How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last?
Laser hair removal uses light-based energy to treat hair follicles under the skin, reducing hair growth in treated areas.
Does Laser Hair Removal Last Forever?
If laser hair removal destroys the hair follicle, it won’t grow back. However, some follicles are usually damaged rather than destroyed, so these hairs will eventually return.
How fast your hair grows back depends on its unique growth cycle. Some hair will usually regrow in a few months, but it’s often lighter than before, so it’s less noticeable.
How Permanent is Laser Hair Removal?
In most cases, laser hair removal isn’t permanent since some hair will grow back over time. It should look less noticeable and you can schedule follow-up sessions for the best results.
How Many Times Do You Need Laser Hair Removal?
For most people, between four and six laser hair removal treatments scheduled about six weeks apart will yield the best results. You may also need an additional session once or twice a year for touch-ups.
How Long After Laser Hair Removal Will I See Results?
You can see results fairly soon after your treatment as your hair starts to fall out in the following weeks.
What Should You Not Do Before Laser Hair Removal?
You should avoid sun exposure for about six weeks before laser hair removal since it shouldn’t be performed on tanned skin. You should also skip other hair removal methods such as plucking or waxing for at least a month before your laser hair removal. Shaving is recommended the day before your treatment since this will remove the hair above the skin but leave the hair shaft intact.
Are There Any Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal may cause the following side effects in some cases:
Skin Irritation
You may have some discomfort, redness, or swelling, which usually goes away within a few hours.
Skin Lightening or Darkening
This is usually temporary, and it’s more likely to happen if your skin is exposed to the sun before or after treatment.
In rare cases, laser hair removal can cause your skin’s texture to change.
Is IPL Hair Removal Permanent?
IPL, which stands for Intense Pulsed Light, is a slightly different type of hair removal treatment. It uses broad-spectrum, visible light to target the pigment in hairs and can often treat larger areas more quickly than laser hair removal can. This type of hair removal, like laser hair removal, isn’t permanent.
Can Laser Hair Removal Damage Nerves?
Laser hair removal is unlikely to cause any long-term negative effects. Most lasers used for cosmetic purposes don’t penetrate deeply enough to cause nerve damage.
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe During Breastfeeding?
Since numbing agents are often used with laser skin treatments, it’s best to postpone them until after you’ve stopped breastfeeding. In addition, since skin changes can still occur during this time, waiting is recommended.
Is Laser Treatment Safe?
Laser hair treatment is generally safe if it’s performed by a licensed professional, with few side effects that are usually mild. Receiving treatment in a dermatologist’s office is recommended for the highest level of safety.
To learn more about laser hair removal, make an appointment today with Dermatology Consultants of Short Hills, NJ. Our board-certified, expert dermatologists offer state-of-the-art laser hair removal as well as other skin treatments.
