Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure that works to remove unwanted hair from the body and face. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, it is one of the most common nonsurgical procedures. It was the third most popular nonsurgical procedure in 2019, with 180,000 separate procedures performed.
Laser hair removal uses concentrated light technology that prevents the growth of hair and has a high patient satisfaction rate. Patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure and there is no post-treatment downtime required. While it is not considered a fully permanent hair removal solution, the results are long-lasting.
If you are considering scheduling a session for laser hair removal, it is important to understand how long laser hair removal lasts. In this blog post, we will answer that question and highlight everything else you need to know about laser hair removal treatment. Let’s get started.
How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last?
As we have noted, laser hair removal is not fully permanent, though many patients will not experience hair regrowth for several years. The results will vary from patient to patient and depend on a number of different factors.
When discussing laser hair removal and its results, it’s important to first highlight the 4 different stages of hair growth. These are:
- Anagen (growing phase)
- Catagen (transitional phase)
- Telogen (resting phase)
- Exogen (shedding phase)
At a given time, a person will have hairs going through each of the 4 different growth stages. As laser hair removal targets and vaporizes hair below the skin, it only targets hairs during the anagen stage. Therefore, it will take multiple sessions to effectively target all of the hair in a particular part of the body.
For laser hair removal on the face, once multiple sessions have been completed, some patients may experience no hair regrowth for several years, even up to 10 years or more. Other patients may experience regrowth at a shorter interval and seek yearly touchup treatments.
On the body, similarly, positive results can be expected once the full course of treatment has been completed. Any hair that does grow back following the completion of treatment will most likely be fine and sparse.
While laser hair removal can be successfully performed on all skin types, the best results are on those with light skin and dark hair. The darker the hair, the more effective it will be able at absorbing the laser’s light. Treatment may not be as effective on blond, white, and gray hair.
How Does It Work?
The laser energy that targets the body’s hair follicles causes thermal damage, preventing future hair growth. The concentrated light is absorbed by the follicles, vaporizing them. Targeted hair will begin to fall out over the course of the days and weeks following treatment.
Laser hair removal is popular with both women and men of all ages. Common target areas include:
- Arms
- Shoulder
- Chest
- Back
- Legs
- Bikini area
- Chin
- Upper lip
- Neck
Before the procedure, the treatment area will be cleaned and a numbing gel may be applied (depending on the specific treatment area). You will wear protective eyewear throughout to prevent eye damage while the laser is being used. Treatment times vary depending on the specific treatment area.
How Can I Prepare for Laser Hair Removal?
In advance of treatment, there are a number of steps you can take to help improve the effectiveness of the procedure as well as reduce the likelihood of side effects. These include:
- Avoid direct sunlight and tanning products
- Avoid plucking or waxing the skin
- Avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin
- Avoid irritating the skin
It is also recommended that you avoid direct exposure to the sun for 2 weeks following each treatment session. You may use makeup and self-tanning cream if you desire.
Following the treatment, you may notice some redness and swelling. If you experience any discomfort, apply ice to the treated area. In the unlikely event that symptoms persist, speak to a medical specialist.
Why Should I Choose The Lifestyle Center?
If you are considering laser hair removal in St. Louis, we are your premier choice. Our goal is to provide the highest level of service to all of our patients to help them look and feel better about themselves. Since 2003, we have been offering a range of invasive and non-invasive procedures and our staff are highly trained and experienced.
If you are interested in laser hair removal, simply schedule a free consultation with our team to discuss your goals and examine the areas of the body that you wish to target. Depending on the target area, treatment sessions last between 5 and 45 minutes. Between 6 and 10 sessions are typically required with no downtime following treatment.
Discover Quality Laser Hair Removal Near Me
As the above information highlights, laser hair removal can last for several years once the full course of treatment has been completed. The exact timeframes will depend on different factors, such as the specific area being treated and hair color, and every patient is different. Hormonal fluctuations may also play a role in hair regrowth.
While not a fully permanent hair removal solution, laser hair removal is an effective and efficient way to get rid of unwanted hair. It is a non-invasive procedure with minimal discomfort and few side effects.
To learn more about laser hair removal cost in St. Louis, contact our friendly team today and schedule your free consultation. We look forward to speaking with you about your goals.
