This post is sponsored by Albuquerque Vein and Laser Institute. At ABQ Mom, we strive to partner with businesses that we feel bring value to our readers.
If you would have told me five years ago that my 2022 New Year’s resolution would be having less armpit hair, I would have spit my coffee out laughing SO hard. Armpit hair?! But now that I’m a mother and my precious spa-like showers never happen, I rarely have time to shave. When the opportunity presented itself to have my armpit hair vanish for (what I hope to be) 10 years, I was hesitant but had to jump on it! Laser hair removal sounded daunting at first, but now that I’m one treatment in, I have no idea why I was ever hesitant to begin with.
You only live once. New year, no (armpit) hair!
What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removallight energy
Is laser hair removal painful?
If you’re like me, you have heard horror stories of laser hair removal. That was why I was most hesitant. The pain was described to me as a rubber band snapping over and over in the same spot. OUCH! But, I figured it was something I could handle because nothing could compare to the pain of giving birth.
Surprisingly, I didn’t experience any pain at all. At Albuquerque Vein and Laser Institute, they use Alma Harmony XL PRO technology with their Super Hair Removal (SHR) method, different than the traditional techniques of the past. The equipment has advanced contact cooling technology that keeps you comfortable during treatments and reduces pain.
When I had my first treatment, I only felt a warm sensation and some “tugging” at the hairs. When the temperature felt like it was getting too hot, the cooling technology kicked in to make me feel more comfortable.
How long does the treatment take?
I was in and out in 30 minutes for my armpits! It is truly amazing how fast the procedure is. At Albuquerque Vein and Laser Institute, they use a sweeping in-motion technique that keeps the laser in constant motion for full coverage of the area. This sweeping movement allows the laser to target more surface area in a shorter period of time. If you are having laser hair removal for a larger area of your body (such as your legs), the procedure can take up to an hour.
Although the treatment itself does not take very long, you do have to come in for multiple visits. This caught me off guard at first, but now I understand why. Your hair grows in different stages and only some follicles are growing and active during certain periods of time. The laser hair treatment will only work on hairs that are in the growing phase. On average, you’ll have six treatments spaced six weeks apart. This ensures that all your hair follicles are targeted which ultimately leads to the best results.
Everyone is different so your provider at Albuquerque Vein and Laser Institute will come up with a treatment plan customized for you.
What did I notice after my first treatment?
Most of my hair stopped growing in. I only had to shave once between my appointments spaced six weeks apart. I couldn’t believe how much one treatment made a difference. I’m excited to show off my hairless armpits. Watch out, Summer 2022!
What if you’re ticklish?
Join the club! It was so hard for me to sit still because I have the most sensitive armpits. The procedure goes quickly, so if you can handle a few minutes of your provider tickling you, you’ll be just fine!
Prior to the treatment, your armpits have to be exfoliated and cleaned. We use deodorant and other products on our armpits daily, and over time build-up occurs whether or not we can see it. The build-up can interfere with the laser process. It’s gross to think about, sure, but think of this as a spa treatment for your not-so-thought-about area. They will use a tongue depressor and ultrasound gel to work out the debris. For some, this might actually be the most uncomfortable (lots of tickles) or painful (pressure from the tongue depressor) part of the process. I promise you, this is as bad as it gets . . . really!
Anything else I should know?
I think it’s important to know that while you are in the process of laser hair removal treatment, you’ll need to avoid sun exposure or damage to that area until your treatment is complete. The best and most popular time to start treatment is in the fall and winter seasons because, well, we’re not usually out sun bathing or vacationing in paradise. Keep in mind that treatment takes months to target the different stages of hair follicle growth. If you are exposed to the sun, you will increase your chances of burns and other complications.
Following treatment, you may also notice some irritation around individual follicles in the area. The area around the follicle may look red or swollen and is called perifollicular edema. This may seem alarming, but it actually means that the laser energy was sufficiently absorbed and the treatment is working. It can cause temporary discomfort, but you’ll be able to go back to your regularly scheduled activities with no issues!
Lastly, laser hair removal is not recommended for anyone who is pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Not everyone is a candidate.
You can treat anywhere you grow hair.
If you’re interested in learning more, contact Albuquerque Vein and Laser Institute to schedule a consultation and find out if you are the right candidate for laser hair removal. I was blown away by their professionalism and friendliness. This mama won’t be able to thank them enough for taking one thing off her to-do list.
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