Everything You Need to Know About Laser Hair Removal

Beach season is here in Florida, and along with the changing seasons come changes to your beauty regimen. Women spend on average between $10,000 to $23,000 managing unwanted hair across the course of a lifetime, only to end up with nicks, cuts, razor burn, and ingrown hairs from painful methods that don’t produce lasting results. 

Ending this tedious and uncomfortable cycle is as simple as investing in laser hair removal treatments! According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 1.1 million laser hair removal procedures were performed in the U.S. in 2012, and the number has been increasing ever since. In this blog, we’ll discuss everything you need to know to get started with laser hair removal treatments and start experiencing long-lasting, smooth, hairless skin. 

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What is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal began in the early 1980s and has since evolved and gained immense popularity. Laser hair removal is an advanced, non-invasive technique targeting the hair follicles at the root for permanent hair reduction. Treatments use highly concentrated light to penetrate the hair follicles and inhibit future hair growth. The technology is easy on your skin and delivers results quickly with minimal discomfort. 

The Gentle Laser Hair Removal laser, used at Paradise Dermatology, targets the hair follicle with concentrated light energy to provide permanent hair reduction over the course of a few treatments without damaging the surrounding tissue. The laser light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair shaft in the follicle, generating heat which damages the follicle to inhibit future hair growth. With fast treatment times, Gentle Hair Removal delivers a more comfortable patient experience. 

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What is a Laser Hair Removal Treatment Like?

Before you receive your first laser hair removal appointment, you should avoid plucking or waxing about six weeks prior to treatment. Patients should not shave 24-48 hours before treatment. Hair needs to be the length of a grain of rice to have an effective treatment. On the day of your treatment, skin should be thoroughly cleansed of any makeup, creams, oils, topical anesthetics, or self-tanning products. 

The duration of each session varies from person to person, but on average, treatments take about 20 minutes. Laser hair removal treatments are commonly described as similar to having an elastic band snapped against the skin during treatment. A topical anesthetic can be used before treatment if desired. 

After a laser hair removal treatment, the treated area may be pink or red with little bumps or swelling around the hair follicle, which can last for a few hours or one to two days. In the first few days after treatment, do not scrub or use abrasive cleansers on treated areas. It is important to avoid sun exposure before and after treatment and apply sunblock (SPF 30 or above) when going outdoors. Additionally, you should always follow specific instructions from your healthcare provider and address them with any questions or concerns. 

Patients can experience up to a 20% reduction of hair per treatment, and six treatments are typically recommended for best results. Multiple treatments are required because hair grows in stages, and the number and timing of these treatments will be determined by your provider.

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What are the Benefits of Laser Hair Removal?

There are many great benefits to receiving laser hair removal treatments, particularly that it can be used virtually anywhere on the body and is suitable for all skin types. Laser hair removal can also help with many issues that occur on your skin with other hair removal methods, such as shaving and waxing. If you are susceptible to developing ingrown hairs that aggravate your skin and cause minor pigmentation, laser hair removal can help to alleviate these symptoms. 

Laser also saves you from having to endure the irritation that comes with the hair regrowth period. Some methods, such as waxing and shaving, require that you endure a bit of regrowth time in between sessions, which is when ingrown hairs form and itchy irritations can occur. However, with laser hair removal, you can enjoy smooth, hair-free skin permanently with the exception of a possible touch-up. There is also the benefit of not having to worry about razor bruises or burns from hot wax.

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Get Started on Your Laser Hair Removal Journey

Now is the perfect time to get ready for the summer heat and get smooth, hairless skin without the cost and hassle of shaving or waxing. Laser hair removal is gentle, faster, and more comfortable than standard hair removal practices. 

At Paradise Dermatology, we use the innovative Candela GentleMax Pro® and the Candela GentlePro® laser hair removal technologies. Procedures performed with these systems are quick and suitable for all skin types. Our high-powered laser systems combined with our expertise means you will get an effective laser hair removal treatment leading to the best results. To learn more about our cosmetic services, visit our website here or book a consultation with us by calling either of our offices:

• Sarasota: 941.921.4131
• Englewood: 941.474.8811 

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