Is Laser Hair Removal A Permanent Solution?
The daily chore of hair removal can be a nuisance for men and women everywhere. Shaving, plucking, waxing, and using depilatory creams can be time consuming and expensive, leading many people to search for a more permanent hair removal alternative. Thanks to incredible advances in cosmetic dermatology, laser hair removal is now better than ever for reducing and removing unwanted hair for an extended period of time. Spa 361 at the Dermatology and Skin Cancer Institute is proud to offer a range of state-of-the-art laser hair removal options at our Lansdale, PA, location, all of which are designed to treat individuals based on their specific needs. To help determine how laser hair removal may be able to help you, it is important to understand the technology, how the treatment works, and what kinds of results you can expect.
What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that uses high-heat lasers to target and destroy hair follicles, effectively eliminating or reducing hair growth in that location. While the technology from laser to laser is fairly similar, your licensed and experienced Physician Assistant at Spa 361 at the Dermatology and Skin Cancer Institute, led by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Aradhna Saxena, will select the most appropriate laser for your skin and hair type.
How does laser hair removal treatment work?
During your consultation, your expert Physician Assistant will discuss your needs, answer your questions, and perform a brief skin assessment. Once your skin type is determined, the technician will select the appropriate laser. Your first treatment can often be done on the same day as your consultation.
Depending on the areas being treated, each session can take anywhere from 10 – 60 minutes. Philadelphia-area patients can expect to experience some mild discomfort, but it is typically fairly well tolerated with no numbing agent needed. Following the treatment, you may notice some mild redness and irritation, similar to a sunburn, but this should dissipate fairly quickly. You will be able to resume normal activities immediately, but it is recommended that you refrain from exercise for 24 hours and avoid sun exposure throughout your entire course of treatment. It is essential that patients regularly wear sunscreen on all areas that have been treated for laser hair removal. The knowledgeable team at Spa 361 at the Dermatology and Skin Cancer Institute can advise you on other topical products that can be used throughout your treatment.
Does laser hair removal really work?
Though the treatment is highly effective, it is important to remember that laser hair removal results can vary from person to person, and the treatment is not designed to be a permanent hair removal method. Rather than removing the hair, laser hair removal works to reduce hair growth and make subsequent growth finer, thinner, and less noticeable.
The number of treatments it takes to achieve this can also vary between patients, with most people needing 4 – 6 treatments on average. As with many cosmetic procedures, consistency is key when it comes to laser hair removal. You may notice some visible results after the first few treatment sessions, but it is important to continue treatments at the recommended intervals. Each of our hairs goes through dormant and active stages, and a hair follicle can only be damaged during an active growth stage. Because not all hairs are in the active stage at the same time, sessions are scheduled to ensure that all hairs end up being targeted over the course of treatment. In general, sessions are scheduled 4 – 6 weeks apart, but this depends on the areas being treated. Your laser hair removal technician will work with you to put together a convenient treatment schedule.
How long does laser hair removal last?
Like many cosmetic treatments, results can vary based on a number of factors. Personal variables such as hair and skin type can play a large part in the efficacy and longevity of laser hair removal results. However, the laser that is used, the interval at which the sessions are performed, and the skill level of the provider can also have an impact on how long laser hair removal lasts. Choosing a qualified, experienced technician to perform laser hair removal is essential to obtaining long-lasting results. The expert providers at Spa 361 at the Dermatology and Skin Cancer Institute in the Greater Philadelphia area are committed to providing an exceptional level of patient care, and are proud to offer the most updated and safest technologies on the market.
After an average of 4 – 6 treatments, most men and women enjoy smoother skin and a significant reduction in hair, and these results can last for several years. Many patients elect to have routine maintenance treatments done once every couple of years to help combat the growth of new hair in previously treated areas.
Is laser hair removal right for me?
If you are considering laser hair removal, the best way to determine if treatment can help you is to be evaluated by one of the team members at Spa 361 at the Dermatology and Skin Cancer Institute. Call our convenient Lansdale, PA, location to schedule your consultation today, and take the first step toward smooth, summer-ready skin.