Common Questions About Laser Hair Reduction

If you have been thinking about laser hair reduction as a solution to your constant efforts to remove unwanted body hair, you may have a few questions. Here are the answers to the most common questions people ask about laser hair reduction.

How Does It Work?

The laser is administered by our trained technician. The light is focused on the pigment in the hair follicles which absorbs the light as heat and becomes destroyed. This makes most follicles unable to grow hair, but some may still grow weak, pale hair. This is why it is not considered permanent hair removal.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Reduction?

Both women and men take advantage of laser hair reduction. Except for the area around the eyes, it is safe for removing hair from any part of the body. Women mainly prefer to remove the hair from their underarms, bikini line, upper lip and chin, and legs. Men often opt to remove the hair from their back, chest, and neck.

Unlike a few decades ago, today lasers have been developed that permanently reduce hair on all skin tones and most hair colors. Pale blond and white hair may not get very good results because the laser affects the pigment in the follicle, not the hair.

What Is the Treatment Like?

After you talk to our skin specialist, you may learn more about the procedure. During the treatment, you and the technician will wear eye protection and the laser will emit light flashes into the hair follicle. The time each treatment takes depends on how large the treatment area is.

When Will the Results Appear?

Since the hair grows in stages, and every hair is at a different stage, it usually takes up to six treatments to see the results you expect. The laser only works when the follicle is in the growth cycle. You will need to protect the treated area from the sun between treatments. This is the main reason we recommend you start the treatments in the fall or winter. By summer, you will have the clear, smooth skin you want.

After the first treatment, you will start to see a reduction in hair. The hair will appear to start growing but it is starting to fall out.

How Long Do the Results Last?

When the treatments are finished, you may have smooth clear skin. It could last for about three months before some pale hair starts to emerge or for more than a year. Unlike waxing, you can have a laser touch up treatment any time you want. Also, you can shave between treatments because shaving doesn’t touch the follicle. You will need to avoid waxing, tweezing, and electrolysis, however, because they damage the follicle.

You may have many more questions about laser hair reduction and when you call or visit Nunnally Dermatology in Baton Rouge your questions will be answered. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!