How Soon Can I See Results After Laser Hair Removal?
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There is almost nothing like the feeling of freshly shaved legs. Snuggling up with your partner under the covers or rocking your shortest shorts with confidence all comes down to having smooth, flawless skin. For most of us, maintaining this look and feel means investing a significant amount of time and money each week on shaving, plucking, waxing, and other hair removal methods. Over the years, this can really add up. Fortunately, cosmetic dermatology offers patients a convenient, effective, and long-lasting hair reduction solution in the form of laser hair removal. Discover how laser hair removal at Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology Corte Madera can help you maintain silky smooth skin and regain hours of your life each week.
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal is a process designed to permanently reduce hair growth by destroying hair follicles with targeted heat energy from a laser. When the follicle is damaged or destroyed, hair is no longer able to grow from it in the same way it once did.
What areas can be treated with laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal uses advanced technology that is able to target and destroy hair follicles without damaging the surrounding skin, making it safe to use on many different areas of the body. Some of the most common treatment areas for laser hair removal include:
- Face
- Underarms
- Legs
- Back
- Chest
- Bikini line
When will I see results after laser hair removal and how long will they last?
After years of shaving, it is only natural to wonder how soon you’ll be able to enjoy the results of your laser hair removal treatment. The amount of time and the number of sessions it takes for laser hair removal to work varies from person to person. On average, men and women need 4-5 treatments per area, spaced about 4-6 weeks apart, to achieve a 90% reduction in hair growth. Some patients, particularly those with darker skin and/or coarser hair, may require up to ten or more laser hair removal sessions to achieve their desired results.
Our hair grows in cycles, going through both active and dormant phases. Laser hair removal is only able to damage the hair follicles effectively during the active growth phase, making multiple treatment sessions at certain intervals essential for a successful outcome. With this growth cycle, you may notice periods of increased and decreased hair growth throughout your treatment. Toward the last couple of treatment sessions, patients should expect a dramatic and stable reduction in their hair growth.
Arguably the most commonly asked question when it comes to laser hair removal is whether or not the results are permanent. It is important to remember that laser hair removal is designed primarily to reduce hair growth. Once a follicle is fully destroyed, hair will not grow from it again. However, new follicles and new hair growth may occur at some point in the future. It is also possible that a follicle may not be completely destroyed, resulting in finer, thinner, slower-growing hair rather than no growth at all. During your initial one-on-one consultation at Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology Corte Madera, one of our licensed and experienced laser technicians will discuss your goals and help give you a realistic idea of what kinds of results you can expect after your laser hair removal treatment.
Does laser hair removal hurt?
In general, laser hair removal is well tolerated by most men and women, though some areas may be more sensitive to the treatment than others. Many patients describe the sensation as a rubber band snapping against their skin, but it is fairly mild and subsides quickly. Following each laser hair removal session, there is little to no downtime and patients can return to work, school, or other social activities. However, it is important to avoid direct sun exposure throughout your treatment course and wear sunscreen and protective clothing when you must be outside. It is also recommended that patients refrain from exercise or strenuous physical activity for the first 24 hours following each laser hair removal session. It is normal to experience some mild redness or even swelling after a laser hair removal treatment, but these symptoms usually resolve quickly and can be relieved with cold compresses, aloe vera, and other over-the-counter remedies.
Am I a good candidate for laser hair removal in San Francisco?
Thanks to the revolutionary advances in cosmetic dermatology, patients of most every skin and hair type can now be considered for laser hair removal. However, it is crucial that you select a qualified, certified, and highly experienced laser hair removal technician who is familiar with how to calibrate and use different lasers for different skin types. In general, patients with lighter skin and darker hair usually achieve the quickest and most dramatic results from laser hair removal.
The best way to determine if you are a candidate for laser hair removal is to be evaluated by one of our professionals. Call Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology Corte Madera to schedule your consultation today, and take the first step toward finally freeing yourself from the razor!