10 Laser Hair Removal FAQs for First-Time Patients

Since bursting onto the scene in the mid-90s, laser hair removal has revolutionised the cosmetic dermatology landscape.

For generations, men and women alike have been painfully plucking, tweezing, and waxing unwanted hair. With the arrival of laser hair removal technology, a new painless and effective approach became available.

Over the decades, the sophistication of laser treatment has improved considerably. Impressive enough at the time of its introduction, today’s laser hair removal technology is safer and more effective than it has ever been.

Not to mention, surprisingly affordable and comprehensively versatile.

But for those considering laser hair removal for the first time, questions and concerns remain. To clarify a selection of common queries, what follows is a brief FAQ prospective patients may find insightful:

 

1. Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?

The short answer is no – laser hair removal treatment is not painful. When performed by a skilled and experienced clinician, you should experience no major discomfort while the treatment takes place.

Most patients report only minor irritation – certainly nothing unpleasant or more than they can handle. If you are concerned about the soreness of laser hair removal, your clinician can advise on the best ways to ensure a painless experience.

In any case, the discomfort associated with laser hair removal is nothing close to the pain of plucking, tweezing, or waxing unwanted hair.

 

2. Are DIY Laser Treatments Equally Effective?

Commercially available laser hair removers for the home are often marketed as professional quality. In some instances, claims are made that the results they produce rival those of treatment in a clinic. Unfortunately, this simply is not the case.

The laser hair removal systems used in professional dermatology are exponentially more powerful and effective. Skilled clinicians’ treatments can also target problematic hair with pinpoint precision, leading to the most desirable results.

For the time being, it simply is not possible to replicate the same results at home. DIY laser hair removal devices can be great, but are not in the same classification as professional devices.

 

3. Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?

For the majority of people, the answer is yes – laser hair removal is safe. It has been an approved form of treatment in the UK for several decades, performed on millions of men and women.

During your initial consultation, your clinician will perform a detailed skin analysis to ensure your suitability for laser hair removal.  If you have any major skin problems or underlying health conditions, you may be advised not to undergo the treatment.

 

4. How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Laser hair removal does not simply remove your hair in the conventional sense. Instead, the lasers used strategically target the follicle and root of your hair with remarkable precision.

This way, the resulting effects of the treatment are smooth and long-term. As the follicle and root have been destroyed, the hair cannot regrow. As you can imagine, this makes it far more effective than comparable methods of removing unwanted hair.

You can find a detailed description of how laser hair removal works here.

 

5. Why Are Multiple Treatments Necessary?

Some patients naturally question why it is usually necessary to undergo several treatment sessions for optimum results. The answer is simple: for laser hair removal to be fully effective, the root and follicle must be targeted during an active growth phase.

Across the body, different strands of hair grow at different rates and times.  Consequently, some follicles and roots respond better to laser treatment than others during any given session.

To ensure as many roots and follicles as possible are destroyed, you may need several sessions with a skilled clinician.

 

6. How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost?

Prices vary in accordance with the area of the body to be treated and how much hair needs to be removed. The more extensive the hair removal you need, the longer it will take to complete the treatment.

Costs are determined primarily based on the amount of time required to complete the procedure. Your clinician will provide you with a full and accurate disclosure of the costs before your treatment begins.

 

7. Does Laser Hair Removal Deliver Permanent Results?

For some people, the results of laser hair removal are permanent. After undergoing the full course of treatments, the hair removed never grows back.

Others may need an occasional top-up treatment once or twice a year. It all depends on your skin type and hair type, along with the nature and extent of the treatment provided.

Preparing appropriately for laser hair removal and ensuring adequate aftercare can boost the longevity of the result. You’ll discuss all of this with your clinician, during your initial consultation.

 

8. What Side Effects Am I Likely to Experience?

It is comparatively rare for patients to experience unpleasant side effects following laser treatment. The most common side effects are residual redness and swelling around the treated area. All of which will usually subside within a couple of hours.

You can apply creams, gels, and other topicals to your skin to relieve any discomfort experienced following treatment. However, there is no downtime involved in laser hair removal whatsoever.

When your session is complete, you can get back to your normal life with no delays or disruption.

 

9. Can You Get Laser Hair Removal if You’re Pregnant?

While there is no evidence to suggest that laser hair removal poses a threat to pregnant women or their babies, most clinicians advise against undergoing treatment.

This is simply because laser hair removal is a comparatively new cosmetic procedure. There has not been enough time to perform extensive long-term studies on its suitability for pregnant women.

 

10. Can Laser Hair Removal Be Used on Any Part of the Body?

Lastly, laser hair removal can deliver safe and long-lasting results on almost any part of the body. In fact, it is considered safe for all parts of the body except for the eyelids.

The most common areas of treatment for patients undergoing laser hair removal are the bikini area, under arms, upper lip, chest, arms, legs and back. It’s also often used to remove problematic hair of the nose, ears, eyebrows, and forehead.

Your clinician will perform a detailed skin analysis on the part of your body you would like to treat, to ensure your suitability.