair. It does this by exposing the hair follicle to pulses of laser that destroy the hair follicle and prevent future growth. Laser hair removal can be extremely dangerous in inexperienced hands, so it’s very important to work with a qualified and trained provider for safety and to achieve your desired results.
How long does laser hair removal take?
The initial procedure can take anywhere from minutes (for lips or smaller areas of the face) to an hour or more for large areas, like the back or legs. There will also be time spent discussing your goals and treatment plan with your provider, preparing for the treatment, and discussing next steps. We recommend that patients budget at least 3 hours for their treatment unless it is only for the face or a similarly small area.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
Laser hair removal is effective at permanently preventing hair regrowth when the hair follicle is fully destroyed. Because some hair follicles will become damaged and not fully destroyed after the initial treatments, we recommend undergoing yearly maintenance for your treatment until you are no longer experiencing any regrowth.
How many laser hair removal treatments do I need?
For most patients, six laser hair removal treatments will be enough to achieve the desired results. However, some patients may need more or less treatments depending on their situation. We recommend scheduling a free consultation to discuss your comprehensive treatment plan if you are concerned about how many treatments you will need to undergo to achieve the desired results.
How do I prepare for laser hair removal treatment?
Before the treatment, we recommend that patience stop plucking, waxing, or using any other hair removal method that removes hair at the root. Doing so will interfere with the hair growth cycle needed in order for the treatment to be effective. If you would like to still use a hair removal method in between sessions, shaving is the recommended method. We also recommend refraining from tanning as it can interfere with the treatment. Speak with your provider about your list of medications to ensure that you are not taking any medicines that can interfere with the treatment or make your skin more sensitive.
How much downtime is there with laser hair removal?
While laser hair removal can cause skin to be red and swollen, there is not really any downtime associated with the procedure. Most patients return to daily activities immediately, though their skin may be sensitive to touch for a few days.
How long will it take to see results from laser hair removal?
Most patients will begin to see results immediately, but the full desired results won’t be achieved until your treatment plan is completed. In between treatments, you will notice that you do have a reduction in hair and that when hair does regrow that it is lighter and finer.
Are there any side effects to laser hair removal treatment?
Reported side effects of laser hair removal include:
- Discomfort
- Swelling
- Redness
- Cold sores
- Infections
- Scarring
- Skin lightening or darkening.
However, these side effects are rare when the treatment is completed by a qualified medical professional.
How frequently can I receive treatment?
Every patient is unique, but most patients can undergo treatments every 4-6 weeks. Speak to us about your specific goals in order to create a treatment plan that is customized to you!