Laser Hair Removal: Benefits, Side Effects, and Cost

Have you been debating laser hair removal? Unwanted body hair and ingrown hairs, which sometimes lead to hyperpigmentation, can be truly irksome and even impact your self-confidence. Rather than spending hours waxing, tweezing, and shaving, opting for laser hair removal is certainly a wise investment for most people. However, as with any cosmetic treatment or procedure, knowing what to expect, as well as the pros, cons, and cost, comes in handy when making your final decision.

Here is everything you need to know about lase hair removal, compiled by the team at Dr Skin Med Spa.

What is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is a relatively straightforward and noninvasive procedure that uses lasers to reduce hair growth. When you have unwanted hair or struggle with ingrown hair after shaving and other hair removal methods, this is a wonderful option. While the results of laser hair removal are not completely permanent (some hair may come back), they do tend to last much longer than shaving, waxing, or plucking hair.

Most commonly, laser hair removal is used on the following areas:

• Underarms
• Bikini line or areas with pubic hair
• Legs
• Face
• Back

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Laser hair removal utilizes a process known as “selective photothermolysis,” which involves heat destroying cells, particularly those that carry pigments. The darker the hair, the more pigment it carries, meaning that it absorbs heat and gets damaged. The heat also travels into the hair follicle, destroying it, and, summarily, preventing future hair growth.

In order for the procedure to be successful, the hair follicles must be in their growth—or anagen—stage. Because it can be difficult to predict anagen stages, most laser hair removal treatments need to be done multiple times.

Certain diode laser systems, like Venus Velocity (which is used at all DrSkin locations), have built-in technology that targets hair follicles presently in the anagen stage, ensuring that your laser hair removal treatments work faster.

Why Choose a Diode Laser System?

Systems like Venus Velocity that use diode laser systems are innovative and effective. In fact, when compared with intense pulse light (IPL) hair removal, diode lasers remove a greater amount of hair and produce longer lasting results, because they have better output. Furthermore, if you have the option of laser hair removal using Venus Velocity, you can also enjoy the real time cooling system, which keeps the head of the applicator at a safe temperature, ensuring an overall comfortable experience.

What Are The Benefits of Laser Hair Removal?

Ridding yourself of unwanted hair is a blessing, but did you know that there are other reasons to love laser hair removal? Here are some of the pros of this treatment:

• Precision. The lasers target coarse, dark hairs while leaving the surrounding skin unharmed.
• Speed. Laser hair removal treatments are usually done in less than 30 minutes, as it takes only a fraction of a second for the laser to penetrate the hair. Larger target areas, like the back, may take a little longer.
• Minimal downtime. Although you will have to avoid excessive sun exposure after your treatments, you can go right back to daily life after your laser hair removal session.
• Predictability. Patients generally see permanent hair removal in 4-6 sessions, depending on their skin color, hair color, and other factors.

You can also enjoy fewer ingrown hairs and less time spent shaving, plucking, and waxing.

Who Should Have Laser Hair Removal Done?

If you have body hair that needs to go bye-bye, then you should consider laser hair removal. In the past, those with darker skin tones were not able to undergo laser hair removal, because of their skin pigment. However, certain machines, like Venus Velocity, can be fine tuned, making them safe for almost all skin colors and types.

However, laser hair removal works best on dark hair and light skin. If you have dark skin or lighter hair (gray, white, red, or blond), laser hair removal may not be as effective or may require more treatments to take effect.

Laser hair removal can also be used on conditions like hypertrichosis or hirsutism, which cause excessive hair growth.

On the other hand, some individuals may be exempt from laser hair removal procedures. If you match any of the following conditions, please consult with a medical professional:

• Currently pregnant or nursing,
• Taking certain medications, such as antivirals or anti-acne treatments,
• Have raised or keloid scarring,
• Have or had skin cancer,
• Cold sores or HSV-2 (genital herpes)

Are There Any Risks or Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal?

Typically, laser hair removal is safe for most individuals when performed by an experienced provider, such as the specialists at DrSkin. That said, there are some side effects of which you should be aware:

• Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation
• Scarring
• Infections
• Herpes outbreaks (in those with HSV-2)
• Burns
• Blisters

How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Generally Cost?

The cost of laser hair removal averages around $350-$450 a session, but this price can change depending on the time required to treat the target area, as well as the number of treatments required.

It is best to consult with a professional to receive a quote that is tailored to your specific case. You may also be able to find special discounts on sites like Groupon.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

The number of treatments required for total hair removal depends on a couple of factors. How much hair you have in the area, the color of the hair and skin, and the area being treated can impact how many times you need to undergo treatment. When using the Venus Velocity system, most patients need 4-6 treatments per area, with each treatment being spaced about 5 weeks apart.

Get Laser Hair Removal in Arizona Today

Laser hair removal is a wonderful way to give yourself smooth, youthful looking skin that does not have to be shaved, waxed, or plucked rarely, if ever, again! Sounds amazing, right?

No need to search for “laser hair removal near me,” as DrSkin in Gilbert, Arizona has you covered. Our professional team is experienced in a variety of cosmetic procedures, laser hair removal included. Call us today to schedule your consultation or book online.