Laser Hair Removal
Imagine having smooth, hair-free skin without shaving, waxing, plucking, or bleaching! Simple Radiance can help you there.
How Laser Hair Removal Works
Laser hair removal technology is the use of an invisible beam of light and a constant source of heat that penetrates the hair follicle, disabling and then destroying it at its root while preserving the surrounding skin. The procedure of removing unwanted hair is simply targeting the follicle and then directing the laser beam at its root. The hair removal process begins as the laser beam finds the hair follicle that it is targeting by first finding the melanin (the dark color of the hair).
Number of sessions
Multiple treatments (typically 4-8 spaced 8-12 weeks apart) depending on the type of hair and skin color have been shown to provide long-term reduction of hair. Simple Radiance suggests a series of treatments spaced at 8-12 weeks apart based on typical hair cycle patterns for each area.
The number of sessions depends on various parameters, including the area of the body treated, skin color, coarseness of hair, reason for hirsutism, and sex. Coarse dark hair on light skin is easiest to treat. Hair on darker skin is harder to treat. Finer hair is only sometimes affected. Certain areas (notably men’s faces) may require considerably more treatments to achieve desired results. In addition, since hair grows in several phases (anagen, telogen,catagen) and laser can only affect the currently active growing follicles (anagen), several sessions are needed to kill hair in all phases of growth.
It’s important to note that laser does not work well on light-colored hair and most fine and vellus hair (“peachfuzz”) of any color.
Intervals between sessions
Usually treatments are spaced 8–12 weeks apart depending on the body area and the hair cycle length for that area. For example, faces usually require more frequent treatments about 3-4 weeks apart, whereas legs require less frequent treatments.
Instead of following an arbitrary schedule, one should wait until they have experienced shedding of the treated hairs, which should complete within 2-3 weeks, and see enough hair come in after the hair-free period to have another treatment. It’s advisable to do a touchup if significant amount of hair hasn’t shed within 3 weeks.
FAQ
Is laser hair removal permanent?
Treatment results vary among patients but with adequate treatment, patients can achieve a 90% or greater reduction in hair in treated areas. Choosing the right laser treatment and treatment schedule for your hair and skin type will maximize your success and this is why it is so important to have a knowledgeable and experienced professional performing the treatment.
How many treatments are required for permanent hair removal?
You can expect to lose 20% of the hair that is present and actively growing. Treatment depends on your hair skin type, and the density of hair in the area being treated. An average of 6-8 treatments are required by most women, and 8-10 treatments are required by most men.
Is laser hair removal painful?
If you’ve experienced waxing you will be able to relate to the feedback we get from most patients: “Laser hair removal treatments are less painful than waxing.” The sensation is most often described as a mild pinch.
What precautions should be taken before and after treatment?
Avoid the sun 4-6 weeks before and after treatment. You must avoid electrolysis, plucking or waxing hair for 6 weeks prior to treatment. Bleaching cream should be stopped 4-6 weeks before treatments.
What will I look for after treatment?
Within several minutes of the treatment, the treated area may be come slightly red and puffy. This reaction subsides, and within a few hours the area returns to normal.