Yes, there is a best time and a not-so-great time to start your laser hair removal treatment. The most common time that people desire laser hair removal is in preparation for the summer months and bathing suit season! But, this is one of the worst times to schedule laser hair removal treatments because of the post-treatment care details. Read on for how laser hair removal works, when the best time is to begin your treatments, and what precautions to take around the time of your treatment.
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
Great question. Laser therapy permanently reduces the amount of hair in the targeted area. The GentleMax Pro® laser we use works by translating the light into heat, and the heat then damages the hair follicle and inhibits growth. Before each laser pulse, a cooling agent is sprayed onto the skin to increase comfort during treatments and to minimize surrounding tissue damage. Most patients remain hair free for months or even years. When some of the hair regrows, it will likely be less noticeable. To keep the area free of hair, a patient may need maintenance laser treatments.
When Is the Best Time for Laser Hair Removal?
Fall is the best time to start laser hair removal treatments because you are less likely to be spending time in the sun the way you were in the summer. You’ve put away your shorts and tanks and switched to jeans and sweaters. Also, if you start in the fall, you’ll be ready for swimsuit season because you’ll need a series of treatments.
How Many Sessions Are Needed for Laser Hair Removal?
Because hair grows in phases, multiple treatment sessions are needed to target follicles during their active growth phase. Hair grows in three main stages: anagen, catagen, and telogen. The laser energy used in laser hair removal targets the hair follicle during the anagen phase, which is the active growth phase. The exact number of treatments needed to get the optimal results varies, but typically 2 to 6 sessions scheduled months apart are necessary.
How To Prepare for Laser Hair Removal Treatments
Laser therapy treatments require you to avoid direct sunlight, tanning, spray tans, and self-tanning lotions. Another note about the sun: it’s important for you to avoid it avidly even before your treatments begin. If you are tanned or sunburned, you can’t begin treatment. Some medications will also affect laser hair treatments, so a consultation prior to beginning is required, along with full disclosure on products or medications being used.
This procedure is not like waxing where hair growth is preferred ahead of your treatment. After your treatment, be mindful of using perfumes or scented lotions as your skin will be very sensitive and these products could cause unwanted irritation.
If you’re considering laser hair removal, you need to schedule a consultation with DermaSpa first to discuss your goals and the various hair removal options. We may have a better route for you to take to achieve your goals. At that time, we can also discuss any additional questions you may have about your personalized program.
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