Laser hair removal is often portrayed to be a “permanent” hair removal solution. But in reality, the “permanent” comes with a lot of variables that can usually only be found in the fine print.
So, exactly how permanent is laser hair removal? Well, it depends on what you are expecting to get out of the procedure. Suppose you are looking for a one-and-done procedure that will keep you from ever having to buy a razor or have another removal session ever again. In that case, you probably won’t consider laser hair removal to be that permanent.
But if you are looking for an alternative to shaving or waxing that can provide results that last much longer with proper maintenance, then you might be more inclined to accept laser hair removal as a permanent procedure.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
With a medical-grade tool that concentrates robust levels of laser energy into your skin, the hair follicles in the treated areas are damaged. The keyword here is damaged — not destroyed.
Damaged follicles produce thinner hair at a slower rate. This means that a single treatment can provide you with finer hair that you have to manage less often, but it does not entirely eliminate the hair.
But after a few laser treatments, it is possible to eliminate between 80 and 90% of unwanted hair in a treated area for an extended period. We try to let our patients know that while total hair removal is the goal, laser hair treatment does have some limitations in what it can achieve.
But the reason that so many people continue to have the treatment is that when you have reached around 80 or 90% elimination, the results cause the remaining hair to be virtually invisible to the naked eye.
How Many Treatments Does Laser Hair Removal Require?
The details of your treatment will depend primarily on your unique conditions and how much correction you would like made. As a general guideline, however, most patients need between four and six treatments to maximize the improvements made to visible hair.
The American Academy of Dermatology estimated that the first procedure will reduce visible hair by 10 to 25% and the rate of hair reduction will improve every treatment thereafter at a variable rate.
During your consultation with Aesthetic Envy in Sacramento, one of our medical professionals will be able to give you a very detailed idea of what your unique laser hair treatment will require. Just like every patient we see is different, every procedure we perform is tailored specifically to your needs.
Why Do I Need Maintenance Treatments?
Unfortunately, many patients who are told that laser hair removal is a “permanent” solution are often disappointed to find out that they will need regular maintenance treatments to maintain their results. The reason comes down to our biology; our hair follicles will eventually regenerate themselves through the natural healing process.
But while this might feel misleading at first, the idea is that after you have completed your initial laser hair removal treatments, you will likely no longer need to worry about regular maintenance like shaving or waxing. You will be permanently freed from those obligations in a successful treatment.
The maintenance that is needed to keep up ideal laser hair removal results is much less frequent and time-consuming than a regular shaving or waxing routine.
Ready to Start Laser Hair Removal Treatment?
If you are ready to take the leap and begin your laser hair removal process, give our office a call at
916-333-4906. We are looking forward to being a partner that makes you feel comfortable through this process.
If you prefer to get a call back from one of our team members at a more convenient time, you can also fill out our
online contact form. Once we receive it, we will make sure to get back to you as soon as possible!
