What Areas Can Laser Hair Removal Treat?
Almost all of us remove unwanted hair from somewhere on our bodies. Whether you shave, wax, pluck, or thread, hair removal is a frustrating, unenjoyable task. Laser hair removal frees up the time and energy you have been wasting on hair removal and lets you use it to enjoy your life more. This treatment works whether your undesired hair appears on your face or almost anywhere on your body for the smooth, hair-free results you want.
What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal at Essential Med Clinic & Aesthetics uses advanced laser technology to stop hair growth without harming the skin. Dr. Freda Cobbinah and her team provide this treatment for men and women who want to decrease or eliminate hair growth on different areas of their faces or bodies and enjoy a more convenient lifestyle.
Unlike hair removal methods like waxing that pull out the hair root, leaving the hair follicle intact, laser hair removal stops follicles from growing new hairs, leaving the treated area hair-free. You will need a series of treatments to achieve your desired results, but once achieved, you can expect long-lasting smoothness.
What Areas Can Laser Hair Removal Treat?
We use the Cutera xeo and excel HR ND:YAG laser device to treat the maximum number of areas in safety and comfort. This advanced laser can safely treat more skin and hair tones than older systems. You can have this treatment almost anywhere you grow hair, including:
- Face
- Underarms
- Legs
- Arms
- Bikini area
- Chest
- Back
- Abdomen
Some areas may require more sessions than others, but almost any area can be treated. Hair thickness, pigmentation, and texture differ depending on its location, so we recommend a consultation to discuss what you can expect from hair removal in your desired areas. While men and women have different preferred areas for treatment, almost everyone has unwanted hair they would like to remove.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Lasers remove unwanted hair by targeting your hair follicles, the structures within your skin that grow hair. Each follicle produces a single hair that begins with a root. The hair root is constructed from keratin and contains a pigment called melanin. This pigment or a variation of it gives your hair its color.
The energy from the laser travels through your skin without harming it and focuses on the melanin in your hair roots. The pigment absorbs the laser, causing it to heat up. The heat damages the inside of the hair follicle, preventing it from producing new hair. While other methods pull the root out of the follicle, this method damages the follicle itself for lasting results.
How Do I Prepare for Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal requires that your hair follicles contain pigmented hair roots. You can take several steps to ensure you achieve your best results, including:
- Avoiding hair removal methods like waxing, threading, or epilating that pull out the hair root, leaving nothing for the laser to treat
- Not bleaching your hair for at least four weeks before treatment to avoid removing the melanin the laser needs to work
- Limiting the use of certain medications or supplements as recommended by your expert laser hair removal specialist
- Using sun protection and avoiding exposure or artificial tanning before treatment to avoid the risk of potential side effects
- Arriving for treatment with clean skin that you have shaved within the last 24 hours and that does not have any irritation or skin injury
While you cannot wax or use similar methods between treatments, you can shave since this does not remove the root. Wearing sunscreen between treatments and avoiding sun exposure is extremely important to protect your skin from damage and ensure successful results.
Request a Consultation
Simply fill out the form on this page, and we will reach out to you promptly to schedule your appointment.
What Does Laser Hair Removal Feel Like?
Hair removal with our advanced laser system is quick and comfortable. Treatment can last from 15 minutes to an hour or more, depending on the size of the area being treated or the number of areas. Some people report feeling warmth or a tingling sensation but do not find treatment uncomfortable. Different areas may be more or less sensitive, so each person’s experience is unique. Other factors that affect what the treatment feels like include the texture and thickness of your hair.
Am I a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?
The newest laser systems are safe and effective on more hair and skin tones than ever before. Most people are good candidates for laser hair removal. Candidates should have reasonable expectations and understand the hair removal process. People with white, gray, or extremely pale blond hair may not see their desired results since they do not have enough melanin for the laser to treat.
You should not have laser hair removal if you have a skin infection, active skin condition, or injury in the treatment area. It is not safe to have this treatment after tanning or using an artificial tanner. You may not be a good candidate if you have certain medical conditions.
How Many Laser Hair Removal Sessions Will I Need?
Laser hair removal takes a series of sessions to achieve results. Treatments are usually spaced four to six weeks apart. This timing is important because it allows your hair follicles to progress in their growth cycle. Only follicles with hair growing in them can be treated. Resting follicles will not respond. After four to six weeks, a new series of follicles will have become active and can be treated.
Most people will see their desired results in six to nine treatment sessions. This time period allows your hair to go through its full cycle, treating all your follicles. Some people may need more or less depending on the area and their unique needs. Your consultation will provide an opportunity to examine your hair growth and recommend a treatment plan.
How Long Do Laser Hair Removal Results Last?
Laser hair removal produces long-lasting results and generally a permanent reduction in hair growth. However, most people will experience occasional stray hair regrowth. This is normal, and these hairs usually look paler and less noticeable than the original. Most people find that one maintenance session per year keeps them from having to think about unwanted facial or body hair for months at a time.
Take the Next Step
If you have further questions about laser hair removal, please call us at (210) 568-7555 or complete our online contact form, and one of our trusted staff members will reach out to you. Essential Med Aesthetics is located in San Antonio, Texas.
