The Med Spa of New Smyrna Beach uses the cutting-edge Gentle Max Pro laser device by Syneron Candela to remove targeted unwanted hair without damaging your skin. The lasers energy targets and destroys individual hair follicles, disrupting the hair growth cycle and minimizing body or facial hair. Unlike shaving and waxing, laser hair removal is more of a permanent hair reduction because it targets the root of the hair follicle, so you don’t need constant maintenance.
How Laser Hair Removal Works
Laser hair removal uses concentrated light to target and destroy hair follicles. The pigment (melanin) in the hair absorbs the light, which then converts to heat and damages the follicle. This damage inhibits or delays future hair growth. The procedure is typically performed by dermatologists or trained technicians and requires several sessions for optimal results.
Does Laser Hair Removal Permanently Remove Hair?
Laser hair removal has gained significant popularity as an effective method for reducing unwanted hair. Advertised as a long-term solution, it promises smooth, hair-free skin after a series of treatments. However, the question often arises: does laser hair removal permanently remove hair? To answer this, we need to delve into the science behind the procedure, its effectiveness, and what you can realistically expect in terms of results.
Is It Really Permanent?
The Definition of Permanent Hair Removal
The term “permanent hair removal” can be misleading. The FDA defines permanent hair reduction as a significant reduction in the number of regrowing hairs after a treatment regimen, which must be stable over time. This means that while laser hair removal can drastically reduce hair growth, it may not eliminate all hair forever.
Factors Influencing Effectiveness
Hair Color and Skin Type
- Ideal Candidates: Those with dark hair and light skin tend to see the best results because the laser can easily target the contrast between the pigment in the hair and the skin.
- Challenging Cases: People with light hair (blonde, red, gray) or darker skin may not respond as well because the laser can struggle to differentiate between the hair and skin pigment.
Hair Growth Cycle
- Hair grows in three phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transitional), and telogen (resting). Laser hair removal is most effective during the anagen phase when the hair is actively growing.
- Since not all hairs are in the same phase at the same time, multiple treatments are necessary to target all hair follicles effectively.
Treatment Area
Areas with finer hair, like the face, may require more sessions and maintenance treatments compared to coarser hair areas like the underarms or bikini line.
What to Expect
Short-Term Results
After the first few sessions, many people notice a significant reduction in hair growth. The hairs that do regrow tend to be finer and lighter. It’s common to need 6 to 8 sessions spaced a few weeks apart to achieve the desired level of hair reduction. We offer a discounted price when you purchase a series of 6 treatments, as well as our touch up pricing.
Long-Term Maintenance
While some people experience near-permanent hair reduction, others may need occasional maintenance treatments to keep hair at bay. Hormonal changes, such as those caused by pregnancy or menopause, can also trigger new hair growth, necessitating additional sessions.
Potential Side Effects
Laser hair removal is generally safe, but it can come with some side effects, including:
- Redness and Irritation: Temporary discomfort and redness are common immediately after treatment.
- Pigment Changes: There’s a risk of temporary or permanent pigment changes, especially in people with darker skin tones.
- Rare Side Effects: Blistering, scarring, or changes in skin texture are rare but possible.
Conclusion
Laser hair removal offers a significant reduction in unwanted hair, often leading to smoother skin and a drastic decrease in hair growth. However, it is not always a permanent solution for everyone. Factors such as hair color, skin type, and hormonal changes can influence the effectiveness and longevity of the results. For many, periodic maintenance treatments may be necessary to keep hair growth under control. Consulting with one of our experienced Laser Technicians, under the care of our Provider, Dr. Abigail Adams, can help set realistic expectations and tailor the treatment plan to your specific needs.