If you’re trying to remove excess body hair, you have many options: shaving, depilatory creams, waxing, sugaring, threading, and more. However, all of these options have significant downsides, from the rapid regrowth and ingrown hairs after shaving to the pain of waxing.
At Legacy Aesthetics, we offer the community in and around Exton, PA, safe and effective laser hair removal treatments. Our skilled team of technicians uses advanced laser hair removal technology to give you smooth, stubble-free skin. If you’re considering laser hair removal, here’s what you need to know.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
In a medical laser hair removal procedure, a laser emits light that the hair’s pigment absorbs. The laser’s light energy converts to heat, damaging the root and hair follicles. The damage to the root and hair follicles either delays or completely stops future hair growth.
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?
Yes. In 1997, the FDA approved laser hair removal as a safe treatment. However, it’s important to note you should only see a skilled laser technician for laser hair removal.
How To Prepare for Laser Hair Removal
A consultation with one of our laser technicians is an ideal first step in preparing for safe laser hair removal. During your meeting with one of our skilled technicians, we can discuss the number of treatments we recommend, any past experiences you’ve had with laser hair removal, medications you take regularly, and your treatment goals.
We may also discuss preparations and instructions that you can take to achieve optimal results in the effectiveness and longevity of your hair removal. These may include:
- Avoiding sun exposure
- Avoiding other hair removal methods that affect the hair follicle
- Shaving the treatment area
- Avoiding fake tanning products.
We encourage you to ask any questions you may have about laser hair removal during your consultation. We want to address your concerns before beginning your treatment and ensure you’re comfortable with Legacy Aesthetics and your technician.
What to Expect from Laser Hair Removal Treatments
Most patients undergoing laser hair removal will require multiple treatments at regular intervals. For example, we may schedule appointments in four- to eight-week increments on areas where the hair regrows quickly, like the upper lip. In regions with slower growth rates, like the back, we may schedule treatments every 12 to 16 weeks.
During the Procedure
For your treatment, you’ll wear protective eyewear, and then one of our expert technicians will press a handheld laser instrument to your skin. When the technician activates the laser, the beam will pass through the skin to the hair follicles.
Treating a small area, like the lip, will only take a matter of minutes. However, larger areas, such as the back, may take up to an hour.
After the Procedure
After your treatment and between scheduled treatments, avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and fake tanning creams and solutions. Additionally, we recommend using a broad-spectrum SPF30 sunscreen daily.
Results
The hair in your treatment area will not fall out immediately. Instead, you will shed hair over the next couple of days to weeks. We recommend repeated treatments to target hair in its growth cycle and entirely damage the follicles.
How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last?
Depending on your hair and skin type, your hair removal may be long-lasting or require a touch-up treatment every six to twelve months. Properly preparing and treating the skin is crucial for safe laser hair removal with durable results.
Treatment Areas
Almost anywhere on the body can achieve safe laser hair removal, except for the eyelids. However, the face is one of the most popular treatment areas, including the ears, nose, upper lip, chin, cheeks, sideburns, and neck.
Other popular treatment areas include:
- Arms, specifically underarms, forearms, upper arms, and shoulders
- Legs
- Feet, including the top of the foot and the toes
- Torso, including the back, chest, and abdomen
- Pubic region
- Buttock
Pricing for laser hair removal treatments depends on the treatment area. We will offer you a pricing quote during your initial consultation.
What Are the Benefits of Laser Hair Removal?
One of the most significant benefits of laser hair removal is no longer worrying about hair removal. But the benefits of the procedure extend beyond just no longer packing a razor. Further benefits include:
Permanent Reduction in Hair Growth
Most patients report up to a 90% permanent reduction in hair growth. During your treatments, you will begin to notice a steady decrease in hair growth between sessions. Some patients’ hair responds so favorably to treatments that they need to delay the subsequent treatment until they see more regrowth.
To maintain results, we typically recommend patients schedule one or two laser hair removal sessions yearly so that their treatment site stays hair-free.
Cost-Effective
If you prefer your skin to be hair-free, then the costs of razors, waxing, and other treatments quickly add up. However, by undergoing laser hair removal treatments, you’ll save money and time otherwise spent on hair removal products and treatments.
Quick Treatments
Laser hair removal offers a much faster option for smooth skin than waxing, shaving, depilation, and electrolysis. Additionally, as new technology develops even better laser equipment, laser hair removal is faster now than it was a few years ago. Patients now require fewer, quicker treatments as the lasers target multiple hair follicles at once.
Reduction of In-Grown Hairs
Patients who frequently find ingrown hairs or “razor bumps” from plucking, shaving, and waxing can find relief after laser hair removal. By destroying the hair at the root, you will no longer need to worry about hair curling back into the body and becoming ingrown or irritated after shaving.
Laser hair removal is a proven and effective way to ensure your skin is smooth and stubble-free. To learn more about this treatment, book an appointment with the skilled team at Legacy Aesthetics in Exton, PA, today.
