The problem with tweezing, shaving, plucking, and waxing is that these types of hair removal methods are temporary and must be repeated constantly. These methodstake a toll on the skin, causing ingrown hairs, bumps, and even skin discoloration. In addition, many individuals do not achieve the level of results they desire. Those who want a long-term solutionshould consider laser hair removal. With this treatment, the skin is left hair-free and smoother for longer.
At Full Spectrum Dermatology inFullerton, CA, Dr. William Baugh meets with patients to determine iflaser hair removalis right for them. During a consultation, he can also give individuals a better idea ofhow many laser hair removal sessions are neededto leave them smooth and hairless. The doctor will customize a treatment plan to meet your specific goals.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
To remove unwanted hair, the hair’s pigment absorbs the light emitted from the laser. The light is then transformed into heat, which targets the hair follicle that produces the hair. Once the follicle is damaged, it prevents or slows the hair from growing in the future. When the hair grows back, it tends to be finer in texture, lighter in color, and reduced in number. The treatment can be used on the face, legs, bikini line, back, underarms, and arms.
While lasers have improved over the years and can be used on a variety of skin tones, the treatment still works best on people with lighter skin and darker hair. This means that white, blonde, and gray hairs are more difficult to remove. Also, while hair can be permanently reduced through laser hair removal, it does not completely prevent hair from growing back.
How Many Laser Sessions Do I Need?
Each patient is different, so only the doctor can tell you how many sessions you need. While you are at a consultation in our Fullerton practice, our medical team determines how many treatments you need. The decision is based on your skin tone, as well as the color, location, and coarseness of your hair. As a general rule of thumb, the majority of patients need four to six sessions. Individuals rarely need more than eight.
Most patients will see results after three to six visits. Additionally, treatments are spaced out about every six weeks since individual hairs grow in cycles. It can take nine months to a year to treat one area of the body. After each appointment, you will notice fewer hairs growing in that area. After treatment is complete, patients should visit our office once or twice a year for maintenance sessions.
Types of Lasers
The type of laser that the office uses can also affect the number of treatments that you need. Some lasers produce longer wavelengths that penetrate the skin deeper and absorb less of the hair pigment. In these situations, a patient might need more sessions. This laser is typically safer and more effective for patients with darker skin. Larger areas of the body require a different type of laser to cover more space quicker. The wavelengths are long, and the light absorbs more of the hair’s melanin, so fewer sessions are required.
Schedule a Consultation
Are you ready to learn more about laser hair removal and see if you are a candidate? If so, you can contact our Fullerton office at 714-879-4312 orschedule an appointment onlinefor more information.
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FAQs
You can expect a 10% to 25% reduction in hair after the first treatment. To remove the hair, most patients need 2 to 6 laser treatments. After finishing the treatments, most patients do not see any hair on the treated skin for several months or even years. When the hair regrows, there tends to be less of it.
How many laser hair sessions will I need? ›
Expect between six to ten sessions for a 90% reduction in unwanted hair. It sounds counterintuitive, but darker, coarser hair often requires fewer sessions. This is because the laser is able to pick up on the pigment easily, and blitz more effectively.
How many lasers are needed for hair removal? ›
What you can expect. Laser hair removal usually requires two to six treatments. The interval between treatments will vary depending on the location. On areas where hair grows quickly, such as the upper lip, the treatment might be repeated in four to eight weeks.
How many laser treatments are enough? ›
Most patients need 3 to 4 laser skin resurfacing sessions for optimal results. But some patients also need a lot more sessions. You should also opt for maintenance treatments once or twice a year to maintain flawless skin.
What happens if I stop laser hair removal after 4 sessions? ›
If treatment is stopped before all of the hair follicles have been destroyed, some may continue to grow. It is important to complete the recommended treatment plan to achieve the best results. Sometimes, the patient sees hairs are thicker and darker after the treatment when they have original light and fair hair.
Is 7 sessions of laser hair removal enough? ›
You can expect to get about five to ten treatments before achieving the results that you would like to see. You should keep in mind that you will need to wait about four to six weeks between your treatments for this area of your body as well.
