Shaving and waxing are the most common ways to remove unwanted hair for men and women. However, these treatments are temporary. Waxing gives you a few hair-free weeks, while shaving only keeps hair away for a few days. These methods also come with some pain and discomfort, such as rashes and ingrown hairs. If you have sensitive skin, you may dread shaving and waxing. Thankfully, there is a safer and more permanent way to remove unwanted hair. At Nunnally Dermatology, we offer professional laser hair removal treatments with IPL technology. We can help you feel good with permanent hair removal. Contact us online or visit us in Baton Rouge, LA, for your laser hair removal appointment.
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal has been around for many years, so you have likely heard of it. However, not many know how the treatment works or about the benefits it offers. Laser hair removal is a cosmetic treatment that permanently removes unwanted hair by destroying the hair follicle. Laser hair removal can treat a number of areas, such as:
- Arms
- Armpits
- Back
- Face
- Legs
- Stomach
We even offer bikini laser hair removal to keep your intimate areas hair free and smooth. We understand that removing hair from these areas can be a challenge, especially with shaving and waxing. Your bikini area is particularly at risk of rashes. With bikini laser hair removal, you can look forward to long-lasting and comfortable results.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
We use Intensed Pulse Light (IPL) energy to remove hair. The pigment in your hair absorbs the IPL energy and converts it to heat. The heat damages the hair cells and destroys the hair follicle. Once the hair follicle is destroyed, it can never regrow. Since IPL targets the pigment in your hair, laser hair removal is not as effective on blonde, white, or grey hair.
This process can only take place when your hair is at a particular stage of its growth cycle. IPL can only target hair at the Anagen or growing stage of the cycle. Since all your hair does not go through the same phase simultaneously, you would need multiple laser hair removal treatments for permanent hair removal.
You will still have hair regrowth between sessions. However, with each laser hair removal service, you will have fewer hairs on your body. Once you have completed your treatment course, your hair will be gone for good. Some patients notice regrowth after a few years, but it is very light and sparse. In comparison to other hair removal methods, laser hair removal offers long-lasting results.
How Many Laser Hair Removal Treatments Are Needed?
Since we can only use IPL energy on your hair when it is in the growing phase, we need a few sessions with you to remove all your unwanted hair. We will create a treatment course to map your sessions and space them out appropriately. This will ensure that we destroy your hair at the correct phase. On average, you will need 4-8 sessions spaced at least 6 weeks apart. However, each patient is different. You may need more sessions or more time between sessions, depending on the color and thickness of your hair. If you are treating multiple areas, you may need more treatment sessions. It is important to plan your treatments carefully so we can reach your hair at the right time of its cycle. Once your final session is complete, you can look forward to years of smooth, hair-free skin.
Suitable Candidates
Laser hair removal is suitable for men and women wanting to remove hair from their bodies. However, it is more effective on darker hair. If your hair is light, laser hair removal may not work. You can schedule a consultation with us to find out for sure. If you are an ideal candidate for laser hair removal, we can start planning your treatment course during the initial consultation. During this session, we will also get to know you a bit better and learn about your expectations for laser hair removal.
The Laser Hair Removal Process
As your laser hair removal session begins, we will apply a topical numbing cream. The sensation is not as painful as waxing, but it feels like a rubber band snapping on your skin, which may be uncomfortable for some patients. To eliminate discomfort during your laser hair removal treatment, we will apply a numbing agent. It may take about 30 minutes for the numbing cream to work. Once your skin is numb, we can start the laser treatment.
Laser hair removal treatments are typically quick. However, it depends on the size of the area you are treating. Areas like your back and legs will take longer to treat than your upper lip or armpits. In the long run, laser hair removal saves time. One session every 6 weeks beats shaving every few days.
Laser Hair Removal Aftercare
Since laser hair removal is a non-invasive procedure, there is no downtime associated with it. The treated area may be sensitive for the first few days after your treatment. We recommend that you avoid direct sun exposure until your skin has recovered.
Long-Lasting Laser Hair Removal Services in Baton Rouge, LA
If you are tired of shaving and waxing, laser hair removal is ideal for you. It can provide years of hair-free skin. At Nunnally Dermatology, we want the best for you. That is why we offer laser hair removal treatments. Contact us online or give us a call to schedule your consultation.