LASER HAIR REMOVAL

What is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is an effective treatment for unwanted or unmanageable body hair. You might be accustomed to shaving every other day or waxing weekly, but laser hair removal can help you break that routine with long-lasting results. Additionally, laser hair removal has fewer complications than shaving or waxing: No razor bumps, no cuts or nicks, and no leftover patches of hard-to-reach hair. 

Laser hair removal doesn’t physically pull your hair out of your skin or cut it off above the root. Instead, a beam of light targets the hair follicles within your skin. These follicles are the sacs that nourish and grow your hair. The laser damages the follicles to disable them and delay their growth for long periods of time. 

You can’t predict initially how long your results will last, but you can get maintenance treatments when you start to see your hair grow back. Dr. O’Connell generally recommends an initial series of laser hair removal treatments to target all of your follicles in their growth stages. If your hair grows back, it’s usually thinner, finer, and lighter in color than before. 

What are the steps in a laser hair removal treatment?

When you visit Laguna Beach Aesthetics for laser hair removal, the process doesn’t take long. Dr. O’Connell cleans your skin in the area that you plan to target. She might also offer you a numbing cream or gel if you have concerns about the sensations. 

During your procedure, you and Dr. O’Connell wear protective eyewear to prevent the laser light from damaging your eyes. As the laser works, you might feel like a hot rubber band snapping against your skin. The sensation is tolerable, especially if you apply a numbing cream beforehand.  

Large treatment areas, like your legs or back, can take more than an hour to finish. If you’re treating a smaller area like your upper lip or chin, your treatment only takes a few minutes. 

How should I prepare for laser hair removal?

If Dr. O’Connell decides that you’re a candidate for laser hair removal after a consultation, she gives you instructions to prepare for your upcoming appointment. For a successful treatment with minimal side effects, she advises you to:

• Avoid tanning and sun exposure
• Use sunscreen religiously
• Report any skin breakouts or rashes
• Ask lots of questions
• Identify the areas you want to treat

Dr. O’Connell answers all of your questions beforehand to make sure you know exactly what to expect during and after your laser hair removal treatment. 

For more information about laser hair removal and to find out if you’re a candidate, call Laguna Beach Aesthetics or request an appointment online today.