How does Laser Hair Removal Work?

December 6, 2023 Kate Smoothy

Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure known for its effectiveness in permanent hair reduction and is a popular choice for those looking to remove unwanted hair. At The Dental Spa, we pride ourselves on using the best laser treatment technology clinically proven to leave your skin hair-free. It is a safe, reliable option for those seeking a long-term solution to hair removal.

What is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal destroys unwanted hair at its root, targeting the hair follicles beneath your skin with precision and care. These follicles beneath your skin go through different growth cycles, but the laser is most effective when the hair is in its growth phase. That's because the hair is most visible and pigmented, making it an ideal target for the laser's light. With each session, more follicles are caught in their growth phase, leading to less and less hair regrowth over time. This is why a series of treatments is necessary for the best results.

The process of laser hair removal is versatile, allowing treatment on various body parts, including:

Legs
Underarms
Bikini Area
Upper Lip and Chin
Back
Arms
Chest

The Cynosure + Laser

At The Dental Spa, we use advanced laser technology that can be adjusted for different skin and hair types.

These lasers emit a specific wavelength of light, and the pigment in your hair absorbs this light. The hair, heated by this energy, transmits to the follicle. This process damages the follicle, reducing its ability to grow new hair. The ability to adjust the laser ensures that it targets only the hair follicle, leaving the surrounding skin untouched, making the treatment effective and safe.

Before the Laser Hair Removal Procedure

Laser treatment will always begin with a consultation, where we assess your hair and skin type. We also discuss your medical history and any previous hair removal methods you've used. This information helps us tailor the treatment to suit your specific needs.

Preparing your skin is essential to ensure the best possible results. We advise avoiding sun exposure and tanning treatments before your appointment, as tanned skin can affect how the laser interacts with your skin and hair. We also recommend shaving the area to be treated a day or two before the procedure because this ensures the laser targets the hair follicle effectively without wasting energy on the length of the hair.

During the Laser Hair Removal Procedure

The laser is first adjusted based on your skin and hair type, which will ensure effective treatment and minimise discomfort:

Skin Cleansing: We start by cleaning the area to be treated. This ensures that the skin is free from any cosmetics or lotions.
Laser Application: The laser is then applied to the skin, where the unwanted body hair is removed, killing the strands and follicles.
Monitoring: Our experienced staff closely monitors the skin's reaction to the laser to ensure the best results while keeping your comfort in mind.

The length of the session varies depending on the size of the area being treated. Small areas like the upper lip might take just a few minutes, while larger areas like the back or legs could take longer.

How painful is laser hair removal?

Most clients report mild discomfort, like a tingling or a rubber band snapping sensation, which is considered a tolerable procedure.

After the Laser Hair Removal Procedure

Post-treatment care is essential for achieving the best results and ensuring your skin remains healthy and comfortable after laser hair removal at The Dental Spa. Most patients experience mild and temporary side effects.

Immediately after the procedure, you may notice redness and swelling, similar to mild sunburn. This is normal and should subside within a few hours to a few days. We recommend using a soothing gel or ice packs to reduce any discomfort. It's also important to protect the treated area from the sun, using sunscreen or covering up to avoid skin irritation.

Rarely, clients might see changes in skin pigmentation or, very rarely, blistering and scarring, especially if aftercare advice isn't followed. Our team is always here to guide you through managing these effects, ensuring your comfort and safety.

How many sessions of laser hair removal do I need?

You can expect a gradual decrease in hair growth with each session. The number of sessions needed varies, but typically, clients see significant results in 3 to 5 treatments. It's important to follow the recommended treatment schedule for optimal results.

Follow-up sessions will catch any hairs that were in a dormant phase during previous treatments. We typically schedule these sessions every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the treatment area and your hair growth cycle.

How long does laser hair removal last?

Laser hair removal offers a significant reduction in hair growth that can be close to permanent. While it effectively destroys many hair follicles, some might eventually recover, leading to some hair regrowth. Periodic maintenance treatments can help manage this and keep the skin smooth.

Choose The Dental Spa for Laser Hair Removal

At The Dental Spa, we combine high-quality laser technology with expert care to ensure effective and safe laser hair removal. Our experienced staff are dedicated to your comfort, providing personalised treatments for all skin types. With positive client feedback and a focus on enhancing well-being and confidence, we invite you to experience the difference at The Dental Spa.