Shaving, waxing, tweezing, and other temporary hair removal methods can require regular maintenance. Depending on the area, that can mean shaving several times a week or scheduling repeated waxing appointments.
Laser hair removal takes a different approach by targeting pigment associated with the hair follicle. Laser energy is converted into heat, which damages the follicle and helps reduce future hair growth.
Because hair grows in different cycles, laser hair removal generally requires a series of treatments. However, successful long-term hair reduction may decrease the amount of time you spend repeatedly shaving, waxing, or removing unwanted hair.
Treatment time and the number of sessions vary depending on the treatment area, hair characteristics, skin type, and individual response.
Razors, shaving products, waxing appointments, depilatory creams, and other temporary hair removal methods create recurring expenses.
Laser hair removal requires an initial treatment series, so it should not be presented as automatically cheaper for every patient. However, reducing unwanted hair over the long term may decrease how frequently you need to purchase shaving products or schedule waxing treatments.
When considering cost, it can be helpful to compare your overall treatment plan with the time and money you currently spend maintaining unwanted hair—not simply compare the price of one laser session with one razor or waxing appointment.
Frequent shaving and waxing can contribute to razor bumps, irritation, and ingrown hairs in some people.
By reducing unwanted hair growth and decreasing the need for frequent shaving or waxing, laser hair removal may help reduce the occurrence of these problems in treated areas.
Results vary, and laser hair removal should not be considered a guaranteed treatment for every case of ingrown hair or skin irritation.
Laser hair removal technology has evolved considerably.
At Park Slope Laser Aesthetic Center, the Cynosure Elite+® platform combines Alexandrite and Nd:YAG laser technology. Having different wavelengths allows treatment parameters to be selected according to factors such as skin type, hair characteristics, and treatment area.
Individual assessment and appropriate settings are important because laser treatment should not take a one-size-fits-all approach.
Hair color matters as well. Laser hair removal relies on pigment in the hair to absorb laser energy, so very light blonde, gray, white, or red hair may respond less effectively.
Laser hair removal can be used to reduce unwanted hair on many areas of the face and body.
Common treatment areas include:
Whether a particular area is suitable for treatment depends on individual skin and hair characteristics and the specific area being treated.
Laser hair removal is best described as providing long-term hair reduction, rather than guaranteeing permanent removal of every treated hair.
Many patients experience substantial reduction after completing a treatment series, but results vary. Some hair may eventually regrow, and occasional maintenance treatments may be appropriate for certain patients.
Hormonal changes, age, treatment area, hair characteristics, and individual response can all influence long-term results.
Individual hairs are in different stages of the growth cycle at any given time.
Because laser treatment is most effective when appropriate hairs are in an active growth phase, multiple sessions are generally necessary to treat hairs as they progress through different cycles.
There isn't one session number that applies to everyone. Your treatment plan should be based on your treatment area, skin type, hair characteristics, response to previous sessions, and other individual factors.
Laser hair removal may be worth considering if your goal is to achieve significant long-term hair reduction and reduce your dependence on shaving, waxing, or other temporary methods.
The potential benefits go beyond simply having less unwanted hair. For some patients, reducing ongoing maintenance, shaving-related irritation, ingrown hairs, and the time spent on temporary hair removal are also important considerations.
If you're considering laser hair removal in Brooklyn, a consultation can help determine whether treatment is appropriate for your skin, hair, and treatment areas.
At Park Slope Laser Aesthetic Center, your skin type, hair characteristics, treatment areas, and goals can be evaluated to develop an individualized laser hair removal plan using Cynosure Elite+ technology.
