Americans spend tens of thousands of dollars on hair removal throughout their lives. Many people waste 30–60 minutes per week getting rid of hair under their arms, on their legs, and in their intimate areas. At South Lake Medical Spa in Clermont, FL, we offer a cheaper and less time-consuming alternative. Read on to find out what areas can be treated with laser hair removal and whether you might be a good candidate.
What Areas Can Be Treated with Laser Hair Removal?
Modern lasers are much gentler than the ones used several decades ago. That’s why they are suitable for almost every body part. The most common treatment areas are the underarms, legs, chest, back, neck, and bikini area. However, patients can also get rid of unwanted hair on the face, on the buttocks, or in the intimate area. Because the device we use is so precise, we can even treat the area between the eyebrows or the nose.
During the initial consultation, we speak to the patient about their cosmetic concerns and determine whether hair removal is possible. In the past, laser treatment was only suitable for people with light skin and brown or black hair. However, modern lasers are much more advanced, so they are safe to use on almost anyone.
How Does the Treatment Work?
Laser treatment works by disabling your hair follicles. When the laser energy penetrates your skin, it gets absorbed by the pigment in the hair and turned into heat. The process damages the follicles and therefore prevents them from producing more hair. Sometimes, hair growth is slowed down or delayed, but at other times, it stops completely.
Almost every patient needs more than one appointment because not all hair follicles are in the growth stage at any one time. We might recommend two to six sessions, depending on the thickness of the hair, the treatment area, and the desired outcome. Most patients experience good results for many years or even decades. Occasional maintenance appointments are necessary to prevent further hair growth.
The Appointment
You don’t have to spend a lot of time preparing for your hair removal appointment. Simply shave your unwanted hair 24 hours before the session, so the laser can easily penetrate your skin. Come to the clinic in comfortable, easily removable clothes, and make sure your treatment area is clean and free of cosmetic products like lotions and makeup.
We start the session by applying a numbing cream to make sure you don’t feel any pain. Then, we gently apply the laser energy to the treatment site. This only takes a few minutes. Once you’re done, you can get dressed and leave the clinic. If your legs were treated, you might need to ask a friend or family member to drive you home. Otherwise, you can resume driving right away.
Aftercare
After your laser session, you have to protect your skin from direct sunlight for several days. Try to keep the area covered up when you go outside. If this isn’t possible, apply high-quality sunscreen, and stay in the shade as much as possible. Always use our recommended skincare products because they are safe for people who have undergone laser treatment.
You’ll likely see excellent results if you take great care of your body and follow all our directions. Don’t participate in activities that heat the skin for a few days. This includes heavy exercise, sauna visits, and hot baths. Avoid the tanning salon for at least six weeks. Eat a wide range of fruit and vegetables and drink plenty of water to help your body recover from and respond to the treatment faster.
Does It Hurt?
Sometimes, patients are reluctant to book a laser session because they’re worried that the treatment will be very painful. This isn’t usually the case with modern lasers. Most people describe the feeling as someone snapping rubber bands on the skin. There is a warm sensation, but it isn’t painful.
Because we want you to have a good experience, we always apply a numbing agent to your tissues before we begin. You can also take a painkiller an hour or so before your appointment. Tylenol is the best option because it doesn’t thin the blood. Avoid Advil and other NSAIDs for several days before and after your appointment.
Are the Results Permanent?
It takes a few weeks or months for your results to become apparent. After your final appointment, you can expect your hair to fall out and your skin to become smooth. It’s hard to predict how long this effect lasts, but most people experience excellent results for several years. Some patients report that their hair doesn’t come back for a decade or more.
We might invite you to the clinic several months after your treatment to discuss the results. If you still have a small amount of hair, we’ll schedule a maintenance appointment. This might be necessary once a year or once every two years. Over time, your hair will become thinner and sparser, and eventually, you’ll no longer need to return for maintenance sessions.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
As discussed, laser hair removal is no longer reserved for people with light skin and dark hair. It is appropriate for almost everyone, no matter their complexion. However, we can’t treat patients who have a serious medical condition, extremely delicate skin, or a skin problem in the treatment area. That’s why we always invite people to an initial consultation before booking their first appointment.
During the session, we discuss the patient’s history with hair removal, the reasons why they would like to get their hair permanently removed, and their medical background. Often, patients can benefit from several minimally invasive treatments. In addition to hair removal, we offer neuromodulators, dermal fillers, PRP injections, and more. Some of these options are easily combined with laser treatment, so patients can achieve hair-free and youthful skin.
You’re in Good General Health
Most of our treatments are minimally invasive or noninvasive, which means that they don’t require incisions and general anesthesia. This makes them suitable for almost all patients, even those who have medical conditions that prevent them from having cosmetic surgery. Laser hair treatment can be administered to anyone who is in good general health and doesn’t have a major illness or disability.
You might not be able to take part if you have an autoimmune issue like lupus because laser treatment might not be safe and effective for you. We also can’t treat pregnant women. It’s best to wait until the baby has been born and the woman has stopped breastfeeding.
Your Skin Isn’t Damaged
People who have an active infection in the treatment site or a skin problem like eczema or dermatitis can’t take part. Those with keloid scars, a history of melanoma, hives, cold sores, and Vitiligo might not be good candidates. We also can’t apply laser energy to areas of the body that have permanent makeup or tattoos. If you’ve had issues with your skin in the past, let us know.
You’re Looking for a Simple and Minimally Invasive Treatment
One of the reasons why so many people get laser treatment is that the process is extremely quick and simple when compared to other hair removal methods like shaving, waxing, or epilating. Many of our patients have become sick of spending thousands of dollars and countless hours at waxing clinics. They want to finally get rid of their hair without committing to a long and complicated treatment process.
Although this method produces long-term results, patients don’t have to spend many hours at the clinic or take time off work. The treatment is suitable for health-conscious people who don’t want to apply chemicals to their bodies. Unlike some other beauty treatments, laser sessions don’t involve the injection or topical application of foreign substances.
Get Rid of Unwanted Hair with Laser Treatment
Laser hair removal is an excellent solution for anyone who would like to get rid of unwanted hair. The treatment is highly effective and targeted, and it can be used on virtually any body part. Because the hair follicles are permanently disabled, patients experience great results for many years or even decades. Reach out to us at South Lake Medical Spa in Clermont, FL to find out more about laser treatment and our other cosmetic services.