Shaving: the never-ending struggle! Between painful nicks, money spent on shaving supplies, and hours in the shower, you need an effective hair removal method that saves you more than just effort.
Fortunately, laser hair removal near Waukee, IA, serves as a longer-lasting solution for your constant shaving woes. Our laser hair removal experts help patients significantly reduce hair growth for silky-smooth skin year-round!
Keep reading our blog to learn about the science behind laser hair removal and the treatment process at Brightside Aesthetics. Ready to speak with one of our experts? Visit our website or give us a call to schedule your appointment.
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal uses a concentrated beam of light to remove unwanted hair. During your laser hair removal procedure, this light targets the pigment within your hair follicles. When absorbed, the light energy converts into heat, damaging the follicle and preventing future hair growth.
Our laser hair removal treatment is versatile, allowing us to target unwanted hair nearly anywhere on the body, including in the following areas:
- Face
- Underarms
- Legs
- Back
- Bikini line
Our experts cannot perform laser hair removal around the eyes, eyelids, inside the nose, or on tattooed skin.
While laser hair removal is generally most effective on patients with dark hair and light skin, our device can treat a range of skin tones and hair types. We can adjust our approach to deliver the best results for your unique needs, no matter your starting point.
That said, laser hair removal near Waukee, IA, is less effective at targeting lighter, thinner hairs like peach fuzz around the face. If you are interested in facial hair removal for these vellus hairs, we recommend consulting with your laser technicians for other treatment options.
How do the phases of hair growth affect laser hair removal?
The different phases of hair growth largely influence the efficacy of your treatment.
There are 4 phases of hair growth, including:
- Anagen – The growth phase. Your hair follicles push out hairs that continue to grow until they’re cut or reach the end of their lifespan and fall out.
- Catagen – The transition phase. Hair follicles shrink, and hair growth slows. The hair also separates from the bottom of the follicle but remains in place.
- Telogen – The resting phase. The hair neither grows nor shrinks during this phase.
- Exogen – The shedding phase. The hair falls out, and the follicle begins growing new hair. Losing approximately 50 to 100 hairs per day during the exogen phase is normal.
Laser hair removal near Waukee, IA, is most effective on hairs that are in the anagen phase. This is because the hair follicle has the greatest concentration of melanin, or pigment, at this time, which is what absorbs the light from the laser to then heat and damage the follicle. About 30% of hair on the body is in this phase at a given time, which is why most patients need multiple laser hair removal sessions to see significant reduction.
Am I a good candidate for laser hair removal?
The best candidates for laser hair removal are tired of the nicks, bumps, and pain associated with traditional methods of hair removal, like shaving and waxing. We also recommend laser hair removal to patients wanting a long-lasting, significant reduction in hair growth.
We do not recommend laser hair removal on patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding. We also cannot perform laser hair removal on patients with an active sunburn or skin infection in the treatment area.
Please talk with your Brightside Aesthetics provider about alternative methods of hair removal if you have one or more of the following conditions:
- Keloids
- Rosacea
- Chronic acne
- Sensitive skin
- Herpes
- Skin cancer
The Brightside Aesthetics Treatment Process
Ready to jump into treatment but aren’t sure what to expect? Here’s a brief overview of our laser hair removal treatment process:
In-Depth Consultation
You’ll first meet with one of our providers for a comprehensive consultation. At this time, your provider will ask about your hair removal goals and medical history to determine if laser hair removal is right for you. Be sure to notify your provider of any medications you’re taking to avoid an adverse reaction.
From there, your provider will take the information from your consultation to create your personalized treatment plan. We recommend asking questions and voicing any concerns you may have about the laser hair removal process.
Preparations
Before your treatment, stay out of the sun as much as possible, as we cannot perform laser hair removal on sunburnt skin. If you must be in direct sunlight, regularly apply sunscreen with a minimum of 30 SPF to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Our experts also recommend staying away from tanning beds and lotions as well.
