Myths and Facts You Should Know About Laser Hair Removal Treatments

If you’re plagued by an unwanted body or facial hair and other traditional hair removal methods aren’t working for you, you may want to consider giving laser hair removal a try. It’s a safe and effective way to eliminate hair on almost any part of your body and the results are generally very effective. However, if you’re a bit squeamish about a procedure that uses a laser or because you’ve heard certain things about the procedure that may be uninformed, the following should help set the record straight for you.

There are a number of myths floating around about laser hair removal that may cause some interested candidates not to try the procedure. However, the process is fully approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and is generally less painful or irritating ten waxing, tweezing, and/or shaving.

Myth: Laser hair removal treatments can be dangerous?

Fact: While the word laser originated from the acronym "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation," the lasers used by hair removal specialists are quite safe. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves of certain laser systems used by spas and dermatologists, with the caveat that it must be an FDA-accredited laser system. This ensures patient safety and well being.

Myth: Laser hair removal exposes patients to harmful radiation.

Fact: FDA-approved lasers do not use harmful radiation. They work by transferring energy to hair follicles that are then heated to a certain level that disables the follicle’s ability to grow hair.

Myth: One laser hair removal treatment is all you need to permanently remove unwanted hair?

Fact: Unfortunately, this is not the case, so be prepared to schedule follow-up sessions. The problem is that hairs on your body grow on different schedules. While some hairs are in an actively growing state, others may be dormant one at one point in time, then become active again later. Laser hair removal treatments only affect the hairs that are actively growing and do nothing to follicles that are inactive. For best results, six to eight sessions at different times of the year are generally recommended. Of course, some people may require fewer or more treatments to reach the outcome they desire.

Myth: Are these treatments permanent?

Fact: While most of the patients experience significant results after a recommended number of sessions, hair growth patterns change over time. Hormonal changes in your body and other environmental factors may cause hair to start growing again in areas that have already been treated. This can easily be rectified be scheduling a follow-up visit with your concerned specialist.

If you have other questions about the procedure, do a web search for local providers that offer laser hair removal. If the sites themselves don’t answer your questions, contact a local spa or specialist and ask for a consultation.

The Spa & Laser Center in Virginia Beach, Norfolk and Suffolk are proud to offer laser hair removal, Dermal Fillers and BOTOX®. Contact us today for a more beautiful tomorrow.