One of the most common questions we often get asked at the Dermatology and Skin Cancer Institute is: Does hair grow back after laser hair removal? The answer is not entirely a simple one. The success rate depends on any number of factors, and no two people can expect the same results. That doesn’t mean laser treatment for hair removal won’t be right for you. But first, Dr. Aradhna Saxena and her hair-removal experts at Spa 361 at the Dermatology and Skin Institute in Lansdale, PA will determine and assess several factors associated with your skin that can contribute to your overall outcome and lasting results.
Five key factors in successful laser hair removal
As with most procedures, the outcome of your laser hair removal treatment will depend on what you hope to accomplish, how your skin and body ultimately responds, and your commitment to any post-treatment care. With two locations in the Greater Philadelphia area, the specialists at the Dermatology and Skin Cancer Institute will always share with you their realistic expectations during your initial consultation. However, here we will elaborate on five commonalities that can influence your laser hair removal outcome. They are:
- Skin type & color:The pigment of your skin will play a key role in the laser’s overall effectiveness in removing your hair
- Position on the body:Some areas of the body grow hair faster than others
- Hair density:Thickness and concentration of your hair follicles are a key factor
- Overall health:Yes, your diet and lifestyle can affect the treated areas
- Aftercare commitment:While recovery is quick, the proper care of your skin should be ongoing
How many laser treatments will I need?
Again, it depends, but this will be thoroughly covered during your assessment and initial consultation. The number of treatments you may need could also be adjusted once you recover from the initial procedure. On average, anywhere from 2 – 6 treatments are the most common number of laser treatments needed to fully remove your unwanted hair. It is also important that you resist the temptation of proceeding with any of your own normal hair-removal routines leading up to your procedure. Even some of the simplest methods like plucking or waxing in a potential donor area could disturb the hair follicles and should be avoided for at least four weeks leading up to your treatment.
Will my hair eventually grow back?
Not necessarily and certainly not immediately. Even when you consider all of the above potential influences, sometimes the reason for the return of your hair is unknown and uncontrollable. Laser hair removal is not guaranteed to be permanent because hair removal results are always vastly different based on a variety of individual factors. You can expect the hair in the treated area to disappear for a minimum of two months following the procedure, and the outcome can usually last for up to two years or more.
Follow-up laser hair removal treatments
Even though the hair may eventually return, if the laser did its job on the targeted hair follicles, it usually will appear lighter or thinner upon any regrowth. This is completely normal, and the appearance of your unwanted hair is a solvable problem that follow-up treatments down the road can easily remedy.
Hair removal aftercare
Like most skin-related medical procedures, your unwavering commitment to proper aftercare approaches will help ease any irritations following your treatments and prevent unnecessary damage to your skin. Some things to consider:
- Use sun protection –It is recommended to stay out the sun for at least a week, but if you will be exposed, wear hats, clothes, and sunscreen to shield the area
- Avoid tanning products –Resist the urge to apply bronzers or lotions with chemicals that could irritate the sensitive areas of your skin
- Forgo excess heat –Your pores will be vulnerable due to the laser treatments, and exposure to excess heat in saunas, hot tubs, and even showers can exacerbate the irritation
- Embrace topical remedies –Irritation and swelling are common following your procedure, and applying topical ointments such as aloe or pain-relieving antibiotics in some cases can help ease your discomfort
Making the first step for laser hair removal
It’s important to remember that the results of laser hair removal differ for everybody and how fast your hair may grow back is no different. Along with your laser hair removal cost, your specialist at Dermatology and Skin Cancer Institute in Greater Philadelphia will customize a hair removal treatment plan that works best for you and your budget. To make that first step for unwanted hair removal,contact us todayto schedule your initial consultation.
