They say summer bodies are made in winter—and so is summer skin. To have your skin soft, smooth, and bathing-suit-ready this summer, you’ll want to get started with laser hair removal now. Our medical spa near Tampa, FL, performs this noninvasive procedure for men and women who want to reduce hair almost anywhere on the body.
If you’re interested in laser hair removal, read on. We’ll explain what laser hair removal is, how it works, and why winter is the right time to get started.
What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a nonsurgical treatment to remove unwanted hair from the body. Laser hair removal can use either heat or light energy to target and destroy the hair follicles (where the hair grows). This causes the hair to fall out and helps prevent it from growing back.
At Radiance Medspa, we use the Palomar IPL StarLux system – the best hair removal system available for all skin tones. The StarLux machine uses intense pulsed light to target hair follicles while they are in the growth phase. The light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicles and the heat causes the hair to fall out.
What is the treatment like?
The procedure is noninvasive and most people find it very tolerable. In fact, most of our patients report little or no discomfort and say that the treatment feels like a snapping sensation on the skin that lasts for less than 2 seconds. Your first appointment may take an hour or more depending on the size of the area being treated. After treatment, your skin may be slightly sore and red, similar to a sunburn.
Why is now the best time to start laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal usually requires a series of treatments for best results. That’s because only the hair that currently exists or is growing is targeted. Hair that has not entered the growth phase may not be affected, and will likely surface later. By getting started early, you’ll have a few treatments under your belt before summer comes, which gives you plenty of time for your results to fully appear.
Which areas can be treated with laser hair removal?
Our laser hair removal system can target unwanted hair almost anywhere on the body. This includes areas such as the:
- Legs
- Arms and underarms
- Back
- Chest
- Bikini area
- Face
Laser hair removal works best on darker hair and may not be effective for blonde, white, or gray hair. However, we have treated individuals of all skin tones and hair colors, so the best way to find out if you are a candidate is to schedule a consultation.
How often does the treatment need to be performed?
Laser hair removal should be performed every 4 to 6 weeks for facial hair, and every 6 to 8 weeks for hair on the body. The number of treatments you will need depends on your hair color, skin tone, and hair type (fine, thick, or coarse). Your treatment schedule will be discussed with you during your consultation.
Is there anything I should know before my treatment?
It’s important to avoid tanning, waxing, and tweezing 4 to 6 weeks before your appointment. Shaving is permitted, and you can shave 1 to 2 days before your laser hair removal treatment.