With the arrival of warmer weather, shorts and bathing suits relocate from winter storage to daily rotation in our summer wardrobes. But with the pleasant onset of sunny days comes one small problem-how to keep our skin looking warm weather-ready. Sure shaving is an option, but who wants to shave every day in hopes of keeping their skin soft and smooth? Fortunately, there is no need to risk shaving cuts, razor burn, and (seemingly) never-ending stubble. At Upkeep Med Spa, we can help you keep your skin smooth, shiny, and summer ready all year long!

Laser Hair Removal Explained

Laser hair removal procedures remove unwanted hair from various areas of the body. Laser hair removal is non-invasive and considered safe for most people. A key benefit to laser hair removal is that the procedure can be done on virtually any body area. The most common body areas where laser hair removal is performed include the back, legs, underarms, face, and bikini areas (or anybody area that grows public hair).

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Laser hair removal treatments remove unwanted and unsightly body hair from virtually any body area, but how? The tool used during a laser hair removal procedure uses a technology called selective photothermolysis. This process generates heat which is transferred through a laser to destroy cells in the treatment area that have a lot of color (pigment). Because body hair generally has a lot of pigment, it absorbs the most heat from the laser. The hair transfers the heat down the shaft of the hair to the hair follicle, destroying it so hair cannot continue to grow or regrow from that particular follicle.

It is important to mention that hair follicles function or "grow hair" in different stages. Not every hair follicle in the body is on the same schedule of growth stage. This is why hair grows at different speeds in different body areas. The hair follicle must be in its anagen (growth) stage for laser hair removal to be effective. Because of this, most people need a few laser treatments in the same treatment areas to achieve optimal results.

Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?

For most people, laser hair removal causes minimal discomfort. Many compare the process to the snapping of a rubber band. Of course, the severity of discomfort depends significantly on your individual pain threshold. Compared to other hair removal procedures such as waxing, many patients indicate laser hair removal is far less unpleasant, especially in highly sensitive body areas.

Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?

Laser hair removal produces long-lasting results. However, they are not permanent. Most people see a 15-30% reduction in hair growth after each consecutive treatment, but the hair will eventually return. In most cases, when hair does regrow, it is thinner and lighter (in pigment) than before laser treatments. In general, most patients require between six and eight sessions at Upkeep Med Spa to remove all unwanted hair from the treatment area.

We suggest spacing your treatments at least six weeks apart to ensure your hair follicle is in the appropriate cycle during your session. The precise number of sessions you may need will vary based on the factors unique to the hair in the treatment area. A member of our experienced, compassionate team at Upkeep Med Spa can help you learn more about your specific treatment needs.

If you would like to learn more about laser hair removal or any of the other services we offer at Upkeep Med Spa, contact us today for more information or to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you achieve your skincare goals.