Are you sick and tired of shaving almost every day? Have you lost the patience to schedule regular waxes? Do you wish there was a better way to remove unwanted hair than depilatory creams? If so, you may benefit from laser hair removal treatment at Dermatology & Skin Care Associates in Mason, OH. Today, we’re taking a closer look at this treatment, including how often you should get treatment and how many sessions you will need.
How Often Should You Have a Laser Hair Removal Session?
Typically, you should have a laser hair removal session every four to eight weeks until you have achieved your ideal results. It is important to wait several weeks between sessions for numerous reasons. First, the laser can only target the extra pigmentation present in active hair follicles. However, only some of the hair follicles in a given area of concern are active at any given time.
Therefore, you need to wait until other hair follicles in the area of concern become active and can be treated. It is also important to wait several weeks between treatment sessions because your skin needs time to heal after treatment.
How Many Treatment Sessions Will I Need?
Most people need roughly six treatment sessions to achieve their ideal results. However, several factors affect how many treatment sessions you will need. For example, your skin tone and hair color affect the efficacy of your treatment. The greater the contrast is between your skin tone and hair color, the more effective each session will be. Also, this treatment tends to be more effective when hair is thick.
How Long Will My Treatment Session Take?
How long your treatment session will take depends on such factors as the size of the treatment areas, the number of treatment areas, and the color contrast between your skin and hair.
Typically, you can expect your treatment session to take 15 to 20 minutes if you are treating a small area, like your chin. The laser therapy itself will only take around five minutes if a small area is being treated. However, if a topical numbing cream is applied to the treatment area, it will take a number of minutes to start working.
What Can I Expect During My Treatment Session?
Before your laser hair removal session begins, we will clean your skin to ensure the treatment area is free from dirt, oil, and cosmetics. We will also inspect the area to ensure that it is free from irritation. Also, we will apply a topical numbing cream to the treatment area before your session begins at your request. Finally, we will give you eye protection to wear throughout your therapy session.
Once you are prepared for your treatment, we will calibrate the laser for maximum efficacy based on your unique hair color. Then, the laser will burn the active hair follicles in the treatment area, preventing them from growing hair anymore. Over the course of the next several days, the destroyed hair follicles will release their growing hair, and your treatment area will be smooth.
How Soon Can I Expect To See My Final Results?
You will be able to see the results of each treatment session a week or two after each appointment. However, it may take around six months to a year to achieve your ultimate goal of hair-free skin depending on how many sessions you need to achieve your desired results and how far apart your treatments are scheduled.
What if I Just Want To Thin Out My Hair?
If your ultimate goal is to thin out the hair in a given area, you may be able to see your ideal results after just a few months. For instance, if you just want to thin out your facial hair so you don’t have to shave as often, you may only need one or two treatment sessions.
Am I a Good Candidate for This Hair Removal Technique?
You may be considered a good candidate for laser hair removal if you’re in fairly good health and looking for a longer-lasting hair removal technique. However, you must attend an initial consultation to verify your candidacy for this treatment. If you are on any medications that cause photosensitivity, you may not qualify for this treatment. You also should hold off on this treatment if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or experiencing skin irritation.
How Should I Prepare for My Treatment Session?
To prepare for your treatment session, you must take steps to ensure your skin is not irritated when you come in for your appointment. For instance, you should wear sunscreen diligently and minimize the amount of time you spend in the sun.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
As a general rule, you should come in for laser hair removal sessions every four to eight weeks until you are satisfied with your results. Depending on the contrast between your skin tone and hair color, among other factors, you may need around six treatment sessions to achieve flawlessly smooth skin. To learn more about this effective treatment, schedule your consultation with us today at Dermatology & Skin Care Associates in Mason, OH.
