Goodskin Dermatology

Laser Hair Removal: How It Works, What To Expect, and FAQs Answered

Your unwanted body hair is becoming too much to keep up with. Shaving day after day, keeping a regular waxing schedule, and constant tweezing of stray hairs is not only time-consuming but leaves you with irritated skin and ingrown hairs. 

With the right skin and hair type, laser hair removal treatment could be the answer to ridding your body of unwanted hair in a close-to-permanent way. 

Learn about laser hair removal including how the procedure works, the benefits of the treatment, and more.

What Is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal treatments utilize a laser or a concentrated beam of light to get rid of unwanted hair in different areas of the body. If you don’t love shaving, tweezing, or waxing to keep up with hair growth, laser hair removal is a simple and popular cosmetic procedure option.

Goodskin Dermatology offers laser treatment for hair removal in two locations — Clackamas and Troutdale. Contact us today for a consultation and to schedule an appointment.

How Laser Hair Removal Works

During a laser hair removal treatment, a concentrated laser emits a light that is absorbed by the pigment in the hair. Each melanin-containing hair follicle is hit with a laser wavelength to effectively remove the hair.

Different lasers work best on patients with darker or lighter-colored skin. The technician will use The Fitzpatrick Scale to determine which wavelength is best for each skin tone.

The laser will pass into the pigment and destroy the follicle from within, making it more difficult for it to grow. When it does eventually come back in, it is often more sparse, lighter in color, and finer in texture.

Areas Where Laser Hair Removal Can Be Used

Laser hair removal is a great option for ridding your body of unwanted hair because it can be used nearly anywhere that hair grows, including:

  • Upper lip
  • Chest
  • Cheeks and sides of the face
  • Legs
  • Underarms
  • Back 

To be sure that laser hair removal treatment is the best option for ridding your face or body of unwanted hair, schedule a consultation with the professionals at Goodskin Dermatology. We’ll help you determine if hair removal laser treatment is the right procedure for you.

laser hair removal treatments

Ideal Candidates for Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal treatments can seem like an attractive option for removing unwanted body hair, but not everyone is an ideal candidate for the procedure. 

Lasers are intense, breaking down the hair follicles at the end of the hair underneath the skin without damaging the skin. Your hair type, skin type, and treatment area can make a difference in how effective laser hair removal treatment is for you.

Hair and Skin Type

Patients with dark and coarse hair are the most ideal candidates for laser hair removal, however, some lighter-haired patients may have success, too. Even better, patients with dark and coarse hair on lighter skin are the very best candidates because the contrast between light skin and dark hair allows the melanin to be easily targeted.

Patients who have blonde or finer hair cannot be accurately targeted by the lasers, making laser hair removal the wrong procedure type.

Treatment Area

Laser hair removal may work on all areas of the body, but larger treatment areas — like underarms, arms, back, and legs — often see the best results.

However, smaller treatment areas like the upper lip or other facial hair can still be successful. 

Please note that treatments may vary depending on each individual patient. Always consult with your healthcare provider to see what is recommended.

hair removal lsaer treatment

What to Expect During Your Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure used to eliminate unwanted facial or body hair. 

Goodskin Dermatology uses state-of-the-art technology and offers patient-based care to ensure that every patient has a great experience. We take the time to discuss your best hair removal option, talk you through the procedure, answer any questions, and ensure you are comfortable from start to finish.

How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Take?

The duration of your laser hair removal treatment depends on the area being treated.

How Long Do Ultherapy Results How Long Do Laser Hair Removal Results Last??

Many patients remain free of hair in the treated area for months, sometimes years. The results vary from patient to patient, depending on the:

  • Color of hair
  • Thickness of hair
  • Area being treated
  • Type of laser used
  • Color of skin

To prolong your results, maintenance treatments may be recommended by your technician.

laser treatment for hair removal

FAQs About Laser Hair Removal

For some, laser hair removal treatments are not the most comfortable. However, they’re not as painful as they might sound.

Because laser hair removal utilizes a very hot laser, some patients feel a sensation similar to having a rubber band snapped against the skin. While not painful, per se, it is likely uncomfortable. 

Additionally, there may be small plumes of smoke that have a sulfur-like smell as the hair is vaporized by the laser.

Generally, no. Laser hair removal does not require any downtime. 

You can expect the skin of the treated area to be red and swollen following the treatment, but most patients can return to normal daily activities without any issues immediately following treatment.

If you’re someone with coarse and dark hair, lighter skin, and unwanted facial or body hair, laser hair removal may be a great option.

You might consider other hair removal options if you have light, fine hair or are hoping to treat areas close to the eyes.

Lastly, laser hair removal treatment should be avoided for women who are nursing or pregnant.

Many patients notice results immediately following just one session, however this could vary from patient to patient. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, patients can expect a 10-25% hair reduction after one treatment.

Most patients require between two and six treatments to see ideal results. When the hair does begin to regrow, there tends to be less of it. What grows back is often finer and lighter in color than it was before.

Patients can be free of hair following laser hair removal treatments for many months or even years. However, we cannot claim that laser hair removal results are permanent. Hair will likely re-grow at some point.

As a beauty investment, laser hair removal will be more costly than shaving or waxing, but the results will last much longer. 

The cost of laser hair removal will depend on:

  • The area(s) being treated
  • Where you’re getting the treatment done
  • The expertise of the technician performing the treatment
  • How long it takes to perform the treatment
  • And more

The cost of laser hair removal treatment typically includes the cost of the visit, the procedure, and post-care products.

For a more accurate cost of your laser hair removal treatment, contact Goodskin Dermatology to schedule a consultation and get more information.

Many patients believe laser hair removal treatment is worth it because of its many benefits, including:

  • Ridding the body of unwanted hair with a hair reduction solution
  • Alleviating skin problems, resulting in smooth and even skin
  • Reducing time spent on hair removal
  • Eliminating the risk of ingrown hairs

To maximize your results and remain comfortable following a laser hair removal treatment, follow this list of dos and don’ts.

Do:

  • Apply cool compresses for 5–10 minutes multiple times daily to minimize swelling.
  • Wear loose-fitting clothes on treatment day and a few days following to avoid friction and skin irritation.
  • Use cool or lukewarm water for 48 hours post-treatment to avoid burning or blistering the skin.

Don’t:

  • Go into the sun, saunas, or hot baths for several days to avoid skin burns and irritation.
  • Use sunscreen for several days to allow the skin a chance to heal.
  • Use lotion with perfumes or fragrances for 48 hours while the skin is still sensitive.
  • Apply pressure to the treated area for several days.
  • Go swimming for 48 hours to help avoid chlorine, bacteria, algae, etc. that can irritate the skin.

Visit your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following:

  • Burns, blisters, or scars
  • Skin discoloration
  • Swelling that does not subside after three days
  • Pain that is not relieved with medication
  • Infection

Contact Goodskin Dermatology for Your Laser Hair Removal Needs

Trusting someone to apply a laser to your skin and remove unwanted body hair can be scary — but using a trusted and knowledgeable healthcare provider could make the procedure worthwhile. 

Goodskin Dermatology offers cosmetic skin procedures in two locations, Clackamas and Troutdale. Not looking for cosmetic dermatology services? Our multidisciplinary offices offer a wide range of dermatology-related services in the Portland metro area.

Each location offers patient-based care that prioritizes patient comfort. We ensure that you feel educated, comfortable, and well-taken care of before beginning any services.

Interested in reaping the benefits of laser hair removal treatment? Contact Goodskin Dermatology in Clackamas or Troutdale for a consultation today.

The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.