Laser Hair Removal is a safe and effective way of reducing and eventually eliminating unwanted hair from your body. It will save you time and money compared to shaving and other hair removal methods. Plus, it’s good for the environment!
However, clients may become frustrated by their results if they don’t know what to expect or fail to follow pre- and post-procedure instructions. These guidelines will allow more effective hair removal while keeping your skin healthier and free of adverse side effects.
IMPORTANT REMINDER — Laser hair removal is not 100% effective. The industry standard is a 75% to 80% reduction in the number of hairs after 3-6 treatments. Not all hair follicles will be destroyed permanently, and hormones can cause hair to grow back.
After getting laser hair removal treatment, especially your first one, your skin may be red and slightly swollen. Many people compare it to having a sunburn. This typically goes away within the first day, and these immediate effects tend to lessen with subsequent treatments.
Your skin may feel tender for the first few days. To reduce discomfort, you can use calming creams, aloe vera, and cold compresses. Wearing loose clothing will also limit friction and irritation.
Within 5-21 days, your hair follicles will likely develop small bumps or scabs as they begin to weaken and die. You may also notice darkening or lightening of the skin. These are all typical side effects that should resolve on their own.
It can take several weeks for the treated hair to “fall out” or push up and out of the hair follicle. Again, because of your body’s hair growth cycle, you will develop new hairs in the treated area over time.
Laser hair removal is a process. You have millions of hair follicles that grow in different cycles. Treatments can only work on follicles in the growth stage, and multiple treatments are required to catch the follicles that were previously at rest.
Subsequent treatment sessions should be scheduled 6 to 8 weeks apart for the face and every 4 to 12 weeks for the body, depending on the area being treated. You may see a reduction in hair growth after one treatment. However, most people need 2-6 treatments for significantly less growth, with maintenance treatments every 6-12 months.
Although complete and permanent hair removal is unlikely, regrowth should be much lighter and thinner than before treatment.
Please call our office at (817) 581-4354 during regular business hours if you have ANY questions or concerns.
