Laser Hair Removal Questions and Answers

Tired of that pesky hair that keeps growing back? A series of laser hair removal treatments at Rêvée can dramatically reduce unwanted hair from the arms, legs, armpits, bikini area, back, and much more. For more details, please call us or request an appointment online.

What is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is a method of permanently reducing the amount of hair growth that can occur in an area of the body. This protocol involves in-office treatments that begin to work immediately by slightly disabling hair follicles through the use of specific wavelengths of light. Each treatment emits pulses of light that permeate the epidermis and localize in the hair follicles. Here, the hair that is in follicles is vaporized. The heat from vaporization gets absorbed into the follicle walls, disrupting hair growth.

Laser hair removal at Rêvée

In the video below, our esthetician walks you through the laser hair removal process using the Sciton Laser. This patient is on her third treatment and will be getting a total of six sessions. For any questions, patients can speak with Dr. Lonny Green.

*Rêvée patients’ testimonials and photos used with permission. Individual results may vary*

Areas treated with laser hair removal

Laser hair removal can be conducted on just about any part of the body. Common treatment areas include:

• Legs
• Arms
• Upper lip
• Beard area
• Brows
• Bikini area
• Back
• Chest
• Shoulders
• Underarms

Advantages of laser hair removal

Laser hair removal is a process that requires you to undergo treatment about every 8 weeks for a series of six or more sessions. One of the advantages of this process is that you may be able to stop your current method of hair removal right away. Hair growth begins to diminish immediately. Once your series of treatments is complete, you should rarely have to shave or otherwise remove minor hair growth that may recur in the future. Laser hair removal is safe, convenient, and repeatable as needed to address small areas of regrowth. Laser hair removal can also provide patients with:

• Reduction in hair growth
• Lightened hair color
• Smoother skin

Who is a candidate for laser hair removal?

Many people are good candidates for laser hair removal thanks to the evolution of laser technology. Most devices are still more effective on people with darker hair and lighter skin. However, it may still be possible to get the results you desire if you have lighter hair or slightly darker skin with the right number of treatments. Because pigment is the focal point of laser hair removal, treatment does not work on grey or very light hair. Also, because pigment is the focal point, laser treatment may not be suitable for skin that is tattooed.

What to expect during laser hair removal treatment

It is recommended that you shave the night before your laser hair removal treatment. Removing hair down to the skin level decreases the length through which laser must travel. The shorter length of hair decreases heat and can improve the comfort of treatment.

After applying protective eyewear, the laser handpiece is directed over the treatment area in slow passes. As laser permeates hair follicles, a prickly sensation may be felt. The skin or superficial tissue may also feel warm or hot as treatment continues. After treatment is complete, you may be given ice packs or a topical cooling cream to apply. You may also apply ice for a few minutes anytime after treatment that a sunburned feeling occurs.

What to expect after laser hair removal

Laser hair removal has a few known side effects that can be easily managed. After your treatment, you may experience:

• Temporary stinging and redness. This should be nearly gone after 24 hours.
• Shedding. At some point after your first treatment, hair may shed from treated follicles. This can be managed with gentle exfoliation such as a loofa before or during a shower.
• Regrowth. Until the cycle of treatment has been completed, hair follicles will continue to produce. New hairs may be noticed weeks after the most recent treatment.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments needed can vary based on complexion, the contrast between hair and skin, and characteristics such as hair density. Some areas may respond to as few as three treatments. In some cases, as many as 12 treatments may be needed. We will estimate how many treatments you may need during your consultation.

Is laser hair removal permanent?

Laser hair removal can achieve permanent results. However, we refer to this more as reduction than removal. Some patients experience regrowth in a few follicles years after their initial round of treatment. Typically, regrowth is not as thick or dense as the hair was before laser treatment. If needed, a repeat session can be scheduled to disable follicles that have become active.

How many laser hair removal treatments will I need?

For your best results for laser hair removal in Richmond, VA, we recommend a series of treatments at least a month apart. Multiple treatments are often necessary because hair growth is cyclical, which means hair follicles are not consistently active. Since laser hair removal only works on active follicles, it can take numerous treatments to effectively disable all targeted hairs.

Our highly trained laser hair removal technician will work with you to formulate an optimal laser hair removal plan to meet your goals.

Schedule a consultation

To schedule your free laser hair removal consultation, call today! Rêvée serves Richmond, VA and surrounding areas in Virginia.