Laser Hair Removal
Laser Hair Removal in Washington, DC
If you have unwanted hair and are tired of shaving, tweezing, or waxing, laser hair removal might be worth considering. At Peel Haus, our laser experts are pleased to perform laser hair removal in Washington, DC. A minimally invasive procedure that entails little to no downtime, laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment (melanin) in the hair with light energy. The pigment absorbs the light energy, effectively destroying the hair.
Laser hair removal can be used by men and women wanting a permanent solution to hair removal from:
- Face, especially upper lip and chin
- Underarms
- Legs
- Arms
- Bikini line
- Back
- Scalp
- Chest
- Toes and feet
How Laser Hair Removal Works
Laser Hair Removal is one of the most popular services at Peel Haus. Laser hair removal works by sending the light of a laser to target the pigment in the hair. The light converts to heat energy, which destroys the hair follicle’s ability to produce hair. If the hair does regrow it will come back finer, lighter, and slower growing, but most follicles are destroyed.
Benefits of Laser Hair Removal
Semi-Permanent Solution
Because the treatment destroys the hair follicle, hair is unable to grow back so you don’t need to spend time shaving and waxing over and over again. If the hair does grow back, it usually comes in much thinner and lighter than it was previously.
Proven to Be Safe and Effective
This procedure is FDA-approved with very few minor side effects that only last a few days.
Save time and money
You can save a lot of time and money in the long run as you will not need to continue waxing or other treatments.
No More Razor Bumps
Unlike other methods such as waxing, threading, and shaving, you don’t have to put up with painful ingrown hairs and razor bumps.
You Don’t Have to Grow Hair Out
For laser hair removal treatment, you don’t need to grow surface hair, as you would with other methods. You are actually advised to shave before your treatment to prevent you from scorching any of the surface hair.
Ideal Candidate for Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is appealing to those who have unwanted hair. Laser hair removal treatment is available for almost anybody but the results may vary from one person to another. With laser hair removal, there are people who are the best candidate for it. These people will surely get the maximum benefits of IPL treatment without experiencing any side effects. Ideal candidates have a lighter skin tone and darker hair, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t a candidate if you have lighter hair or darker skin. Your provider will discuss options and success statistics for your combination of hair and skin color. There is always the risk of skin pigment changes after the treatment and it can be very visible on darker toned skin-types.
Laser Hair Removal is not for everyone. Our experts might caution against it if you:
- Are sensitive to light
- Have recently tanned your skin using sunlight, tanning beds, or tanning creams
- Might have skin cancer
- Use a retinoid cream
- Are very dark-skinned
- Have a skin resurfacing disorder
- Have severe scarring
- Have keloid scar tissue
On the day of your appointment, avoid using perfume, makeup, and scented products that can irritate your skin.
Laser Hair Removal Treatment
Before laser hair removal in Washington DC at Peel Haus, the area to be treated will be cleansed. Some patients receive a numbing gel. Numbing the area to be treated helps when a small area will be treated and the skin is very sensitive. It takes about 30 to 60 minutes for a numbing gel to work.
The laser treatment will take place in a room set up specifically for laser treatments. Everyone in the room must wear protective eyewear during the procedure. To perform the procedure, the skin is held taut and the skin is treated with the laser. Many patients say that the laser pulses feel like warm pinpricks or a rubber band being snapped against the skin.
A laser removes hair by vaporizing it. This causes small plumes of smoke that have a sulfur-like smell.
How long your treatment lasts depends on the size of the area being treated. Treating the upper lip takes minutes. If you are having a large area like the back or legs treated, your treatment may last more than an hour.
Laser Hair Removal Recovery
There is no downtime after laser hair removal. Immediately after laser hair removal, your treated skin may be red and swollen. Despite this, most people return to work and other everyday activities.
To avoid possible side effects, all patients need to protect their skin from the sun. After laser hair removal, you should:
- Avoid direct sunlight from hitting your treated skin.
- Do not use a tanning bed, sun lamp, or any other indoor tanning equipment.
- Follow your provider’s after-care instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Hair Removal
Click on the question below to reveal the answer.
How long does laser hair removal take?
Depending on what areas are being treated, the process takes a few minutes to over an hour. It is a relatively quick procedure, making it optimal for those who have busy schedules.
Does laser hair removal hurt?
In most cases, laser hair removal causes minimal pain, especially when you compare it to other treatments like waxing. Many patients state that it feels like being snapped by a rubber band. Of course, the area being lasered and your personal pain tolerance will dictate the pain level associated with laser hair removal. Patients will be numbed with numbing cream to minimize any pain.
How soon will I see results of laser hair removal?
You will see some results immediately.Hair follicles exist in three phases, the growth phase, the transitional phase, and the dormant or resting phase. Laser hair removal targets only the follicles in the growth phase. You can begin to see hair fall out in approximately 1-3 weeks post-treatment. Laser hair removal can only damage hair that is in its active growth stage. Although hair will appear thinner and less noticeable with just one treatment, you’ll need to return for multiple follow-up appointments to see optimal results.
How long do laser hair removal results last?
Depending on the area, the skin will remain clear and smooth for 4 to 6 weeks before seeing new hair growth. When repeating the sessions on schedule, the area will remain hair free throughout the entire program. Your skin will look and feel completely clear and smooth.
How many laser hair removal treatments does it take to get rid of all the hair?
6-8 treatments of laser treatment for dark thick hair should result in as much as 95% of hair reduction. This is because of the different growth phases of hair. The area where you want the hair removed is also a factor. Our providers will assess your specific situation and give you a timeline of what you can expect.
How long does it take to heal from laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal treatment boasts very little downtime. Redness or discoloration, and swelling are common — but temporary — side effects of laser hair removal. You may also experience mild pain. Such side effects usually resolve within 1 to 3 days.
Why are multiple laser hair removal treatments necessary?
A series of 6 to 8 treatments are recommended for laser hair removal. The repeated treatments are usually necessary because hair growth and loss naturally occur in a cycle, and laser treatment works best with hair follicles in the new-growth stage.
How soon can I have my next laser hair removal treatment?
This varies from patient to patient. Removing hair often requires a series of laser treatments. Most patients can have laser hair removal once every 4 to 6 weeks. Your provider will tell you when it is safe to have another treatment.
Is laser hair removal safe?
Lasers play an important role in treating many conditions that affect the skin, hair, and nails. In recent years, many advances have been made in laser medicine. One such advance is that more people can safely have laser hair removal. In the past, only people with dark hair and light skin could safely have laser hair removal. Today, laser hair removal is a treatment option for patients who have light-colored hair and light skin and patients who have dark skin. Laser hair removal must be performed very carefully in these patients. Our providers know what precautions to take to provide laser hair removal safely and effectively.
How old do you have to be to get laser hair removal treatment?
How should I prepare for laser hair removal treatment?
To prepare for laser hair removal, avoid plucking, waxing, and tanning for six weeks prior to your first treatment. In the days before treatment, avoid taking medications such as blood thinners, NSAIDs, and pain relievers. Take a shower and shave right before your treatment, but don’t apply any lotions, moisturizers, or sunscreens to the skin.
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