Laser Hair Removal
Laser Hair Removal is a treatment to semi-permanently remove unwanted hair. The laser used emits a beam of concentrated light targeting the hair follicles that produce the hair. It will inhibit and delay further growth of that follicle and any area treated will need multiple laser treatments to see roughly 85% results. You do them in a span of 4-6 weeks, 8-12 times is the average length to see desired results. (8-12 months).
After the initial sessions are complete, as time goes by, you could notice the hair starting to grow back as it normally did, thicker, and more frequently. This will most likely take a few years, depending on how your hair growth was naturally, and how it reacted to the laser. No need to fret, with a few touch up sessions the laser will adequately destroy the follicle again. Commonly, patients who have treated more than one area of their body at a time can come in to touch up in one session at a flat rate. i.e. doing multiple areas in same day.
Whoever the technician may be, if they were trained properly the laser will do it’s job. It is best to do your research for your surrounding area, to see what fits in your price range. With it taking multiple sessions, most offices will offer package rates to purchase. This will save you money in the long run, considering you will not get the result if you only go once or twice. that being said, there are still contraindications to Laser Hair Removal.
Laser Hair Removal Prices
Laser Hair Removal prices range throughout the country, region, and office providing service. Some Dermatology offices who have the Doctors preforming treatment can charge more, simply because they have an MD, but the Medical Spa down the street with the same laser can charge significantly less for same results. Registered Nurses, Physician Assistants, and Nurse Practitioners are legally allowed to learn, and preform laser hair removal. In a few states, it is acceptable to attend school to become a Laser Technician, learning exactly what the Nurses and Doctors preform in all other States by getting a simple certificate.
Most lasers will not work on red, blonde, or gray hair. The pigment is not picked up properly by the emitted beam of light, thus not effectively destroying said follicle. You will want to avoid tanning in the sun at all costs throughout the treatment period. Creating unnatural pigment in your skin can cause the laser to burn you, it is recommended only getting one hour of sun at most. The provider will be able to tell by seeing you in person if you have a tan line, or visible sun damage. In that case they will decline service until it fades. Other contradictions are medicines that can result in photosensitivity causing hyper or hype-pigmentation, and be overall damaging to ones skin.
A few examples are:
Accutane -Needs to have been off Accutane for 6 months before any laser treatment.
Retinol
Retin-A
AHA/BHA Creams
Prescription Acne Creams
Doxycycline
Salicylic Acid
Glycolic Acid
Benzol Peroxide
Tretinoin Cream
Metronidazole Cream
Any Topical Antibiotic Creams
Anti-fungal Creams
The provider will ask you these questions while performing their clearance to see if you are fit for treatment. The most commonly treated areas are underarm, upper lip, Brazilian (or bikini line), legs, and arms. However, you can treat any area if the hair is a suitable fit (dark, thick enough)