You’ve spent countless hours shaving, plucking facial hairs, and even testing at-home hair removal creams—all to be left with prickly regrowth often the very next day. For all the time you’ve dedicated to getting rid of unwanted hair, you deserve lasting solutions.
If this sounds like you, our experts are proud to introduce Primelase laser depilation in Des Moines: one of the safest and most effective laser hair removal treatments available. By targeting hair follicles with an intense beam of light, laser hair removal minimizes unwanted hair and stops future growth at its source.
Continue reading to learn about the laser hair removal process at Brightside Aesthetics. Ready to discover what sets our experts apart? Contact our front-desk team or schedule your consultation online to get started.
What Is Laser Depilation?
Laser depilation, otherwise known as laser hair removal, is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that reduces, and, in some cases, eliminates unwanted hair.
Many of our patients spend a considerable amount of time trying to get rid of unwanted body hair. This process can be irritating, especially as the cost of hair removal products continues to add up.
Our experts understand your frustrations and want to help. With revolutionary solutions like laser depilation in Des Moines, creating smoother, hair-free skin is easier than ever.
Laser hair removal uses a process called selective photothermolysis. The melanin in your hair follicles naturally absorbs the laser’s light, where it converts into heat. This heat damages the hair follicle, causing the hair to fall out and inhibiting future growth.
Our experts can use laser hair removal on nearly any part of the body. The most common treatment areas at Brightside Aesthetics include:
- Legs
- Face
- Underarms
- Bikini line
- Back
How the Hair Growth Stages Influence Laser Hair Removal
The hair growth phases dictate which hair follicles can be targeted at once. The 4 phases of hair growth include:
- Anagen – The growth phase. The follicle actively pushes out hair during this time and is rich in melanin. Body hair grows for a period of 4 to 6 weeks before transitioning to the next phases.
- Catagen – The transition phase. The hair follicle shrinks and growth slows. This period lasts for about 2 weeks.
- Telogen – The resting phase. Hairs in the telogen phase do not grow or fall out, but instead remain dormant in the follicle. This phase lasts anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the area of the body.
- Exogen – The shedding phase. The follicle releases the hair, with your body shedding 50 to 100 hairs every day. After shedding the hair, the growth cycle restarts.
Because laser depilation in Des Moines can only effectively target hairs in the anagen phase due to their high melanin content, we recommend patients undergo anywhere from 6 to 8 laser hair removal sessions. Scheduling your laser hair removal sessions 4 to 8 weeks apart can also reduce as much hair as possible as the follicles in your treatment area cycle through the hair growth phases.
How to Know if Laser Hair Removal Is Right for You
Great news—laser hair removal is a safe and effective treatment for the majority of patients wanting a long-term solution for unwanted hair. Our experts primarily recommend laser hair removal to patients who are in good health and have no underlying skin conditions that put them at risk of an adverse reaction.
We cannot perform laser hair removal on patients with a sunburn, rosacea, or chronic acne in the treatment area. Our experts also recommend avoiding laser hair removal if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your provider may suggest an alternative method of hair removal, such as waxing, if you have light-sensitive skin or other contraindications.
How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal
Leading up to each laser hair removal session, protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays using an SPF 30 sunscreen. Excessive sun exposure before undergoing laser hair removal can increase your risk of burns, hyperpigmentation, and other unwanted side effects.
We offer a variety of high-quality sunscreens in our skincare shop to help you get the most out of your laser hair removal treatments.
Laser hair removal is most effective on short hair, so be sure to shave your treatment area in the days leading up to your appointment. Avoid plucking, waxing, and other hair removal methods that disturb the follicle.
What to Expect During a Laser Hair Removal Treatment
Laser depilation in Des Moines is a relatively quick treatment process, designed to help you achieve smooth and clear skin with as little downtime as possible.
During each appointment, your provider cleanses your treatment area to remove any makeup, lotion, or perfume. They then glide the laser device across your skin, which gently but precisely targets unwanted hair follicles with intense light energy.
Most patients compare the laser hair removal sensation to a rubber band snapping against the skin. Your provider is happy to adjust the treatment intensity or take breaks, depending on your tolerance. They also check in with you throughout treatment to assess your comfort levels.
On average, laser hair removal sessions take 5 to 60 minutes to complete. Your appointment may take longer if you’re treating a larger area or combining laser hair removal with another service.
Providing Clarity to the Treatment Process
Our experts want you to feel confident and fully informed before making your treatment decision. We urge you to ask questions and voice your concerns about the process, so you can enter your appointment feeling that you’ve made the right choice for your aesthetic needs.
Here are some additional details to help you determine whether laser depilation in Des Moines is right for you.
What device does Brightside Aesthetics use for laser hair removal?
Our experts use the Primelase device for laser hair removal treatments. As one of the safest laser hair removal devices available, Primelase helps ensure that patients of all skin tones have an effective treatment experience.
In the past, laser hair removal devices could only treat patients with contrasting skin tones and hair colors, particularly those with light skin and dark hair. Unfortunately, laser hair removal was ineffective, and often dangerous, for patients with deeper skin tones.
As a revolutionary development in the laser hair removal industry, Primelase is safe for use on patients of all skin tones. Using Ultra Short Pulse Technology, Primelase is safe for patients with a range of darker skin tones.
The Primelase device can also be used year-round. In previous years, we recommended patients start their laser hair removal treatment plan during the fall and winter months, as older laser hair removal devices were unsuitable for sun-tanned skin. But by using multiple light wavelengths at once, Primelase can safely treat tanned skin without causing burns.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
Although laser hair removal greatly reduces hair growth and has helped countless patients create the silky-smooth skin they desire, it is not a permanent treatment.
Hair may regrow if the follicle is not fully destroyed during treatment. Genetics, hormones, and other factors can also cause hair to grow back. If it does, most patients find that the hair is lighter and more sparse.
Your provider may recommend regular maintenance sessions once you’ve completed your treatment plan. These additional appointments can prolong your results if damaged follicles heal and hair regrows.
Does laser hair removal work on all hair colors?
Laser depilation in Des Moines works on all hair colors, but may be less effective on patients with blonde, grey, or white hair. These hair follicles have less pigment, which are more difficult for the laser device to target and destroy.
Can I do laser hair removal at home?
Though there are plenty of at-home laser hair removal devices available, our experts highly recommend scheduling your treatment at Brightside Aesthetics instead.
Most at-home laser hair removal devices are classified as cosmetic devices, which are less effective than the medical-grade lasers used at our office. There are also no long-term studies on the safety and efficacy of these devices, putting your health at risk with improper use.
Our experts have the extensive training needed to ensure you have a safe laser hair removal experience. We also take the time to learn about your medical history and medications you’re on to reduce your risk of developing an adverse reaction.
How should I care for my laser hair removal results?
Immediately after your laser hair removal treatment session, the skin may appear red or irritated. We recommend using a cold compress should you experience any discomfort.
Aside from continuing to drink water and protect your skin from harmful UV rays, our experts recommend avoiding sweating in the days after your treatment. Excessive sweating from saunas or intense physical activity can irritate your freshly treated skin. We recommend taking a short break from your workout routine to protect your skin as it heals.
Smoother Skin Starts at Brightside Aesthetics
For all the time and money you’ve spent trying to get rid of unwanted hair, laser depilation in Des Moines is the longer-lasting solution you’ve been searching for.
Ditch the razors and schedule your laser hair removal consultation with one of our experts. Contact the team to get started.
Interested in lip plumping and other laser treatments available at Brightside Aesthetics? Head over to our blog for the details you need to make an informed treatment decision.
