Laser Hair Removal

Keeping up with unwanted hair can seem like an endless battle. Despite flashy new razors and expensive salons, it always finds its way back to you eventually. If you’re tired of waxing or shaving, take your skin care into the 21st century with laser hair removal at Aesthetic Envy in Sacramento, California. Utilizing state-of-the-art Astanza ReSmooth and Viora IPL laser technology Aesthetic Envy is raising the bar in laser hair removal to provide the smooth, long-lasting results you deserve.

If you are interested in learning more about laser hair removal at Aesthetic Envy, please contact us at 916-333-4906 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation.

What is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is an effective solution for eliminating unwanted hair in both men and women without the hassle of shaving, waxing or plucking. These old-fashioned methods of hair removal demand too much of our time and attention, often needing daily upkeep to prevent hair from growing back. In the process, side effects like razor bumps, irritated skin and ingrown hairs may occur. Aesthetic Envy in Sacramento, California, offers a better way to remove unwanted hair, using advanced Astanza ReSmooth diode lasers and Viora IPL technology to help you achieve the smooth skin you’ve always wanted. A semi-permanent treatment that provides long-lasting results, laser hair removal targets follicles deep beneath the skin’s surface to stop hair growth in its tracks, no shaving or waxing required.

Advantages of laser hair removal include:

Effective for both men and women
80 to 90 percent permanent hair reduction
Longest lasting results of any hair removal method
Eliminates the need to wax, shave or pluck unwanted hair

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Laser hair removal is a noninvasive treatment that works by targeting hair follicles with pulses of concentrated diode or IPL laser technology to disrupt and inhibit the hair growth process. The energy emitted safely travels through the skin and is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) within the hair follicle, effectively destroying targeted hairs while drastically reducing the amount of future growth. Hair grows in different stages, so most patients need four to six treatments to achieve permanent hair reduction, with hair coming back finer and thinner each time. Compared to other treatments, laser hair removal can cover a large area in a single session, helping to cut down on office visits and reduce the long-term cost of hair removal.

Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?

Laser hair removal is a safe and effective treatment for men and women of all skin tones and types. The treatment is generally tolerable but will make your skin red and tender for a couple of days afterward, creating a sensation similar to a sunburn. However, it is not painful. Other minor side effects include crusting, skin discoloration and infection, while more serious side effects include burning, blistering and scarring. When performed under the guidance of an expert, your chance for side effects is lowered significantly.

Laser hair removal should not be performed on women when they are pregnant . However, increased hair growth that is the result of pregnancy will likely fall out naturally.

Laser hair removal can not be performed on parts of the body where tattoos are present. If the treatment is performed where a tattoo is present, it can potentially lead to blisters or burns. The treatment could also potentially distort a tattoo. However, if you are considering getting a tattoo and wish for your hair to be removed, it’s best to have laser hair removal performed on that part of your body before receiving a tattoo.

Understanding the Phases of Hair Growth

Your laser hair removal treatment will require several sessions to achieve complete removal. Your hair undergoes three phases of growth, and it is during the active phase of hair growth when laser hair removal is successful. Your hair follicles all across your body are at different stages of growth throughout the year, making it difficult to remove hair consistently from one part of your body in a single session. The three phases of hair growth are:

Anagen Phase

The anagen phase is a period of significant growth that ultimately determines your hair’s length. Your hair’s follicle receives nourishment from your blood, which encourages growth. The anagen phase lasts for approximately two to six years. It is during this phase that laser hair removal will be successful.

Catagen Phase

The catagen phase is a transitional phase where the lower part of your hair stops growing. The phase lasts approximately two to three weeks. This phase is not ideal for laser hair removal because your hair is no longer attached to your follicle’s root, so it isn’t receiving any blood for nourishment. Your hair will remain on your skin during this phase until it sheds.

Telogen Phase

This final phase is when your hair naturally sheds from your skin. This phase is also known as the resting phase because after your hair sheds from your skin. Your follicle remains dormant for a period of two to three months.

After the telogen phase, your hair returns to the anagen phase, beginning the cycle again. How long these phases last is dependent on several factors. Your hair and skin color, the thickness of your hair, age and metabolism, all influence how long these phases last. It is best to have at least four to six laser hair removal sessions spaced four to six weeks apart to achieve optimal results. This number of sessions and length of time between sessions will ensure each hair follicle is successfully inhibited.

Where On the Body Can Laser Hair Removal Be Performed?

Laser hair removal can be safely performed virtually anywhere on your body. The treatment is commonly utilized to treat unwanted hairs on the legs, face, arms, underarms and back. The treatment can also be safely performed on more sensitive parts of the body, including the chest, areola and groin. The only exception where laser hair removal can not be performed is the eyelids, and the thin skin surrounds the eyelids. Most areas will typically take approximately four to six sessions to achieve complete hair removal.

