What to Expect From Laser Hair Removal?

What to Expect From Laser Hair Removal?

Body hair is a genetic lottery that randomly determines where you will grow hair other than the more desired places. While extra hair was once the standard of beauty, people currently prefer to see more skin than hair on the body. The doctors of Kind Dermatology and Medical Spa, serving Santa Barbara, CA, can use laser hair removal to help you get rid of that unwanted hair.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Most simply put, the laser shoots concentrated light at a specific hair. The energy from this light converts into heat, which damages the hair follicles. This damage results in reduced hair growth until the follicles are damaged enough to no longer grow the hair.

There is Some Prep Work

The skin must be completely clean for laser treatments to work. This means no makeup, spray tan, deodorant, or other products can be on the skin at the time of treatment. 

The treated area must be shaved - NOT waxed or plucked. Excess hair can result in burning and discomfort, but hair that is removed from beneath the surface will not be able to catch the laser well enough to transfer the light heat to the follicle.

The dermatologist will apply a topical gel that will help to numb the skin and minimize any discomfort from the treatment.

Expect Multiple Sessions

There are virtually no cases where laser hair removal is a one-and-done event. Depending on the hair and skin being treated, most cases can take anywhere from 8-12 treatments.

If you stop treatments early (only after 4 or 5), just because you are seeing results, it can be expected for the results to reverse and any progress reversed. Once you start, see it through to the end.

What Will I Need to Do During Treatment?

Heat from the laser can remain in your skin for 24 hours. Because of this, it is important to avoid heat and humidity, such as the gym and sauna, due to the risk of creating perfect conditions for bacteria to grow. So, no tanning or going to the gym the same day after a laser skin treatment.

If you have any questions about whether or not laser hair removal may be right for you, contact Kind Dermatology and Medical Spa of Santa Barbara, CA, today, to see how our doctors can help you achieve the look you desire. Call (805) 250-9891 today.