Laser

What to Expect During Laser Hair Removal

Esthetician performing laser hair removal on a woman's underarm

In short: Results Medical Aesthetics & Wellness uses medical-grade lasers that target melanin in the hair follicle, converting light to heat to disrupt hair growth without harming surrounding skin. Sessions run a few minutes to about an hour depending on treatment area, and most patients need 4 to 8 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart.

You’ve probably read about laser hair removal online or been told by your best friend how great it is. Even with all the hype, abandoning your tried and true hair removal methods for something that sounds like it comes straight out of a science fiction movie can be daunting.

We know you have lots of questions about laser hair removal, and we’re here to answer them all.

At Results Medical Aesthetics & Wellness, Dr. Laura Bilbruck and her experienced staff know that the first step to achieving your cosmetic goals is being fully informed. Here’s everything you need to know about laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal technology

Instead of temporarily ripping hair from its roots with hot wax or merely cutting the visible hair shaft with a razor, laser hair removal penetrates deep within the hair follicle itself to destroy hair and prevent further growth.

The pigment, or melanin, in your hair absorbs the light from the lasers. That light energy is then converted into heat, which damages the follicles where your hair grows. The damage is aggressive enough to disrupt the follicle while leaving your surrounding skin unharmed.

What’s best about laser hair removal is that it can address virtually any hair anywhere on your body. From your chin and chest all the way down to your toes and tummy, no spot is too small, too large, or too sensitive for laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal process

When you arrive for your appointment, we’ll have you sit or recline comfortably to find the best positioning depending on the area you’d like treated. We recommend you wear loose-fitting clothing to keep you at ease during treatment and comfortable afterward.

With the handheld laser hair removal device, we direct the lasers exactly toward your unwanted hair. Smaller areas like your upper lip should only take a few minutes to zap the hair away, while larger areas like your legs and back might take closer to an hour.

Most of our patients turn to laser hair removal for more than just guaranteed, lasting results, but for freedom from waxing pain and razor burn irritation.

Does laser hair removal hurt?

While laser hair removal isn’t 100% painless, it’s far more comfortable than traditional methods.

You’ll likely feel a mild discomfort like a warm pinprick or snapping sensation. We can apply a cooling or numbing gel to your skin before your treatment begins.

After you’ve blasted away your unwanted hair, you’ll notice a bit of redness and swelling for the first few hours. These side effects are mild at worst and will subside after a bit of rest. Applying an ice pack can alleviate these side effects even faster.

Avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds for a few weeks following treatment to maximize your results and protect your skin.

Laser hair removal results

The results from laser hair removal aren’t immediate, but they sure beat the semi-daily shaving sessions and monthly waxing appointments.

You’ll probably need around 4-8 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart. These repeated treatments ensure that the follicle is completely destroyed, making it impossible for new hair to grow or at least damaged enough that hair grows back slower and thinner.

After that, you’ll likely only need a few touch-up treatments to maintain your soft, smooth skin.

If you’re sick of riding the conventional hair removal carousel, get off the ride and step into our office. Our dedicated team of experts is waiting to show you what a hair-free life can feel like. Contact our office in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to schedule an appointment today.

This article is general education from Results Medical Aesthetics & Wellness and not a substitute for an evaluation by a licensed provider. Individual results vary. Treatments described are available only after a consultation.

Quick answers

Questions this article answers

Does laser hair removal hurt?

It isn't completely painless, but it's more comfortable than waxing or shaving. Most patients feel a mild warm pinprick or snapping sensation, and cooling or numbing gel can be applied beforehand. Afterward, you may notice redness and swelling for a few hours, which an ice pack can ease.

How many laser hair removal sessions will I need?

Most patients need about 4 to 8 treatments spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart to fully disrupt the hair follicle, followed by occasional touch-up sessions to maintain smooth results. Repeated treatments ensure hair grows back slower, thinner, or not at all.

How should I prepare for laser hair removal?

Wear loose-fitting clothing to stay comfortable during your session. Avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds for a few weeks after treatment to protect your skin and maximize results, since smaller areas like the upper lip take just minutes while larger areas like the legs or back can take closer to an hour.

Keep reading
LaserMarch 11, 20244 min read

The Differences Between IPL and Glo Facial by Motus

Rejuvenating your skin with a professional treatment can enhance the glow, tone, and overall texture of your skin. Glo Facial by Motus serves as a great alternative to an IPL photofacial treatment. These treatments both offer highly innovative technology to tighten and firm the skin while addressing skin tone and…

Read article
LaserNovember 08, 20222 min read

Why Winter is the Best Time for Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is an effective way to reduce and eliminate unwanted hair. But with so many laser hair removal options on the market, it can take time to know which is best for you. When it comes to laser hair removal, timing is everything. You may think laser treatments…

Read article
LaserMarch 16, 20223 min read

Skip Shaving this Summer with Laser Hair Removal

Skip Shaving in the Summer with Laser Hair Removal Summer is the time for outdoor activities and events, but with so much going on, it can be tough to find the time or even see your way clear to shave your legs. That’s why we’re highlighting Laser Hair Removal –…

Read article

Curious whether this is right for you?

A consultation with Dr. Bilbruck’s team is the fastest way to find out. Book online or call (918) 994-9170.