Myths and Facts about Laser Hair Removal

Are you tired of spending hours shaving your legs, underarms, and bikini line? Perhaps you’ve tried waxing and find it uncomfortable. Laser hair removal is a convenient method to rid yourself of unwanted hair. You’ll be pampered in the welcoming and relaxed environment of Ramos Women's Wellness. 

You may have heard a mix of information about laser hair removal. It’s time to separate fact from fiction. Below are some of the most common myths about laser hair removal, along with the facts you should know.

Safety 

Myth: Laser hair removal isn’t safe. 

Fact: Laser hair removal has been performed safely on millions of people worldwide since its introduction in 1995. As with any cosmetic/medical procedure, safety depends in large part on the practitioner performing it and the equipment used. The FDA approves some — but not all — laser hair removal devices.    

Some people may experience greater side effects than others. Typical side effects include some redness, swelling, crusting, and even a slight change in skin color, which should fade in a few weeks. You can ask our staff member to perform the procedure on a small area of your skin to test your reaction.  

Increased hair growth

Myth: Laser hair removal causes more hair to grow. 

Fact: If laser hair removal caused your hair to grow, millions of people wouldn’t have gone through the treatment, and it would have disappeared as a fad. The procedure destroys hair follicles, but new follicles may grow over time. Even though laser hair removal isn’t completely permanent, the good news is that once the treatments are completed, hair won’t appear for months and sometimes even years.  

One treatment effectiveness

Myth: One laser hair removal session results in permanent hair removal.

Fact: Hair growth has different cycles. Hair that’s already on your body is removed, but other hair follicles haven’t yet produced hair that you can see. It takes several treatments to remove unwanted hair in the targeted area, so that all hair follicles receive laser treatment at optimal times during their growth cycle to prevent regrowth. 

Pain 

Myth: Laser hair removal treatments are very painful.

Fact: A member of our staff applies an ice pack or a numbing cream on the area to be treated before performing the procedure, depending on your preference. Most patients describe the sensation as a series of pinpricks; they don’t feel as if they’re in extreme pain. Those who have had areas of their body waxed previously say that laser hair removal is much less painful than waxing. 

Laser hair removal during the summer

Myth: You should never get laser hair removal done during the summer.

Fact: You can, but there are caveats. If you lie in the sun within 72 hours before or after treatment, you may experience burns, scarring, and other skin damage. Don’t get a laser treatment if you go to the pool every day or just before or after going to the beach. 

Another caveat: if your skin turns really dark after being in the sun, you may need a few extra treatments if you have the procedure done while you have a deep tan. The extra melanin may affect the laser’s effectiveness in zapping your hair follicles. Talk with Ramos Women's Wellness’s gynecologist and nurse practitioners, who are ready to answer all of your questions about laser hair removal and other aesthetic procedures. 

Call Ramos Women's Wellness or visit us online today for expert hair removal and all of your aesthetic needs.