Laser hair removal most accurately targets hairs that are shorter than a grain of rice, so we recommend shaving your treatment area 2 to 3 days before your appointment. Doing so not only enhances your results, but also helps you avoid burns and skin damage. However, you’ll need to avoid waxing, tweezing, or plucking, as the hair follicle must be intact.
Be sure to cleanse your treatment area to remove makeup and lotions before your laser hair removal appointment. We also recommend avoiding blood-thinning medications and aspirin to speed along the healing process. As an added precaution, your laser technician will ask that you remove all jewelry before your treatment session begins.
Laser Hair Removal Treatment
On the day of your treatment, be sure to wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows for easy access to your treatment area.
To start, your provider will run the laser handpiece across your skin to target the pigment in the hair follicle and minimize future hair growth. This process takes anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes to complete, depending on the size of your treatment area.
Laser hair removal near Waukee, IA, is a quick procedure involving minimal discomfort. Many of our patients describe the sensation as similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin.
Post-Care Instructions
Every patient’s laser hair removal journey is different, but most people notice a significant reduction in hair growth after their first treatment session. We generally recommend patients undergo 6 to 8 treatments for optimal hair reduction. Your treatment interval will depend on the size and location of the area you’re targeting.
Once you have begun the laser hair removal process at Brightside Aesthetics, you will need to continue avoiding other forms of hair removal aside from shaving. This further supports the results of your future treatment sessions.
After your laser hair removal appointment, it’s also important that you continue to protect your freshly treated skin from the sun and other UV exposure. Our experts also recommend using gentle cleaners to avoid irritating your treatment area.
Pain, redness, and swelling are common side effects of laser hair removal. You can reduce these symptoms by taking over-the-counter pain medication or applying an ice pack or cold compress to the skin for 10 to 15 minutes.
Be sure to notify your provider if you develop any of the following, more serious side effects:
- Scars
- Burns
- Blisters
- Severe pain
- Infection
- Skin pigmentation changes
Answering Your Frequently Asked Questions
At Brightside Aesthetics, we understand that cosmetic procedures can sometimes feel confusing and overwhelming. If you still have questions about laser hair removal near Waukee, IA, here are some details to inform your treatment decision.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
Though laser hair removal serves as an effective, long-lasting solution, it’s not entirely permanent. Changes in hormones and other factors may cause new hair growth over time.
That said, many patients report significant hair reduction, and if the hair does grow back, it’s usually finer and lighter in color. Receiving regular maintenance treatments can help support the longevity of your results, and your provider can determine how frequently you’ll need to schedule these appointments. Generally speaking, patients return for touch-up appointments every 6 to 12 months to see the best results.
How many treatments will I need?
Clients typically require 6-8 treatments to achieve optimal hair removal followed by periodic touch-ups. Your aesthetician will determine the appropriate number of treatments for your goals.
Is there any downtime associated with laser hair removal?
No, there isn’t any downtime associated with laser hair removal near Waukee, IA. Most of our patients are able to return to normal activities immediately after their treatment session.
However, we do recommend patients avoid direct sunlight for 2 weeks following their appointment.
Can I do laser hair removal at home?
Though there are some at-home laser hair removal devices on the market, it is much safer to visit a professional. At Brightside Aesthetics, our experts can deliver a more effective, longer-lasting treatment while also minimizing the risk of severe side effects.
Is laser hair removal safe for all skin tones?
Yes! We use the Primelase laser for our laser hair removal treatments, which is safe for all skin tones. If you have any specific concerns regarding skin damage, your provider can explain the laser hair removal process and offer alternative treatments during your consultation.
Smoother Skin Starts Here
At Brightside Aesthetics, we’re helping patients feel confident in their own skin with longer-lasting hair removal solutions. If razor bumps and the cost of shaving supplies have left your skin and wallet irritated, toss those razors into the trash and book your consultation for laser hair removal near Waukee, IA.
Now’s the time to invest in yourself. Visit our website or give our team a call to discover if laser hair removal is right for you.
Want to learn more about non-surgical hair restoration options? Head over to our blog for more information.
