Temporary hair removal methods can eat up your money and, more importantly, your time. Whether you wax, shave or pluck, hair removal usually lasts a few days to weeks. With laser hair removal, you can put aside those temporary solutions and achieve results that last.
Laser hair removal targets the hair follicles to stop them from growing hair. At FACE Skincare~Medical~Wellness, we use the Splendor X™, a dual-wavelength laser that can treat more skin and hair types than other lasers. This laser works faster than any other laser hair removal system, with full-body treatments lasting only 30-40 minutes.
The energy from the Splendor X™ laser targets the pigments in the roots of hairs. These roots grow from inside the hair follicles, so when the energy causes the hair root to heat up, the heat also damages and deactivates the follicle. Because hair spends time in both active and resting phases, laser hair removal requires multiple treatments since it can only target active follicles.
For people concerned about underarm hair as well as excessive underarm sweating, miraDry® offers a new option. This treatment targets sweat glands in the underarm area but can also achieve up to 70% hair removal.
Laser hair removal isn’t just for cosmetic purposes. It’s also used to treat certain medical conditions that cause unwanted hair growth.
One common condition is hirsutism, which causes excessive hair growth in women, often on the face, chest, and back. This condition is usually related to hormonal imbalances, such as those caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Laser hair removal can significantly reduce hair growth in these areas, helping patients manage the condition more effectively.
Another condition is hypertrichosis, which can affect both men and women, causing excess hair growth across the body. This condition may result from medications, genetics, or other underlying health issues. Laser hair removal can help reduce the amount of hair, making it easier to manage.
For those with ingrown hairs, particularly common in the beard area for men or the bikini line for women, laser hair removal can prevent hair from growing back and causing irritation or infection.
These medical uses make laser hair removal a valuable tool not just for enhancing appearance but also for improving quality of life for those dealing with these conditions.
Hair growth happens in four phases. These phases are anagen (growth), catagen (transitional), telogen (resting), and exogen (shedding).
Laser hair removal works best during the anagen phase. This is when hair is actively growing. The laser targets the pigment in the hair, which is most visible during this phase.
Not all hairs are in the anagen phase at the same time. This is why multiple treatment sessions are needed. Each session targets different hairs as they enter the growth phase.
Sometimes, hair regrows after treatment. This happens because those hairs were in a different phase, like telogen or catagen, during the initial session. As a result, they weren’t affected by the laser.
Understanding these phases helps set expectations. Patients know why they might need several sessions to achieve the best results.
With the Splendor X™, people of almost all skin and hair tones can achieve results in four to six treatment sessions, although you may need more to achieve the best results. You will see 85% to 95% permanent hair removal, with touch-ups recommended once or twice a year to target any stray hairs.
While most of these hairs have been permanently removed, some will still grow back after months or even years. These regrown hairs will look finer, thinner, and more sparse than before. For most people, a 30-minute session once a year is a very worthwhile trade for the ongoing hassle of temporary hair removal.
After completing the initial round of laser hair removal sessions, many patients enjoy significant hair reduction. However, it’s important to know that maintenance is often needed to keep results consistent over time.
While the treatment can reduce hair growth by 85% to 95%, some hairs may still regrow. These hairs are usually finer, lighter, and less noticeable, but they can still be bothersome.
To maintain smooth skin, touch-up sessions are recommended. These sessions are usually done once or twice a year, depending on your hair growth pattern. Areas affected by hormonal changes, like the face or underarms, might require more frequent touch-ups.
Regular touch-up sessions help manage any regrowth and keep your skin looking its best. This ongoing care is a small trade-off for the convenience and long-term results that laser hair removal offers.
While laser hair removal is generally safe, it does come with some risks. Common side effects include skin irritation, redness, and swelling. These are usually temporary and go away within a few hours.
There can also be changes in skin color. Some people may experience darkening (hyperpigmentation) or lightening (hypopigmentation) of the treated area. These changes might be temporary or permanent, depending on your skin type and sun exposure.
In rare cases, laser hair removal can cause blistering, scarring, or changes in skin texture. These side effects are more likely if the procedure is not done correctly.
People with darker skin tones might be more prone to certain side effects. It’s important to follow pre-treatment and post-treatment care instructions closely to minimize risks.
Discussing your medical history with a physician before treatment can help identify any potential issues. This can reduce the chances of serious side effects.
Because laser hair removal needs to target actively growing hair roots, you will achieve the best results from your treatment if you take a few steps to see maximum hair removal.
Bleach removes hair pigment, which makes your hair roots invisible to the laser. This can cause the treatment to miss these follicles, resulting in a less effective hair removal session.
We cannot perform laser hair removal on recently tanned or sunburned skin, so avoid sun exposure and wear sunscreen for several weeks before your treatment.
Plucking and waxing pull out the active hair roots, leaving empty follicles. For maximum results, do not use hair removal methods that pull hair out from the root for several weeks before treatment.
While you should avoid methods like waxing, shaving leaves the root intact, so you can shave whenever you want. You should shave about 24 hours before treatment to remove all surface hair.
Laser hair removal is most effective for people with light skin and dark hair. The contrast between the hair pigment and skin tone makes it easier for the laser to target the hair follicle.
Advancements in technology have expanded treatment options. Now, people with darker skin tones can also benefit from laser hair removal. Specialized lasers, like the Nd
, are designed to work safely on darker skin by using longer wavelengths that penetrate the skin without damaging it.
However, laser hair removal is less effective on lighter hair colors, such as blonde, gray, red, or white. These hair types don’t absorb laser energy as well because they lack enough pigment. Some newer treatments are being developed to improve results for these hair colors, but they are not as widely available yet.
Understanding your skin and hair type can help set realistic expectations for the outcome of the treatment. It’s always a good idea to consult with a qualified provider who can recommend the best laser type for your specific needs.
The cost of laser hair removal varies depending on several factors. These include the size of the treatment area, the number of sessions needed, and the specific clinic or provider.
On average, a single session can range from $200 to $400. Larger areas like the legs or back will generally cost more, while smaller areas like the upper lip may be less expensive.
Most people require multiple sessions—typically between four and six—to achieve desired results. This means the total cost can add up, ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 or more, depending on the area and the number of sessions required.
Laser hair removal is usually considered a cosmetic procedure, which means it’s not covered by insurance. Patients should plan for these out-of-pocket expenses.
It’s also wise to ask about package deals. Some clinics offer discounts if you prepay for a full series of treatments. This can help reduce the overall cost.
Understanding the financial commitment involved can help you plan and budget for the treatment effectively.
To learn more about Laser Hair Removal – and if it’s right for you – schedule an appointment by visiting FACE Skincare~Medical~Wellness online or calling 1 (248) 621-8162.
FACE Skincare~Medical~Wellness is a multi-award-winning beauty and wellness clinic founded by skin expert Holly Cutler, also known as The Skin Saint™, and named as “one of the most advanced Med Spas in the country” by Forbes magazine
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FACE Skincare Medical Wellness is located in Bingham Farms, MI, and serves patients in Bloomfield Hills, Farmington Hills, Birmingham, Franklin, Northville and throughout the Detroit metro.
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