Laser hair removal has become one of the most popular nonsurgical cosmetic procedures in the country, and many men and women considering LHR treatment often have similar questions prior to going in for their first session. Knowing what to expect before, during and after treatment can help to ensure that you get the smooth, effective results you’re looking for. Here are some of the most common questions that many people ask when thinking about getting LHR.
1. What Areas Are Typically Treated with Laser Hair Removal?
One of the great benefits of LHR is that it can treat nearly any part of the body, but the most common areas are the legs, underarms and bikini areas for women, and the back, chest and stomach for men. Some people also choose to have facial hair treated, such as chin or upper lip hair for women and ear and neck hair for men.
2. Will I Need Multiple Treatment Sessions?
Because laser hair removal only targets hair during its active growing phase, you’ll likely need multiple treatment sessions to achieve optimum results. Generally, men and women can expect to receive 6 to 8 sessions in total, spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart (depending on the area). Each individual session may only take about 5 minutes.
3. Is LHR Uncomfortable?
Thanks to continued advancements in laser technology, laser hair removal is virtually painless, although many medical spas will offer topical anesthetics if you have very sensitive skin. Some LHR devices now even have built-in cooling systems to help make sure that you have a comfortable experience during the hair removal process.
4. Will Tattoos Affect My Ability to Get Laser Hair Removal?
While having tattoos doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t get LHR, it may limit the areas that can be treated without affecting your ink. Because the lasers target the pigment in your hair follicles, the pigment in your tattoos can also be targeted. Just make sure that you let your laser technician know if you have any tattoos prior to your treatment.
5. Should I Expect Any Downtime Following Treatment?
Laser hair removal is a non-invasive procedure, so you can expect to return to your normal daily activities immediately following your sessions. You will, however, be asked to limit your sun exposure for at least 6 weeks before and after treatments, as well as between sessions to ensure the best and safest results.
6. Are There Any Adverse Side Effects?
Some people may notice temporary mild redness or swelling of the treated area, but laser hair removal is generally a safe procedure without much, if any, downtime or recovery associated with it. If the treated area feels warm to the touch, cold compresses and moisturizers can help to relieve these symptoms, which should diminish on their own over the next few days.
7. Is LHR Only for People with Dark Hair and Fair Skin?
While it’s true that lasers of the past worked best on people with a combination of dark hair and fair skin, improvements in laser technology now allow for safe and effective laser hair removal treatment on all skin types. The GentleMax Pro® actually combines two lasers in one device, allowing for a broader range of treatments than some more traditional laser devices.
If you’re considering laser hair removal, be sure to work with an experienced, certified laser technician, who should be able to address any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure.
Caroll Delo is a board certified laser technician at Simply Smooth Laser Center in Tampa, a niche practice that focuses specifically on laser treatments. Simply Smooth Laser Center offers the most advanced options in laser hair removal, laser skin rejuvenation and laser tattoo removal.
