Laser Hair Removal: How We Do It & Why It's Effective

Tired of shaving? 

Looking for smoother skin with less work? 

Advanced Practice Aesthetics understands! If you’re trying to make a decision about scheduling laser hair removal, we’re here to answer your questions and ensure you feel completely comfortable with the procedure and what to expect. 

Laser hair removal has been around since the 1960s but gained more popularity in the 1990s as an effective way to reduce and remove unwanted hair. This hair removal method targets the hair follicle at the root, which can significantly reduce hair growth over time. 

Let’s take a look at how Advanced Practice Aesthetics performs laser hair removal, as well as answer some of the most commonly asked questions about the procedure. 

Laser Hair Removal Treatment Areas

Laser hair removal is a very versatile treatment for reducing hair. 

We can target many different areas of the body to remove hair, including: 

• Face

• Underarms

• Back 

• Bikini area

• Legs

• Arms

Over time, these areas can become smoother and hair-free. Combined with other skin care procedures, you can achieve your desired skincare aesthetics. 

Laser Hair Removal Treatment Procedure

Laser hair removal is a fairly simple procedure for most people. After your initial consultation, you will schedule your first session. 

Follow this advice to make your appointment as easy as possible. 

Before the Procedure

There are a few things you can do to prepare for a laser hair removal procedure to make the appointment go smoothly. 

Most importantly, avoid sun exposure, including tanning beds, and fake tanning creams/lotions/sprays for four to six weeks prior. Tanning causes extra melanin in your skin and can attract the laser, causing burns, blisters, irritation, or hyperpigmentation.

Additionally, before the procedure:

• Avoid plucking and waxing the area for four to six weeks, as the hair follicle needs to be present for the laser to work.

• Shave the area one to two days before the appointment to allow the laser to focus on the hair follicles.

• Remove all skincare products from the area, which can prevent the laser from reaching the root of the hair and make skin more sensitive.

• Wear comfortable, loose clothing so the technician can reach the treatment area easily.

• Cleanse your skin thoroughly before the appointment – can be combined with the no skincare line.

During the Procedure

Before starting, your specialist will clean the area and may apply a topical anesthetic to help with some of the pain. Laser hair removal can feel a bit like warm pinpricks or a rubber band snapping against the skin. You will be asked to wear protective goggles. 

The procedure is performed by a laser operator with a special laser tool. While holding the skin taut, the laser operator fires the laser at the area. The beam passes through the skin and damages the hair follicles.

Sessions for hair removal can last from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the hair thickness, the size of the area, and whether numbing is needed prior to starting. Larger areas will take longer.

After the Procedure

Immediately after treatment, there may be mild redness and swelling at the treatment site, which may last up to two hours or longer. 

The redness may last up to 2-3 days. The treated area may feel like a sunburn. 

Anywhere from five to 10 days after the treatment, shedding of the surface hair may occur, and this appears as new hair growth. This is not new hair growth; it is the shaft below the skin that is being expelled. It may take seven to 10 days for the shafts to be fully expelled.

Follow these aftercare instructions for the best results:

• Apply ice packs or gel packs (do not apply direct ice) for the first few hours after treatment (10 minutes at a time) to reduce any discomfort or swelling. If redness or swelling persists, ice packs can be continued.

• Makeup may be used immediately after the treatment unless there is blistering.

• Avoid sun exposure until the skin has returned to its normal baseline (no redness or swelling).

• Avoid picking or scratching the treated skin. 

• Do not use any other hair removal treatment products or services (waxing, electrolysis, or tweezing) that will disturb the hair follicle in the treatment area.

• Wash the treated area and pat dry for three days after treatment. Do not scrub.

• Start gently scrubbing the treated area on the fourth day (exfoliate).

There are no restrictions on bathing except to treat the skin gently, as if you had sunburn, for the first 24 hours. 

At the next visit, the patient needs to let the practitioner know how long the redness lasted after treatment and when significant hair growth was noticed in the area. This info will allow the practitioner to individualize treatments to achieve the desired results.

Sessions Needed for Laser Hair Removal

In general, the number of sessions needed for laser hair removal varies by individual. Some factors that affect this number include hair growth rate, hair color, thickness, the area, and skin tone. 

Most people will need two to six laser treatments (six is most common) to remove most of the hair and may require occasional touch-ups to remain hair-free. We schedule touchups every four to six weeks to allow for hair growth cycles.

After the first treatment, you should expect about a 10-25% reduction in hair. 

Laser Hair Removal FAQs

Can I get laser hair removal if I have tattoos?

Sorry, no. Laser hair removal is not recommended on tattooed areas, as the laser can react with tattoo ink and potentially cause skin damage like burns and blistering or alter the tattoo.

How does laser hair removal affect skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis?

People with active skin conditions should avoid laser hair removal in affected areas, as it may exacerbate symptoms. 

It's best to wait until the condition has cleared before treatment.

Does laser hair removal affect fertility?

Laser hair removal does not affect fertility. The laser only penetrates the skin's surface and does not reach reproductive organs.

Can I get laser hair removal if I'm taking certain medications?

Some medications, particularly those that increase photosensitivity, may interfere with laser hair removal. 

Always inform your technician about any medications you're taking.

Is it safe to get laser hair removal before or after surgery?

It's generally recommended that laser hair removal be avoided for several weeks before and after surgery to prevent potential complications and allow proper healing.

Can laser hair removal help with ingrown hairs?

Yes, laser hair removal can significantly reduce ingrown hairs by destroying the hair follicle, preventing future growth and associated ingrown hairs.

How does laser hair removal affect skin pigmentation over time?

While temporary changes in skin pigmentation can occur, long-term effects on skin color are rare when treatments are performed correctly by a skilled technician.

How does laser hair removal impact hormone-related hair growth?

While laser hair removal is effective, hormone-related hair growth (such as from PCOS) may require more frequent touch-ups or ongoing maintenance treatments. 

Consider a monthly membership for exclusive discounts on laser hair removal and many of our services! Once you open your membership or beauty bank account with a deposit of $199, use it toward ANY service or product we offer. 

This “beauty bank” style membership allows you to put your money towards any service or product, bank it for future use, or choose one of the services listed. 

And there’s no long-term contract!

Schedule Your Twin Cities Laser Hair Removal Consultation

At Advanced Practice Aesthetics, we help you achieve your beauty goals. With advanced laser hair removal treatment at our Hopkins clinic, our expert technicians can remove unwanted hair and achieve smoother skin. 

Let our experts help you feel comfortable and confident every day! Book your laser hair removal consultation today or give us a call at 612-895-5895.