Other common areas where laser hair removal is performed include:

Chin
Shoulders
Upper lip
Abdomen
Happy Trail
Face
Neck

The treatment is also an exceptional way to rid your body of in-grown hairs. Laser hair removal can effectively prevent in-grown hairs from forming for those that suffer from them. The damage to your hair follicle will prevent the poorly grown hairs from forming again.

Am I a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal was previously limited to patients with darker hair and lighter skin, but the advanced Astanza ReSmooth and Viora lasers at Aesthetic Envy are newer technologies that are safe and effective for all skin types and hair colors. This versatile treatment can also be used almost anywhere on the body, including sensitive areas, making it ideal for both men and women who want to eliminate unwanted hair for good.

Are tired of constantly shaving or waxing
Desire more permanent hair reduction results
Can commit to at least four to six treatments
Want to save money in the long run

What to Expect From Your Hair Removal Treatment

Your laser hair removal will begin with a consultation, where you’ll be able to discuss the areas with unwanted hair that you’d like to have treated. Your aesthetic practitioner will then review your medical history, examine the areas of concern and explain how you should prepare for your procedure. You’ll be asked to shave treatment areas a few days before your appointment, but as it gets closer to the day of your procedure, you should refrain from shaving, waxing or using hair removal products such as creams and lotions.

When you arrive for your appointment, treatment areas will be cleansed and a local anesthetic will be applied if needed to ensure your comfort. Then, both you and your provider will wear protective eyewear as the laser emits bright flashes of light that are delivered into targeted hair follicles. Each pulse of energy lasts for a few seconds and can treat multiple hairs, making the procedure quick and easy, depending on the size and scope of your treatment areas. You may experience some warmth and discomfort as the laser eliminates unwanted hair, but the procedure is usually well-tolerated and most patients describe the sensation as feeling prickly or like a rubber band snapping on the skin. A spray, gel or cooling laser tip may be used throughout your treatment to further improve your comfort.

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What Should I Expect After Laser Hair Removal?

After your treatment, you may have some redness, swelling or skin irritation, but these effects are temporary and will quickly subside. Your practitioner may recommend that you apply ice to treated areas to reduce any discomfort or apply a steroid cream to help with inflammation. You’ll also be sent home with aftercare instructions and advised to stay out of the sun, as your skin will be more susceptible to harmful UV rays in the weeks following your treatment. During this time, you should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to prevent any damage from occurring. Other than these considerations, you’ll be able to resume all normal activities with no downtime after your laser hair removal.

Your Laser Hair Removal Results

You may notice an immediate reduction in hair after your first treatment, but most treated hairs will begin to fall out over the next few days or weeks. New growth will be much thinner and sparser than before, with subsequent treatments further increasing your results. Hair growth occurs in stages and about 20 percent of follicles are susceptible to the laser during each session, so multiple treatments are needed for optimal hair reduction. Eventually, new growth will disappear and you’ll be able to enjoy a permanent 80 to 90 percent elimination of unwanted hair. Most patients need a minimum of six treatments spaced four to six weeks apart to achieve their ideal outcome, but this will vary depending on a variety of factors. To ensure that you reach your goals, your provider will develop a customized treatment plan based on your specific needs, desired results and areas of concern.

Laser Hair Removal Performed By a Professional

It is possible to perform laser hair removal with an at-home device. However, these devices don’t undergo the same level of FDA scrutiny and testing that ensures they are safe and effective. At most, at-home laser hair removal devices can achieve moderate hair reduction but won’t guarantee long-term results. Because of this, at-home laser hair removal treatments are considered cosmetic treatments, as opposed to the medical designation that laser hair removal treatments are performed under the guidance of a professional.

At-home laser hair removal devices are also much smaller than commercial devices, meaning they do not have the potential to cover large areas of the body, and treatment will take longer. While at-home laser hair removal devices can achieve moderate hair reduction, they are generally not recommended by professionals. The devices can not accomplish the same results under professional guidance and potentially pose health risks because of their lack of FDA-approvals.

If you are frustrated with your hair, have it removed with a commercial device under a professional’s guidance. By doing so, you can achieve long-lasting results and avoid the risk of serious side effects. The aesthetics team at Aesthetic Envy are well-equipped with the knowledge and technology that will ensure your treatment is a success, making your skin visibly smooth – without the undesirable hairs.

The Aesthetic Envy Treatment Advantage

The laser hair removal experts at Aesthetic Envy are Sacramento’s premier choice for permanent hair reduction. By combining the latest aesthetic technology with a high standard of patient care, the Aesthetic Envy team goes above and beyond to provide the best possible treatment every time. That’s why Aesthetic Envy uses the Viora IPL and Astanza ReSmooth lasers, industry-leading technologies that provide unmatched comfort, versatility and efficacy. The Astanza ReSmooth boasts larger treatment heads, an integrated cooling system and the ability to treat all skin types and hair colors, while the Viora IPL with PCR technology offers highly flexible treatments to ensure that your laser hair removal at Aesthetic Envy will be unlike any other.

If you’d like to say goodbye to your unwanted hair for good, contact or call Aesthetic Envy today at 916-461-5463 to schedule a consultation.