How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal is a step up from shaving and waxing: The innovative treatment uses high-tech lasers to stop the growth of unwanted hair on your body.
During a laser hair removal procedure, your Reviva Medical Aesthetics provider uses the device to target the hair on areas of your body that you choose. You can remove the hair on any part of your body except your eyebrows or anywhere else near your eyes.
The heat from the laser damages your follicles, or small sacs, that hold each hair. This stops the hair from growing for a period of time. You’ll likely need maintenance appointments, but you’ll see an overall decrease in the amount of your body hair after 3-7 sessions spaced at least eight weeks apart. Your hair follicles are active in cycles, so these 3-7 sessions should cover all of them.
What are the advantages of laser hair removal?
Laser technology is a favorite hair removal method among the many patients who have tried it for many reasons. Compared with shaving and waxing, laser hair removal is a step up because:
- It’s cost-efficient
- It saves time
- The results are long-lasting
- It doesn’t hurt
- You won’t get cuts, burns, or ingrowns
- You’ll have less hair growth over time
Once you know how your body reacts to laser hair removal treatments, you’ll be able to predict your results each time.
What are the side effects of laser hair removal?
Everyone’s skin reacts to laser hair removal treatments differently, and your provider at Reviva Medical Aesthetics can go into detail with you about your chances of being affected.
The side effects are typically mild and temporary, and can include:
- Discomfort
- Redness
- Swelling
- Skin pigment changes
Your chances of experiencing these or other side effects are slightly higher if you have darker skin because it absorbs the light from the laser, but modern advancements in laser technology keep your risk relatively low regardless of the color of your skin.
How should I prepare for my laser hair removal procedure?
Laser hair removal doesn’t take much preparation on your part, but you can set yourself up for a successful treatment. Before each session, you should:
- Avoid direct sun exposure
- Avoid skin-bleaching products
- Stop taking medications that thin your blood (e.g. aspirin)
- Trim or shave, but not wax or pluck, the area that you’re treating
Your provider gives you instructions for aftercare once the treatment is finished. Then, you may schedule maintenance sessions every few months thereafter.
To avoid red bumps that often come with shaving and haphazard waxing, call Reviva Medical Aesthetics or book your consultation online to find out if you’re a good candidate for laser hair removal.
