Hair removal practices like waxing, shaving, plucking, or sugaring provide temporary results, usually involving ingrown hairs, irritation on sensitive skin, and uneven growth. Unlike these methods, laser hair removal is a permanent treatment to get rid of unwanted body hair. The technique works by using pulses of laser to destroy hair follicles.
If you are interested in permanent hair removal, here is a low down on everything you need to know about laser treatment:
How many sessions do I need?
You will need at least 6-8 sessions spread over four-to-eight weeks. There might be a noticeable difference in hair regrowth after the first session, but you must undergo complete treatment for lasting results.
Your provider will adjust the frequency of the laser treatment to match your hair quality, growth, and response to treatment. A session typically lasts between 15 and 60 minutes per body part. Smaller areas like the upper lip or other areas of the face take less time.
Is the treatment painful?
Laser hair removal is just as tolerable as other hair removal methods. Compared to waxing, laser hair removal does not hurt as much since it is spread out over several sessions. It’s safer than waxing and does not cause bleeding.
While we do not guarantee laser hair removal to be completely pain-free, your provider can use a cool-air fan and adjust laser settings to make it a more comfortable experience.
Is laser hair removal safe?
Laser technology has advanced over the years and continues to develop. While all treatments, including laser hair removal, can have side effects (which your provider will discuss with you as part of a consultation), when used appropriately by experienced practitioners in licensed clinics with FDA-approved lasers, it is an extremely safe process.
Is it safe for all skin and hair types?
Permanent laser hair removal can treat all skin and hair types except white hair. No lasers can treat white hair as they lack melanin, the brown/black pigment that the laser beams target.
Can’t treat skin if it is too dark, will be discussed in consultation
Who shouldn’t opt for the treatment?
Laser hair removal is not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding because hormonal changes can affect hair regrowth. You must avoid it if you have sunburn, deep suntan, or fake tan as they increase the melanin, which makes it difficult for the laser to distinguish between hair and skin.
You must also avoid laser treatment if the area to be treated is currently inflamed, with conditions such as acne, dermatitis, or rosacea.
About Ballentyne Medical Aesthetics
It’s common for people to be worried about the safety of laser hair treatments. However, experienced practitioners that use FDA-approved lasers in licensed clinics improve the safety of the treatment. Ballentyne Medical Aesthetics is one such clinic that has been serving the residents of Portsmouth since 2002. We offer non-surgical cosmetic skin therapies and injectables, and laser procedures.
Please fill out our new patient form to find out which skin treatment works best for you. You can also call us at (603) 319-8432 or email at hello@ballentynemedicalaesthetics.com to know more.
