At Brightside Aesthetics, we understand that unwanted hair serves as a constant source of frustration. Between painful knicks and razor burn, shaving can feel like a never-ending battle. And when the price of at-home hair removal supplies adds up, it’s normal to want a more cost-effective option.
If you’re looking for longer-lasting solutions, laser hair removal near West Des Moines has helped countless patients achieve silky smooth skin—all without shaving. As a bonus, our laser hair removal device is safe for a wide range of skin tones, effectively targeting hair follicles on all patients alike.
Continue reading to learn what sets laser hair removal at Brightside Aesthetics apart. If you’re ready to reduce unwanted hair, give our team a call to schedule your initial consultation.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal is a noninvasive procedure that minimizes hair growth at its source. Using the heat from an intense beam of light, laser hair removal targets the pigment in the hair follicle. This process destroys the hair follicle and minimizes future hair growth.
At Brightside Aesthetics, we can use laser hair removal to treat hair on most parts of the body, including:
- Legs
- Arms
- Bikini line
- Face
- Back
How Brightside Aesthetics Does Laser Hair Removal Differently
Aside from achieving long-lasting results, Brightside Aesthetics’ Primelase laser hair removal device can also safely treat a wide range of skin tones.
In the past, laser hair removal devices could only treat patients with contrasting skin tones and hair colors. These devices were most successful when targeting dark hair follicles on patients with lighter skin tones. Older laser hair removal devices were least effective—and often dangerous—for patients with darker skin.
But in more recent years, advancements in laser hair removal technology have made the treatment safe for a variety of skin tones. Our Primelase device is the first laser platform to combine multiple different wavelengths to remove hair on all skin types, safely treating dark and even tanned skin.
The Primelase device is also safe for use all year round. Traditionally, practices could only perform laser hair removal treatments during the fall and winter. This is because increased sun exposure in the summer could compromise your results, potentially risking pigmentation issues or burns. But with the Primelase device, the experts at Brightside Aesthetics can perform laser hair removal treatments during every season.
Laser Hair Removal Treatment Process
Want a better idea of what to expect when you choose Brightside Aesthetics for laser hair removal near West Des Moines? Here’s a brief overview of our treatment process.
Initial Consultation
You first kick off your laser hair removal journey with a quick consultation with one of our experts. During this appointment, your provider asks about your aesthetic goals and the areas you want to address.
Your provider may also ask about your medical history, skin sensitivity, and any medications you take. These questions help minimize your risk of developing an adverse reaction.
If your provider decides that laser hair removal is your most effective treatment option, the two of you work together to create a plan that suits your needs.
Preparations
Before your laser hair removal treatment, avoid spending extended amounts of time in the sun, including tanning beds. If you must be in direct sunlight, our experts recommend applying a 30 SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
You should also avoid other hair removal methods that may disturb the hair follicle, including waxing and plucking. However, you will need to shave your treatment area a day or two before treatment, as laser hair removal is most effective on shorter hair.
We recommend arriving at your treatment session with clean skin that’s free of lotions, perfumes, and makeup. Be sure to drink plenty of water to speed up the healing process and enhance treatment efficacy.
Treatment Session
At the start of each laser hair removal session, your provider first cleanses your treatment area. They then run the device across your skin, targeting and destroying hair follicles as they go. Many patients report experiencing minimal discomfort and compare the treatment sensation to a rubber band snapping against the skin.
Most laser hair removal sessions take 15 to 60 minutes to complete. Your treatment timeline may vary depending on the number of areas you want to address.
Recovery
The hair in your treatment area does not fall out immediately after laser hair removal near West Des Moines. Most patients experience shedding in the days and weeks following their treatment.
Immediately after your laser hair removal session, your skin may appear red, irritated, and slightly swollen. We recommend using a cold compress to cool the area and taking over-the-counter pain medications if you experience any discomfort.
You must continue to protect your newly treated skin from UV rays. Our experts recommend wearing long sleeves or pants and regularly applying sunscreen.
Answering Frequently Asked Questions
Laser hair removal near West Des Moines is a relatively simple treatment, but our experts want to ensure you’re fully informed before you make your decision. Here are the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
How many laser hair removal sessions do I need?
Most patients need 6 to 8 laser hair removal sessions to achieve significant hair reduction.
The laser can only target follicles in the anagen hair growth stage. During this phase, your hair follicles push out hairs that continue to grow until they naturally fall out. Anywhere from 80 to 90% of the body’s hair is in the anagen stage at a time.
Spacing your treatment sessions a few weeks apart can help ensure you target as many hairs as possible as they cycle through the different hair growth stages.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
Though laser hair removal can significantly reduce hair growth, it cannot serve as a fully permanent solution.
Laser hair removal near West Des Moines only puts hair follicles in a state of dormancy, delaying hair growth for a longer period of time. That said, after completing their treatment plan, most patients report lighter, thinner hair if they experience any regrowth at all.
Your provider may also recommend additional maintenance sessions every 3 to 12 months to help you maintain your smoother, hair-free skin.
Can I use at-home laser hair removal devices?
Though there are plenty of at-home laser hair removal devices on the market, our providers urge you to book your laser hair removal treatment session with one of our professionals.
When used improperly, at-home laser hair removal devices can leave you susceptible to burns and injuries. These devices are also categorized as cosmetic as opposed to medical devices and therefore cannot target follicles at the same level.
Our team has spent years helping patients safely remove unwanted hair. We care about your safety and would rather you book your treatment with a professional than run the risk of injuring yourself while using an at-home device.
What areas can’t laser hair removal treat?
Though laser hair removal can minimize unwanted hair on most parts of the body, we cannot use it around the eyes and eyelids.
Laser hair removal near West Des Moines is also not suitable for tattooed skin. This is because the ink—not the hair follicle—absorbs the thermal energy. This damages the tattoo and can cause burns, blisters, and extreme pain.
Who is not a good candidate for laser hair removal?
Most patients who are in good health are great candidates for laser hair removal, but there are a few contraindications that may prevent you from receiving treatment.
We cannot perform laser hair removal on patients with an active infection, acne, or sunburn in the treatment area. These skin conditions can increase your risk of having an adverse reaction. We only recommend laser hair removal for patients with healthy skin quality.
Laser hair removal is less effective on blonde, red, and gray hair. These hair colors contain less pigment, making it harder for the laser to penetrate the hair follicle. Our experts may recommend alternative hair removal options, like waxing, to patients with lighter hair colors.
Our experts also cannot use laser hair removal on patients with light-sensitive skin. This includes rosacea, a common skin condition that causes long-term flushing or redness. Using laser hair removal on skin with rosacea can trigger a flare-up and worsen pre-existing redness.
Target Unwanted Hair With Laser Hair Removal
You’ve tried the shaving creams. Bought the at-home wax kits. Even gave yourself razor burns. But when you’re searching for long-lasting hair removal treatments, laser hair removal near West Des Moines is your most effective option.
Give our team a call or schedule your consultation online for the best laser hair removal in Des Moines.
Interested in treatments for hair restoration? Visit our blog to learn more about the treatment process at Brightside Aesthetics.
