There are several questions that people ask when it comes to permanent hair removal done through the use of lasers. Listed below are answers to the most common questions.
Does it Hurt?
Because the laser energy is absorbed in the hair follicle producing heat, there is a little sensation when performing laser hair removal. Certain areas of the body hurt more than others during laser hair removal. In addition, patients with very thick, dark hair may experience more discomfort than those with thin hair. This is because the thicker, darker hair will soak up more of the laser light during any given treatment. Normally, the hair becomes thinner and less solid after each succeeding treatment. Therefore, the most pain is usually experienced during the first treatment.
Can it Leave Scars?
Any laser procedure can cause scarring. This risk is noted on most consent forms you will sign prior to laser treatment. However, the risk of scarring from laser hair removal is rather small and is a result of many things including:
- The experience, skill, knowledge and training of the laser operator
- Your particular ability to heal
- The amount of melanin pigment in your skin with greater risk for darker skin types
- Type of laser used
What are the costs?
While laser hair removal can be costly, many patients realize that the treatment’s lasting effects and reduced hair growth more than worth the cost. The cost of a laser hair removal treatment varies depending on the area being treated, the physician performing the treatment, the number of treatments in a package, and other considerations.
Here are some average costs:
California $407
Texas $638
Florida $597
New York $499
Michigan $300
Does the Hair Grow Back?
Laser hair removal is accomplished in a series of sessions generally completed monthly or every other month. The average number of sessions to achieve over eighty percent permanent hair reduction in 80-90 percent of good candidates is approximately six sessions.
In between these monthly sessions some of the hair will have grown due to the hair’s natural cycle. Hairs that may have been dormant during your previous laser hair removal session may now be in the growth phase. This is where the need for multiple treatment sessions arises. Multiple sessions ensures that all the hairs are subjected to the treatment. These hairs may be shaved by the patient between sessions if desired.