Summertime is here, and along with it comes the constant burden of shaving and waxing. Having to get rid of unwanted body hair almost daily during swimsuit season eats up your limited time and hard-earned money. Unfortunately, with either of these methods, it grows right back, leaving you to repeat the process over and over in an endlessly expensive and time-consuming cycle. You can break the cycle with laser hair removal, a long-lasting solution that keeps your skin smooth all year long.
Pain-Free Laser Hair Removal in Norfolk, Virginia
Laser hair removal is a near-permanent solution for unwanted hair that can be used nearly anywhere on the body: upper lip, face, underarms, back, arms, or legs. Using light energy wavelengths to damage hair follicles, each treatment results in significant hair reduction in the treatment area. Eventually, hair stops growing altogether, and you are able to transition to annual maintenance treatments to maintain your results. Nearly all patients are eligible for laser hair removal at Dermacare of Hampton Roads, which is not the case at every practice. Because of our advanced Sciton BareHR laser, we have been able to accept patients who have been turned away elsewhere because of their skin tone or hair color.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal prevents future hair growth by damaging the follicles that produce hair. The pigment in each strand of hair absorbs pulses of highly concentrated light, disabling the follicle and impeding hair growth. At any given time, each hair is in one of three stages: anagen (growing stage), telogen (resting stage), or catagen (transition stage). Only hairs in the anagen or growing stage are susceptible to laser energy, so each treatment targets a percentage of hairs in the treatment area. For this reason, you will need multiple treatment sessions in order to ensure all hairs have received laser treatment during the anagen or growing stage. Laser hair removal slows and eventually stops the growth of hair in the treatment area. Initially, you will notice it takes weeks or months before hair grows back, and with an adequate number of sessions, you can stop worrying about unwanted hair.
Who is a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?
Many dermatologists or medical spas will tell you that candidates with light skin and dark hair are the best candidates for treatment. In fact, many clinics can only treat candidates who fit that profile due to the limitations of their laser. However, at Dermacare of Hampton Roads, our advanced Sciton BareHR laser is suitable for all hair colors and skin types; even patients with darker skin and dark hair are candidates for treatment. The best way to find out if you are eligible for hair removal is to schedule a consultation appointment. Certain contraindications may mean that laser hair removal isn’t the right treatment for you or may require you to make adjustments prior to receiving treatment. While you’ll learn more at your consultation appointment, contraindications include:
- taking photosensitizing medications like naproxen, tetracycline, oral contraceptives, and more
- taking anticoagulants like heparin, acetylsalicylic acid, and others
- taking retinoid medications like isotretinoin
- having a recent exfoliating treatment like a chemical peel or recent surgery in the treatment area
- active infection in the treatment area
Many patients who fit into one of the categories above can still have laser hair removal treatment but may need to work with their healthcare provider to develop a plan.
When is the Best Time for Laser Hair Removal in Norfolk, VA?
Because we use an advanced, “inclusive” laser, you can seek laser hair removal any time during the year. We can treat any patient, regardless of skin tone or hair color, in five treatments or less at Dermacare of Hampton Roads, and those treatments are typically administered about six weeks apart. That means lasting hair removal takes 7-8 months total. For this reason, many patients choose to start their treatments in the fall or early winter so they are hair-free by the time summer comes around. Some of our patients are inspired to begin laser hair removal treatment because they have a big event coming up, like a wedding or a big trip. We recommend starting laser hair removal treatments about eight months before the special event in cases like these, but even patients who have not completed their treatment plan benefit from less (and less noticeable) hair growth.
What are the Benefits of Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal provides many benefits aside from reduced or eliminated hair growth on your upper lip, underarms, legs, back, and bikini line.
Helps Get Rid of Ingrown Hairs
Less hair means less risk of ingrown hairs! Ingrown hairs can be painful and unsightly, and in severe cases, they can become infected and require medical intervention. Additionally, many ingrown hairs leave a permanent scar in their wake. One simple way to get rid of ingrown hairs is to stop hair growth in the areas they develop most often.
It Leaves Your Skin Softer
Shaving leaves you with razor burn and ‘prickles’ as hair begins growing back – often as soon as the day you shaved! Laser hair removal leaves you with smooth skin and none of the problems associated with shaving.
No Painful Side Effects
While electrolysis, waxing, and plucking are painful, laser hair removal with the Sciton BareHR laser is pain-free. Our patients report that there is no ‘rubber band snap’ or ‘bee sting’ as they have experienced with other lasers — we don’t even have to apply a topical anesthetic before we get started!
Lasting Results
The single most exciting benefit of laser hair removal is that every time you go in for a non-invasive treatment – whether for facial hair or body hair – you are one step closer to permanent hair removal. That means no more waxing, plucking, or shaving at home or at the salon. It means grabbing your towel and taking off with a moment’s notice when summer calls!
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?
When administered by a professional in a professional setting, laser hair removal is completely safe. As with all medical treatment, there is a small risk of unwanted side effects like blistering, hypopigmentation, or hyperpigmentation. At Dermacare of Hampton Roads in Norfolk, VA, team members are trained to avoid unwanted side effects by screening patients thoroughly prior to treatment, operating the laser as designed, and providing clear pre- and post-treatment guidance to patients. During your consultation appointment, you will learn more about potential side effects and your risk of experiencing them.
What is the Cost of Laser Hair Removal in Norfolk, Virginia?
Cost varies from one patient to the next and depends on the size of the treatment area (large areas are typically more costly to treat than small areas) and other factors. During your consultation appointment, you will find out how many treatments you’ll need and the cost so you can make an informed decision.
Thinking of Getting Rid of Unwanted Hair? The Professionals at Dermacare are Here to Serve You.
To book your appointment, call our experienced skin care professionals at 757-547-7546 or complete our online appointment form! We also specialize in injectables, fillers, IPL, non-surgical rejuvenation, and dermatology. Call today to get your skin prepped for summer!
