Bryn Mawr Dermatology

Villanova, PA | Collegeville, PA

10 Benefits of Laser Hair Removal 

Introduction

Starting the process of removing unwanted body hair with laser hair removal can seem like a big decision, but the sooner you get started the sooner you will start seeing amazing results. The evolution of how much body hair we want and where we do/don’t want it, has evolved over time and varies between cultures. If your preference is for smooth legs, hairless armpits, or to just avoid that 5 o’clock shadow, it’s smart to investigate laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal has become a popular alternative to shaving, waxing, plucking, threading and chemical hair removal in the last decade for good reason. It’s more convenient than waxing, safer than chemicals that can burn skin, and less time-consuming than shaving every few days. If you’re thinking about getting rid of your unwanted hair permanently, you should definitely this treatment. This cosmetic procedure allows for safe and effective removal of body hair with lasting results. With Bryn Mawr Dermatology you can see results after just a few sessions! 

While this article spells out some important information about 10 benefits of laser hair removal, we highly recommend you read the full article, here are the key points we will focus on:

Table of Contents

Laser Hair

What is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is the most effective and safe way to get rid of unwanted hair. As the name suggests, a specially designed laser is used to remove unwanted hair by damaging follicles and disabling them from producing more hair. At BMD, laser treatments are performed by highly experienced and knowledgeable aestheticians under the supervision of board-certified dermatologists. In 2020, hair removal procedures were among the top three most common procedures carried out in the US.

The laser produces energy, which is able to target the hair follicle due to its contrasting color as compared to the surrounding skin. The laser pulses attack the follicles and damage them, preventing their ability to produce new hair. The number of laser hair removal sessions required will depend on the color and coarseness of your hair, hormonal influences, and area of your body. The average number of sessions that it takes to eliminate the vast majority of unwanted hair is five, each spaced four weeks apart. Unlike shaving or waxing yourself at home, the probability of irritation at the treatment site is very minimal and using lasers will help prevent ingrown hairs and razor bumps.

Our new and improved GentleMax Pro laser hair device can treat almost any area of the body, including:

  • Armpits
  • Back
  • Chest
  • Face
  • Legs
  • Neck
  • Shoulders

When Is the Best Time to Get Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal treatment, with the right machine, is a great option for almost anyone. We have treated patients of all genders, skin tones, ages, and with a variety of medical histories. You do need to have a distinguishable contrast between your skin tone and your skin color – but don’t worry, the newest lasers on the market have become very sensitive to this need. You also need to be hormonally stable; that is why we don’t suggest starting laser hair removal when you are pregnant, breastfeeding, going through puberty or menopause. The best time to get laser hair removal is during a stretch of time when you are not planning to be actively tan. This means, you should regularly avoid the sun during the full five months of treatment.

10 Benefits of Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal can provide a wide range of benefits for many different reasons. Here are ten of the best:

1. Long-term solution

Once the hair follicles have been destroyed, they will not grow back. This means that you can say goodbye to unwanted hair for good and get lasting results.

2. Low maintenance

Laser hair removal is a wise investment for anyone who seeks a permanent solution for hair removal. Annual touch-ups are recommended, but that’s nothing compared to the time you would have spent shaving!

3. Minimal side effects

With advancements in laser treatments, they have become less painful and more effective, thus reducing the severity and number of side-effects. The most common side effect is follicular edema: redness at the follicle that lasts 24-48 hours.

4. Quick

Laser hair removal sessions are short. Small body areas (lip, underarms, bikini) only take 15 minutes! Even larger areas will only take up a small fraction of your day.

5. No more ingrown hair

Laser hair removal treatments eliminate ingrown hairs, minimizing the risk of inflammation, bumps, and itching.

6. Less painful

Laser hair removal is a less painful option compared to other methods of hair removal including waxing, tweezing and threading.

7. Safety

Thanks to new advances in laser hair removal technology, people with dark skin tones now enjoy the same level of safety as those with lighter complexions. And you can depend on no more razor cuts that can lead to unsightly scars.

8. Precise Treatment

The precision of laser hair removal makes it ideal for removing specific hairs, such as those in a particular area or on a small section of skin. We can treat between your eyebrows or even shape your beard.

9. Promotes beautiful skin

In addition to reducing hair, laser treatments can reduce the frequency and severity of acne breakouts. It can also prevent the dark marks that are secondary to skin irritation and help improve tone and texture.

10. Convenient

Laser hair removal saves so much time that is otherwise spent on grooming.

BONUS: Cost

The upfront cost of laser hair removal can seem discouraging, but if you add up all the trips to the salon, razors, shaving cream, and your valuable time, you will find that it isn’t hard to break even by committing to this long-term solution.

What to Expect During a Laser Hair Removal Session?

During the procedure, you will be given protective eye wear and the laser equipment settings will be adjusted for each patient. A cold gel or a cooling device may also be applied to protect outer skin areas during treatment.

During the laser treatment, pulses of light will be delivered in the area being treated and you may feel slight discomfort. This has been described as feeling like a warm pinprick or having a rubber band snapped against your skin. The first treatment tends to cause more discomfort than subsequent treatments.

The procedure itself varies in length depending on the area being treated, but can last anywhere from a few minutes up to an hour or longer. Once it’s over you may be given lotions, anti-inflammatory creams or ice packs for relief of any lingering pain.

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

After each sequential treatment, you will see an accumulation of results. Generally, thinning of the hair is the first step, and you can see this after one or two sessions. Once the follicles have been effectively weakened, it may take several days to weeks for the treated hair follicles to completely shed. The hairs do not fall out immediately and during this period, it can look like continued growth is occurring.

Results may depend on factors like hair thickness and density. Laser hair removal is often effective at delaying growth for months or years but doesn’t always result in permanent removal.

After the first treatment, you can expect 10% to 25% less hair than before. Most patients need 2–6 laser treatments. After finishing the treatments, most patients do not see any hair on their treated skin for several months or even years—and when it does grow back, there tends to be much less of it and its color is lighter as well.

How Long Do Results Last?

Most people experience hair reduction that lasts for years. When laser hair removal is done correctly, and the person’s skin type matches well with treatment settings, permanent results are possible. But sometimes regrowth occurs—hair may be finer or lighter than before but still visible to the naked eye. If you are young (teens and 20s) or go through a major hormonal change after your original treatments then it is probable that you will develop new hair follicles that produce new hair during your lifetime. This new hair growth cannot be prevented, but luckily can be treated with another round of laser hair removal.

Why Choose Bryn Mawr Dermatology for Laser Hair Removal?

Bryn Mawr Dermatology offers safe and effective laser hair removal treatment and provides you with a personalized consultation and a comfortable environment for patients. Trained dermatologists recommend an ideal treatment plan based on individual patient needs. Call today at 610-410-9272 for a personalized consultation.

Related Content

Your Skin is Our Business.

For COSMETIC APPOINTMENTS:

For MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS:

NEW & IMPROVED ONLINE SCHEDULING – BOOK NOW!
Call Now Button