What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is the process of removing unwanted hair by exposure to pulses of laser light that destroy the hair. The laser beam targets the pigment in the hair shaft and damages the hair follicle to terminate hair growth. Laser hair removal is a safe and effective treatment for almost all areas of the body and even gentle enough for delicate areas including the face, legs, underarms, and bikini line.
Is Laser Hair Removal Right For You?
Laser hair removal is used to reduce unwanted hair for all skin types and colors. Here at St. Petersburg Skin and Laser we use the Alma Soprano Ice which is second to none in safety and efficacy.
What Can I Expect During the Treatment?
During the procedure, the laser produces a sensation similar to a small rubber band snapping on the skin. This is tolerable for most patients, however prefer a topical anesthetic is available.
How Should I Prepare for My Laser Hair Removal Treatment?
Shave the areas to be treated the morning of your appointment. If this is not possible, we can shave it for you before your procedure. Avoid sun exposure for at least 2 weeks prior to any laser procedure.
Is there downtime?
No, laser hair removal generally does not require any real downtime. Immediately after having laser hair removal, your treated skin may be red and slightly swollen. Despite this, most people return to their everyday activities immediately after laser hair removal.
What Should I Expect After the Treatment?
Following the laser hair removal treatment, the most common side effects include: redness, swelling and slightly bumpy skin texture. These will usually resolve within 24 hours. The use of a soothing ointment, such as aquaphor or vaseline, is recommended after treatment. It is important to avoid sun exposure, exercise, or other sweat producing activities for up to 48-hours. Please refrain from waxing, plucking, or bleaching before, after and in between treatments.
What are the possible side effects?
The most common side effects are minor and last 1 to 3 days. These side effects include: Discomfort, Swelling and Redness. Other possible side effects are rare when laser hair removal is performed by a Dermatologist or under a Dermatologist’s direct supervision. Other possible side effects include: Blistering, Herpes simplex (cold sores) outbreaks, Infections, Scarring, and Skin lightening or darkening.In time, skin color usually to return to normal. Some changes to skin color, however, are permanent. This is why seeing a medical doctor who is skilled in laser treatments and has in-depth knowledge of the skin is so important. It is also important to follow your Dermatologist’s instructions. Following both the before-treatment instructions and after-treatment instructions will greatly reduce your risk of side effects.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
You will likely see the results immediately after treatment. The results vary from patient to patient. The color and thickness of your hair, area treated, type of laser used, and color of your skin all affect the results. You can expect a 10% to 25% reduction in hair after the first treatment. To remove the hair, most patients need 2 to 6 laser treatments. After finishing the treatments, most patients do not see any hair on the treated skin for several months or even years. When the hair regrows, there tends to be less of it. The hairs also tend to be finer and lighter in color.
How Long Will the Results of Laser Hair Removal Last?
Most patients remain hair free for months or even years. When some of the hair regrows, it will likely be less noticeable. To keep the area free of hair, a patient may need maintenance laser treatments.