he problem with tweezing, shaving, plucking, and waxing is that these types of hair removal methods are temporary and must be repeated constantly. These methods take 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 solution should consider laser hair removal. With this treatment, the skin is left hair-free and smoother for longer.
At Full Spectrum Dermatology in Fullerton, CA, Dr. William Baugh meets with patients to determine if laser hair removal is right for them. During a consultation, he can also give individuals a better idea of how many laser hair removal sessions are needed to 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.