Are you sick and tired of razor burn and razor bumps? Do you hate having to remember to buy shaving cream or driving on your lunch break to get your skin waxed? If so, laser hair removal Okc may be right for you. Today, our aesthetic experts at RefineU MedSpa in Oklahoma City, OK are answering some of the most frequently asked questions about this treatment, including how many sessions are usually required. Read on to learn more.
How Many Sessions of Laser Hair Removal OKC Do You Need?
Your desired outcome, the areas being treated, and the texture of your unwanted hair are just a few factors affecting how many laser therapy sessions you will need to achieve your desired results. Typically, six to eight sessions spaced a month or two apart are required for complete satisfaction.
Sessions are spaced several weeks apart because only the hair follicles in the anagen (active growth) phase of the hair growth cycle can be targeted by the laser. These hair follicles are destroyed during your treatment and will never grow hair again. However, you should expect to see hair growth after your treatment as hair follicles in the treated area that were dormant during treatment become active.
Other Frequently Asked Questions Answered
What Are the Phases of the Hair Growth Cycle?
The hair growth cycle can be broken up into three main phases, the anagen phase, the catagen phase, and the telogen phase. When the hair follicles are in the anagen phase, the shaft of the hair grows, resulting in unwanted hairs depending on the region of the body. This phase usually lasts for three to five years, but it can last for up to seven years depending on the region of the body.
After the anagen phase, the hair follicles enter the catagen, or transitional, phase of the hair growth cycle. This phase typically lasts around 10 days, and hair growth stops and the hair follicles shrink during this phase. Following the catagen phase, the hair follicles enter the telogen phase; the resting phase. During this phase of the hair growth cycle the hair follicles are inactive. This phase usually lasts for a few months.
What Preparation Steps Are Required Before Treatment?
The first thing you need to do to prepare for laser hair removal Okc is to attend a consultation with a qualified dermatologist. During this consultation, we will give you a comprehensive list of rules to follow. Among the most important preparation steps you’ll need to follow is to limit sun exposure and avoid tanning beds for at least four to six weeks before your laser therapy session.
It is also crucial that you do not use any hair removal methods in the targeted areas that will remove the hair from the root. Waxing, plucking, or using depilatory creams in the treatment areas can make the treatment less effective. Moreover, you should stay hydrated and keep your skin moisturized before your treatment session. Furthermore, you should stop taking or using any medication or cosmetic product that causes photosensitivity.
How Long Will My Treatment Sessions Take?
How long your laser therapy session will take depends on several factors, including the size of the treatment areas being targeted and the number of areas being targeted. If you are targeting a small area, like your upper lip, chin, underarms, or bikini line, your session may take around 10 to 30 minutes to complete.
If you are targeting a larger area for treatment, like your lower legs, upper legs, or forearms, your appointment may be anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes long. Treating several large areas, like the chest, back, or lower and upper legs, may require a couple of hours. During your initial consultation, we will evaluate your areas of concern and advise you on how long you should expect your appointment to take.
What Should I Expect During My Treatment Session?
Before your treatment begins, you will be given eye protection to wear to ensure that the laser light does not irritate your retinas. Then, depending on the length of the unwanted hairs in the treatment area, we may need to trim your hairs. After that, we will apply a cooling gel to the targeted area. This helps to ensure that your skin will remain comfortable and safe during your session.
Once your skin has been prepared for the treatment, we will guide the FDA-approved handheld laser device over the treatment area. This device emits highly concentrated light energy that targets the hair follicles that are in the anagen stage of the hair growth cycle. The hair follicles absorb the energy, heating up until they burn to death.
What Aftercare Guidelines Will I Need To Follow After My Treatment?
Once your treatment is complete, it is crucial that you protect the treated areas from direct sun exposure for at least four to six weeks. When sun exposure is unavoidable, you must use a high-SPF sunscreen to protect the treated areas. Additionally, you should strongly consider wearing a brimmed hat or protective clothing to further protect yourself.
Additionally, it is extremely important that you keep the treatment areas clean. Just ensure that the facial cleanser or body wash you use only contains gentle ingredients, and wash with tepid water. Also, keep in mind that you should not scrub the treated areas vigorously. Another important aftercare guideline to follow is to not use any irritating skincare products. For instance, you should not use any products containing:
- Perfume
- Alcohol
- AHAs
- BHAs
- Retinoids
How Soon Will I Be Able To See My Desired Results?
It should only take between three and five days for all of your treated hairs to be shed. Until your treated hairs have fallen out, it is important to be patient and treat your skin with care. In addition to not using any harsh products, it is extremely important that you do not scratch or pick at the treated areas. Scratching will not increase the rate at which your treated hairs fall out.
Am I a Good Candidate for This Treatment?
One of the most exciting benefits of laser hair removal Okc is that it is safe for almost every fairly healthy adult. However, it should be noted that to be considered an ideal candidate for this treatment, there should be a significant amount of contrast between your hair and skin color. Furthermore, this treatment is most effective for individuals with coarse hair.
What Are Some Other Benefits of This Treatment?
Another incredible benefit of this treatment is that it is extremely safe. In the past, laser therapy could not be performed on people with dark skin. With the highly advanced laser that we use, there is no risk of bleaching or other skin discoloration regardless of the skin tone of the individual being treated. Another incredible advantage of laser hair removal is that it prevents complications that can arise from using other hair removal methods.
Moreover, this type of hair removal method will save you a lot of time and money over time. It may be six months or longer before you achieve the hair loss that you are looking for in your areas of concern. However, barring the development of a medical condition or the use of certain drugs, like anabolic steroids, you should not expect to see unwanted hair growth in the treated areas once your course of treatment is complete.
What Contraindications Are There for This Treatment?
Two of the most common contraindications for this treatment are pregnancy and active skin infections, including fungal and bacterial infections. Additionally, you will not be able to receive this treatment if there is an open wound, like a cut from shaving, in the treatment area.
Furthermore, we will not be able to perform this treatment if you fail to stop taking photosensitizing medications prior to your appointment. Additionally, if you have an autoimmune disorder or a history of keloid scarring, this treatment may not be ideal for you.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today
Generally, you can expect to need between six and eight treatment sessions spaced roughly a month or two apart to achieve your desired results. However, you should keep in mind that several factors, including your goals and targeted areas, affect how many sessions will be required. If you’re interested in learning more, call us today at 406-369-8840 or get in touch via our website to schedule a free consultation with us at RefineU MedSpa in Oklahoma City, OK.
