Laser Hair RemovalRazor Bump and Ingrown Hair Solution in Santa Cruz, CA
For those seeking a permanent solution to unwanted body and facial hair, laser hair removal is a safe, non-invasive treatment that reduces hair regrowth for smooth, stubble-free skin. At RSMD Medical Aesthetics, we use advanced laser technology for hair removal to provide fast, effective, and affordable laser hair removal that eliminates shaving, tweezing, electrolysis, and waxing. Dr. Rebecca Small and her team perform customized treatments to effectively target hair follicles without damaging the surrounding skin. Read below to learn how laser hair removal works, what areas it can treat, how many sessions you’ll need, what to expect during your treatment, and why you should choose RSMD Medical Aesthetics.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal uses laser energy to target the pigment in hair follicles. As the hair follicles absorb the laser energy, they’re heated to a point that damages the follicle and prevents them from generating future hair growth. This enables patients to achieve long-lasting and even permanent hair removal after multiple treatment sessions.
The advantage of using laser technology for hair removal is that laser systems can precisely target hair follicles without damaging the surrounding skin.
What Areas Can Be Treated?
Laser hair removal is an appropriate technique for removing unwanted body hair in nearly any area of the body. At RMSD Medical Aesthetics, we use advanced laser systems to offer effective hair removal, even for smaller, sensitive areas. Common treatment areas include:
- Upper lip
- Chin
- Bikini line
- Chest
- Underarms
- Legs
- Back
- And more!
Laser Hair Removal vs. Electrolysis
Electrolysis and laser hair removal take different approaches to permanently eliminating unwanted hairs, each with their own pros and cons.
Electrolysis involves inserting a tiny electric needle into each individual hair follicle to destroy it through a process called thermolysis. Sessions take considerable time as each hair is precisely treated one by one. However, electrolysis allows complete control over very small or sensitive areas of the face.
Laser hair removal uses professional laser systems to simultaneously target and destroy hundreds of hair follicles in each area, making treatment sessions much faster than electrolysis.
In general, laser treatments tend to require fewer overall treatment sessions compared to electrolysis and is usually the more time efficient option. But electrolysis provides precise removal when only scattered hairs need treatment or lighter hairs prove stubborn to lasers.
Does Hair Removal Treatment Hurt?
Most patients tolerate laser hair removal well with minimal discomfort. Your treatment will involve a handpiece gliding over the skin and delivering quick pulses of energy. Many patients compare this sensation to that of a rubber band snapping on the skin, although few describe it as “painful” because the sensation comes and goes quickly.
Before & After LHR Photos
Frequently asked questions
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?
When performed by a skilled provider like Dr. Small or one of her nurses, who use proven laser systems, the laser hair removal treatment is extremely safe for permanently reducing hair growth on large and small areas of the face and body. She or her nurses will provider customized settings for your specific skin type and monitor your skin carefully throughout treatment. If you have any skin conditions or health concerns that could increase the risks associated with laser hair removal, Dr. Small or one of her nurses will assess them during your consultation to ensure your safety before moving forward with treatment.
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
Yes, laser hair removal can provide complete and even permanent hair removal. Once the hair follicles are effectively targeted with laser energy, they are unable to produce new hair growth. However, it’s important to understand that it can take several treatments to target every hair follicle in a given area. Patients should prepare for multiple treatment sessions and expect to work towards complete and permanent hair removal over the course of a few months.
What is a Laser Hair Removal Treatment Like?
Before your treatment, you should shave within 24 hours of your appointment. Depending on the treatment area, we may provide you with protective goggles for the eyes. Then, we’ll apply a cooling gel to the treatment area to minimize discomfort. To administer treatment, we’ll use a handheld laser device that emits laser energy to hair follicles in the desired treatment areas. This process can take up to an hour depending on the size of the treatment area.
How Many Treatment Sessions Will I Need?
In order to achieve complete hair removal in a given treatment area, all patients will require more than one treatment session. This is because the hair follicles grow in different cycles, and laser hair removal treatments can only target the hair follicles that are actively in a growth phase. Most patients require a series of 4-6 treatments to achieve full hair removal in a single area, although people with darker skin tones typically require more treatment sessions. Patients have to wait at least 4 weeks between treatment sessions to allow the next group of hair follicles to enter a growth phase. Keep in mind that you may still have visible hairs in the treatment area for a few weeks after treatment, as it can take some time for the body to eliminate all of the hairs.
What are the Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal?
Potential side effects after laser hair removal include temporary redness, swelling and irritation, all of which are rare when you receive treatment from an expert like Dr. Small or one of her nurses. At RSMD Medical Aesthetics, we take great care to make the treatment comfortable and avoid complications. Typically, patients experience a mild sunburn-like sensation that resolves within about 24 hours. Any minor discomfort can be alleviated by applying an ice pack. You’ll be able to resume normal activities immediately following treatment, but we recommend avoiding excessive heat, exercise, and other strenuous activities for the first 48 hours after treatment.
How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost?
At RSMD Medical Aesthetics, the cost of laser hair removal may vary depending on the treatment area, the number of treatment sessions needed for optimal results, and other variables. During your consultation, Dr. Small or one of her nurses will develop a customized treatment plan based on your cosmetic goals. At this point, we establish the procedure costs so you can receive upfront pricing before you begin your treatment.
Why Choose RSMD?
Dr. Rebecca Small is an industry leader in aesthetics with extensive experience customizing laser treatments to help patients eliminate unwanted body hair. Her artistic vision and technical skill with laser treatments means she can develop a tailored laser hair removal regimen to deliver long-lasting results. From your initial consultation through maintaining your optimal results long-term, Dr. Small oversees every part of your hair removal experience at RSMD to ensure your satisfaction.
We invite you to schedule a hair removal consultation and take the first step towards the youthful appearance you desire. Call today and discover why patients trust RSMD for their cosmetic goals.