Obi Plastic Surgery _ How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last?
Monday, January 20th, 2014
Laser hair removal is one of the most common _ and safest _ cosmetic procedures in the United States. Specifically, the procedure uses a highly concentrated light to destroy any unwanted hair, thereby preventing a patient from having to tweeze, shave or wax these problematic areas again.
Laser hair removal is possible just about anywhere on the body, whether it’s a sensitive area, such as the face, or a less sensitive area like the arm, leg or underarm. The procedure can also be administered to remove unwanted hair around bikini lines. Despite the popularity of the procedure, one common misconception is that hair removed via the process will eventually return.
That’s not the case. In fact, 90 percent of all laser hair removal patients will experience permanent hair loss following the procedure after just a few sessions. However, where people are misled regarding the process is that it normally takes more than one treatment session to permanently destroy the unwanted hair. For the majority of patients, as few as three sessions or as many as five sessions prove to be successful in successfully destroying and preventing the unwanted hair from returning. Sessions are normally scheduled four to six weeks following the previous appointment.
Now that you know that laser hair removal is indeed a permanent process, let’s take a look at a few other common questions that are posed by patients prior to the procedure:
How long does laser hair removal take?
This all depends on the size of the area being treated, but generally speaking, laser hair removal is a very fast process. That’s because the laser is able to treat an area about the size of a quarter per second, so small removal sites can be completed in minutes. Larger sites, however, can take up to an hour. It’s rare that a laser hair removal treatment session lasts longer than 60 minutes, however.
How do I prepare for laser hair removal?
The best way to prepare is to abstain from plucking or waxing hair in the areas you’re seeking to treat for up to six weeks prior to your appointment. That’s because laser hair removal targets the root and the aforementioned measures temporarily alter the root of the hair. Prior to the appointment, patients will be prepped as the area set to be treated is cut down so that hair follicles are only a few millimeters off the skin. This allows for the laser to work better.
Does laser hair removal hurt?
Although laser hair removal is a painless process during the procedure itself, it’s not uncommon for patients to experience symptoms for a day or two following the treatment. The most common symptom is the feeling as if the treated area has been sunburned. Blisters, swelling, redness and scarring are also side effects, although not as common as a sunburned-like feeling. These symptoms can be minimized with ice packs and moisturizers. The doctor may also prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication to help minimize symptoms if a large area was treated.
How much is laser hair removal?
The average cost for a laser hair removal treatment session is about $235, however the cost largely depends on the size of the area being treated.
How long will it take for my hair to be permanently destroyed?
As we mentioned in the opening, usually three to five treatments does the trick, however a doctor will continue to treat you until the job is completed.
For more information on laser hair removal, contact or set up a consultation with Obi Plastic Surgery today
