How Many Sessions Are Needed For Laser Hair Removal?

 

An aesthetic procedure can contribute to better overall health and ease of living. The number of sessions and the procedure methods can vary greatly, but the results can positively impact every aspect of life. 

 

What is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser removal is a medical procedure that uses a concentrated beam of light to remove hair. It’s considered a common procedure, with millions of people receiving laser removal every year. It can permanently remove unwanted hair. 

 

Why Do People Get Laser Hair Removal?

This procedure has many different benefits and intended uses. Commonly, patients have unwanted hair they wish to remove. Many people are tired of the unending cycle of hair removal and or have complications such as: 

• • Painful Waxing 
    • A wax uses a sticky substance such as a sugar, honey, or cream wax to pull the hair follicles out from the root. This process also adheres to the skin and pulls it up along with the hairs. Waxing can be quite painful for this reason. For those on specific topical ointments or medications, waxing can even rip off a layer of skin.   

• Chronic Ingrown Hairs 

• • • An ingrown hair occurs when a hair strand cannot breach the skin. It continues to grow under the skin creating a red, painful bump. If left untreated, the area can become infected. Chronic ingrown hairs are a common problem for those who shave or wax regularly. 

• Exhaustive Removal Process

• • • Shaving, waxing, and other non-procedural hair removal methods require constant repetition as hair grows back. They may require daily upkeep and management. These methods also require equipment and materials that must be replaced often to avoid infection. This process can be repetitive and exhausting to keep up with for years.  

• Sensitive Skin 

• • Many patients complain of sensitive skin that tears under wax or aches after a shave. For these patients, no amount of lather or expensive materials will stop the physical pain of non-procedural hair removal methods. 

There are other, often unexpected, conditions a laser hair removal procedure can treat, such as: 

• Acne scars and inflammatory active acne
• Age spots
• Angiomas
• Lentigines
• Poikiloderma
• Rosacea
• Scar Reduction
• Freckles
• Spider veins and facial veins 
• Leg veins and periorbital veins
• Venous lakes
• Wrinkles
• Sun Damage / Photodamage
• Striae

Whatever the reason for your laser removal, it’s a relatively simple procedure that leaves many patients pleased with their results. 

 

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work? 

Laser hair removal works by targeting the follicles in your skin that grow hair. When these follicles are damaged, they either lose the ability to grow hair or hair growth is severely inhibited. The follicles often never recover and will not grow hair in the future. This procedure leaves the rest of your skin healthy and intact. Patients rarely experience side effects, though it is important to make the staff aware of pre-existing skin conditions. 

The laser does produce some discomfort. Most people equate the feeling to a rubber band snapping against the skin. If you start to feel sharp pains or severe discomfort during the procedure, tell the staff immediately. Often, a numbing cream or over-the-counter medication can help manage pain levels. 

 

The Number of Sessions Needed for Effective Laser Hair Removal

The amount of sessions you will need depends on the goal of treatment and the location of unwanted body hair. For example, if you want entirely smooth skin, you may require more sessions. Some patients simply want a more manageable amount of hair and will stop after two or three sessions. 

• Location of Removal

• • • Certain spots on the body have more ‘stubborn’ hairs than others. Your upper lip, bikini/groin area, and underarms may have stronger hair follicles. In contrast, your leg and arm hair may have thinner, weaker hair follicles. If your removal location has stronger hairs, you may need more laser hair removal sessions.  

• Session Spacing 

• • • Laser hair removal follows the normal cycle of hair follicle growth. Hairs do not all grow at the same time. Your technician will try to get every hair follicle necessary and, therefore, will need to space out treatments to find all the follicles. Depending on how quickly your hair grows, you could need a session every 6-10 weeks. 

• The Extent of Hair Removal 

• • In between sessions, patients may notice that their hair will fall out more frequently or be more sparse. Depending on your hair loss goals, fewer sessions may be ideal. 

It’s clear that the number of sessions can depend on many different factors. Still, the majority of patients are good to go after five to ten sessions. Always discuss your laser hair removal goals with your technicians, and they should be able to advise you on the expected number of sessions. In addition, after the first session, pay close attention to the way your hair responds. Ask yourself:

• Is my hair falling out more than usual?
• Is my hair growing back as fast as it usually does?
• Are there patches of thin hair growth?

Report back your observations to your technician. They will be able to adjust the amount of sessions for laser hair removal accordingly.   

 

Receiving Top-Level Treatment 

Here at The Epigenetics Healing Center, we offer a host of top-quality aesthetic services and treatments to individuals looking to optimize their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Health is a holistic effort that impacts every aspect of our personal lives. Laser hair removal makes complete hair removal possible and can dramatically impact our lives in a positive way.

Learn more about laser hair removal, or schedule a consultation to discuss your hair removal goals with our team. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about the cost, procedure, result timeline, or any other concerns. In the end, the cost of laser hair removal or any aesthetic services shouldn’t be seen as a dollar amount but rather an investment in your personal wellbeing.