How Permanent is Laser Hair Removal

June 30, 2023

Unwanted hair is incredibly frustrating. Regardless of whether you pluck, shave, wax, or use depilatory creams, removing unwanted hair is a constant cycle. However, there is a better way to deal with unwanted hair. At Bel Viso Medical Spa in East Greenwich, RI, we offer laser hair removal. Today, we’re answering some of our most frequently asked questions about this treatment, including how long the results of treatment last.

Laser Hair Removal FAQs

  • How Permanent Is Laser Hair Removal?

    You can enjoy years of smooth, hair-free skin once you have completed your course of laser hair removal sessions. In some cases, the results of this treatment are permanent. However, it is possible to experience future hair growth in the treated area due to extreme hormonal changes.

  • What Benefits Are Associated With This Treatment?

    The primary benefit associated with this treatment is it provides lasting hair removal results. However, there are probably more benefits associated with this treatment than you are aware of.


    No More Razor Burn

    Shaving is an incredibly popular hair removal method. However, this hair removal technique often results in razor burn. Sometimes, skin becomes irritated and bumpy after a quick shave. Additionally, itching commonly occurs the day after shaving. If you get laser hair removal, you no longer need to worry about itching, bumpy skin, or painful irritation.


    No More Skin Irritation

    Waxing is another popular hair removal method, but it also comes with downsides. Skin irritation caused by waxing is different from skin irritation caused by shaving, but it is still painful. Even depilatory creams can cause skin irritation that lasts for days.


    After a course of laser treatments to remove unwanted hair, you will no longer need to wax or use a hair removal cream to enjoy flawlessly smooth skin. Additionally, you will no longer need to deal with days of annoying, painful skin irritation.


    Smoother Skin

    A course of laser treatments to remove unwanted hair will also smooth your skin significantly. Since the results of this treatment last so long, you don’t have to worry about stubble growing in for months or years.


    Saving Time and Money

    You probably don’t realize how much money you spend keeping your body and face free from unwanted hair. Whether you wax, use a depilatory cream or shave, the cost of removing unwanted hair repeatedly adds up quickly. Additionally, the time you spend removing unwanted hair adds up quickly, too. You will be amazed by how much free time you have once you get semi-permanent hair removal results.

  • How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

    This highly advanced treatment works by destroying the follicles in the active phase of the hair growth cycle. The energy that makes up the laser light is converted into heat that burns the active hair follicles. It does not affect the surrounding skin tissues or hair follicles in other phases of the growth cycle.

  • What Areas Can Be Treated?

    A number of areas can benefit from laser hair removal treatments.


    Underarms

    Removing unwanted underarm hair can be particularly frustrating. Wearing tight shirts can cause pain when the underarms experience irritation due to shaving or waxing. After a course of laser treatments, your underarms will be smooth, hairless and free from irritation and pain.


    The Bikini Line

    The bikini line is another popular area targeted for treatment. After a course of laser treatments for unwanted hair, you won’t have to worry about last-minute shaving if you get invited to hang out at the pool with your friends.


    The Legs

    The legs are one of the most common treatment areas because it is so time-consuming to keep your legs free from hair. Whether you’re only concerned about smooth lower legs or you want to remove hair from your upper legs, too, you can benefit from laser treatment sessions.


    The Arms

    The arms are a particularly popular treatment area for athletes. Removing arm hair could be the difference between weight classes and improve aerodynamics significantly. Having hair-free arms also gives a competitive edge to competitive swimmers. If you have thick, dark arm hair that makes you feel self-conscious or may be the difference between winning or losing a race, let us know. We can help.


    The Back

    If you have unwanted back hair, you can benefit greatly from laser hair removal. Back hair is incredibly difficult to reach, so most people get a professional wax every four to five weeks or have a partner shave their back. Luckily, after a short course of laser treatments, you never have to worry about having someone remove your unwanted back hair again and you can go to the pool or run shirtless with confidence.


    Other Areas

    Another common treatment area is the upper lip. That said, this treatment can be used virtually anywhere. If you are concerned about unwanted hair in other areas, like your chin or chest, let us know during your initial consultation.

  • Will This Treatment Hurt?

    No, you don’t need to worry about pain or discomfort during your laser hair removal session. To reiterate, the skin is not affected at all during this treatment. Only the hair follicles that are actively growing hair are affected. However, you will feel warm as the laser heats the hair follicles. Depending on your personal heat tolerance, you may want a topical anesthetic applied to your skin before your session to numb it.

  • Is This Treatment Safe?

    Yes, this hair removal technique is FDA-approved for safety. Additionally, it is non-invasive so minimal preparation is required in advance of the treatment.

  • How Should I Prepare?

    To prepare for this treatment, you should wear sunscreen diligently in the two weeks leading up to your scheduled appointment. If you get a sunburn in the area targeted for treatment, you will need to reschedule your appointment. You should also avoid removing hair in the treatment area for several days before your appointment. This will make your treatment session much more effective.

  • What if My Hair Is Really Thick?

    If you have very thick, coarse hair, you can enjoy complete hair removal. However, you may need an extra treatment session or two to achieve your ideal results. We will discuss during your initial consultation how many sessions you should expect to need based on the targeted treatment area, the color of your hair, and the thickness of your hair.

  • What Should I Expect Afterward?

    During the first 48 hours following your treatment, you must avoid tanning beds. You should also minimize the amount of time you spend outside during the middle of the day. When you must go outside, be sure to wear adequate sun protection.


    Additionally, you should avoid any activities that may make you sweat during the first 24 hours after your session. For example, you should avoid strenuous exercise, steam rooms, dry saunas, and hot showers.

  • Who Is This Treatment Appropriate for?

    This treatment is appropriate for men and women with any skin type or tone. We will discuss your medical history and health during your initial consultation to ensure it is appropriate for you. That said, if you want to remove unwanted hair for years, there is a very good chance you will qualify for laser treatments to remove unwanted hair.

  • How Frequently Can I Receive This Treatment?

    Typically, treatment sessions are spaced between four and six weeks apart. It is important to space out your treatment sessions because the lasers only target follicles that are actively growing hair. However, some of the follicles in the targeted area will be dormant while others are active. For the most effective results, you should come in for follow-up sessions when you notice new hair growth in the targeted area.

  • How Soon Will I See the Results?

    The hairs in the treated area may begin to fall out within three to five days of your treatment. However, it can be between one and two weeks before you see the final results of your first treatment.


    That said, it can take anywhere from four to 10 sessions to achieve the desired results. If sessions are spaced a month apart, it could be up to 10.5 months before the final results are achieved.

Enjoy Silky Smooth Skin for Years

The results of laser treatments to remove unwanted hair will last for years. If you don’t suffer from extreme hormone imbalances in the future, the results of your treatment can last for life. Contact us now at Bel Viso Medical Spa in East Greenwich, RI to book an appointment with Mari Nadolny and find out if this treatment is right for you. Mari has been a licensed aesthetician since 2012 and will ensure each treatment session is comfortable and effective.

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