Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

With the cold months of winter upon us, you may not be giving much thought to your unwanted body hair right now. However, spring will roll around again before you know it and those shorts in your closet will begin to beckon you once again. Why not spend some time this season getting ready for the warmer weather that lies ahead? Have you ever wondered whether laser hair reduction would give you the silky-smooth skin you dream about when the temperatures start to rise? At the Vein Care Center, we offer laser hair reduction treatments, and we have a few good reasons why this might be the right treatment for you.

The Science Behind the Treatment

Lasers are used for a variety of aesthetic enhancements since the laser beam can be targeted to a precise area to have the desired effect. When lasers are used for hair reduction, the laser focuses on the melanin (color) in the hair follicle. The laser energy damages the follicle so that hair falls out. It also makes it more difficult for future hair to grow in the same follicle, which is why laser hair reduction offers long-lasting results.

For laser hair treatments to be successful, the laser must be able to differentiate between the hair and the skin. This limitation is why the technology works best for patients with fair skin and darker hair colors. However, there are different devices used for this purpose today so that we can achieve better results for patients with darker skin tones than ever before. The procedure does not work particularly well on blonde, gray or white hair colors, however. We can do a test patch to determine whether laser hair reduction will work well for you.

Track Record of Safety and Success

Lasers have been utilized for a variety of medical and cosmetic purposes for decades, so their safety and effectiveness has been well-documented. In 1997, the FDA approved these devices for “permanent hair reduction.” Throughout the time since its approval, modifications and improvements in both the device and the techniques have made this procedure even more useful.

At the Vein Care Center, we have two different lasers we use for our hair reduction treatments, which allows us to customize treatment to the precise needs of each of our patients. Our expert staff will determine the best device for you to ensure positive results from your procedure. We follow all the laws of the Ohio State Medical Board with our laser hair reduction treatments so that our patients can rest assured their sessions will be safe and successful.

Reduction vs. Removal

Laser devices reduce unwanted facial and body hair, although they may not remove all the hair in the treatment area entirely. If you are expecting completely smooth skin after your series of treatments, you might be disappointed if a few stray hairs remain. This does not mean the process was not successful; patients should expect significant hair reduction rather than full removal of hair. For those that would like to put the finishing touches on their procedure, we also offer electrolysis at the Vein Care Center to get rid of those stray hairs for good.

Making the Commitment

Hair follicles go through three phases; the anagen or growing phase, the catagen or intermediate phase, and the telogen or resting phase. Follicles are in different stages of growth at the same time. Laser hair reduction is limited to addressing follicles in the growth phase, which means not all the follicles can be treated in a single session. Patients need a series of appointments to achieve their full hair reduction – usually five to 10 treatments to obtain optimal results.

If you decide to pursue your hair reduction plan, it is essential to commit to all your treatment sessions to ensure the best outcome. We will recommend the number of appointments you might need at your initial consultation, so you know what to expect from your treatment. We also offer discounts on subsequent treatments to make the process affordable.

Laser hair reduction is a proven treatment that has brought many of our patients the smoother, hair-free look they want. If you would like to learn more or get started on your hair reduction process, contact the Vein Care Center today at 419-227-4472.