Can I shave 3 hours before laser hair removal? ›
“When Should I Stop Shaving?” When you're getting ready for your laser hair removal procedure, make sure you shave the night before or the morning of your treatment. The reason for this precaution is simple – you want to remove as much hair as possible so that it doesn't absorb most of the laser's energy.
Why can't you shower after laser hair removal? ›
It's recommended to wait at least 6-8 hours after a laser hair removal session before taking a shower; which should be cold or very mild. This gives the skin time to cool down and for any redness or swelling to subside. At Skin Perfection; London's Top Laser Hair Removal Clinic; we recommend you to avoid hot showers.
How many laser treatments does it take to have no hair? ›
After the initial sessions, maintenance sessions may be needed at longer intervals to address any regrowth. At Laser Clinics Australia, we recommend an initial course of 8 to 12 treatments and maintenance treatments every 2 to 3 months for permanent hair reduction.
How many laser treatments before hair stops growing? ›
5-19 Days Post-6th Treatment
After the course is complete, the treated area will feel smooth with a permanent reduction in hair growth. Typically we recommend a minimum of 6 laser treatments for women and 8 for men. So you can expect to complete your course after 6-9 months.
In rare instances, laser hair removal may cause thicker, darker hair to grow or regrow in an adjacent area to the one being treated. This condition is known as paradoxical hypertrichosis. Paradoxical hypertrichosis can occur anywhere on the face or body.
How to speed up shedding after laser hair removal? ›
Moisturise: Keep your skin hydrated with a high-quality, fragrance-free moisturiser. This makes it easier for the shedding hair to push through the skin. Avoid hair removal methods: Resist the temptation to use tweezers, wax, or other hair removal methods on the treated area.
Can one laser session be enough? ›
Generally, clients need about two to six laser treatments in order to completely get rid of hair. You can expect to see about a 10% to 25% reduction in hair after your first treatment.
Should I do 6 or 10 laser sessions? ›
For optimal results it is recommended that you undergo a course of 6-10 treatments. The reason a course of treatments is recommended is because of the way the hair grows and the lasers work. The laser targets hair that is in the 'growth phase' or Anagen phase of its cycle.
How many laser sessions do you need for Brazilian? ›
At Aesthetica, we recommend 12 treatments for optimal results spread out 4-6 weeks apart. Our Laser Technicians recommend our patients the following after their Brazilian laser hair removal session: Apply the aloe vera soothing gel provided by our Medical Spa to cool the skin after your treatment.
Does laser hair removal last forever? ›
It is not necessarily permanent. However, the hair may regrow, particularly if the follicle is damaged and not destroyed during the laser hair removal procedure. For this reason, many doctors now refer to laser hair removal as long-term hair removal rather than permanent hair removal.
What happens after 3 sessions of laser hair removal? ›
After 3 sessions, a reduction of 58.4%, 67.6% to 75% of the hair can be expected. After 4 sessions, a hair reduction of 87% can be achieved. After 6 sessions, laser hair removal will be optimally effective on large pigmented hairs on which a reduction of between 69% and 90% of the hair will be obtained.
How many laser sessions do I need for Brazilian? ›
The fact- “No one fits all” is also true for the Brazilian treatments. The effectiveness of the treatment depends on the thickness, growth and colour of the hair. So, the number of sessions one needs to undergo vary from person to person. Generally, 6-8 sessions are required to get your hair permanently removed.
Can I shave in between laser sessions? ›
Yes, you can shave in between each laser hair removal treatment. During your course of treatment, you can shave any unwanted hair that may regrow. After your first laser hair removal session you will notice that you won't need to shave as much as before.
The problem with tweezing, shaving, plucking, and waxing is that these types of hair removal methods are temporary and must be repeated constantly. These methodstake a toll on the skin, causing ingrown hairs, bumps, and even skin discoloration. In addition, many individuals do not achieve the level of results they desire. Those who want a long-term solutionshould consider laser hair removal. With this treatment, the skin is left hair-free and smoother for longer.