The appearance of excessive hair growth can be problematic for men and women alike. From dark hair spread over the body to unwanted facial hair, many people grow to become socially uncomfortable as the result of this troublesome condition. Fortunately, there is a solution in the form of laser hair removal. According to Dr. Ulysses Agpaoa, medical director at New Jersey’s Hudson Laser Skin Care, these days, more and more people are visiting medical spas and asking about this highly beneficial procedure.
In order to educate potential customers, the following are the top five things that you should know about laser hair removal:
1. Laser hair removal actually works. Although the process can take anywhere from one to six visits, laser hair removal can successfully eliminate hair follicles by zapping the problem at the source. Most clients notice a difference after just one or two sessions. And often, those final visits simply involve fine-tuning and cleanup.
2. Hair has three phases of growth: active, dormant, and shedding. Since laser hair removal works to eliminate the hair follicle, it can only be efficiently given during the active growth phase. Since this phase usually occurs at 28- to 4o-day intervals, laser hair removal sessions are scheduled every four to six weeks for maximum effectiveness.
3. There are good times and bad times for laser hair removal. Dr. Agpaoa highly recommends that patients schedule their laser hair removal sessions during the winter, early spring, and late fall. The reason for this is that laser hair removal cannot be performed on people with suntans, which are more likely to occur during the summer months. Additionally, laser hair removal does result in increased sun sensitivity following the procedure. So to minimize the likelihood of burning, it is best to schedule appointments at those times of the year during which the sun is less strong.
4. Laser hair removal is actually not that painful. While the idea of being treated with a laser might send shivers down one’s spine, most people who undergo laser hair removal report that while the procedure can sometimes be mildly uncomfortable, it is certainly not tremendously painful. In fact, the process is widely considered less painful than waxing or electrolysis. The best way to describe the sensation involved in laser hair removal is to liken it to the feeling of having a rubber band snapped against your skin. While the feeling might not be pleasant, it is certainly one that most people can tolerate for the duration of the procedure.
5. Laser hair removal is more affordable than one might think. Since laser hair removal has been known to work in as little as one or two sessions, it is far more affordable and much less time-consuming over the course of your life than treatments such as waxing and electrolysis. Besides, laser hair removal has the added value of providing an instant confidence boost to those who undergo treatment – and that’s something that many would consider to be truly priceless.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.