WALNUT CREEKTraditional hair removal can be tedious, uncomfortable, and expensive. Put an end to shaving or waxing with laser hair removal. This treatment stops new hair growth to provide you with long-lasting smoothness. Wear the clothes you enjoy without worrying about stray hairs with this effective unwanted hair elimination.
How Can I Get Rid of Unwanted Hair For Good?
Techniques like waxing or threading do not eliminate hair for long because they do not affect the hair follicles. These follicles will immediately begin growing a new hair to replace the removed one. Laser hair removal treats the follicles to prevent hair growth, putting an end to unwanted hair. This treatment can be used almost anywhere on the face or body, including the legs, underarms, bikini line, and more.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal works by acting on the pigment that gives your hair its color. The laser uses a wavelength that is absorbed by melanin pigments. This energy heats the hair root, damaging the surrounding follicle. As a result, the hair sheds, and no new ones grow in its place. Laser hair removal requires little to no downtime because this laser energy does not affect the skin.
How Many Laser Hair Removal Treatments Will I Need?
You will need several treatments to remove unwanted hair. The need for multiple treatments comes from your hair’s natural growth cycle. At any point, some of your hair follicles are dormant and not growing hairs, so they cannot be treated. At each session, more follicles will be active and ready to treat. Many people need between four and six sessions, but this varies widely, and you may need more.
How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal
We recommend taking several steps to get the most out of your treatment and protect your skin. The laser can only treat follicles that contain a hair root and is not safe to use after activities like tanning.
- Avoid waxing, tweezing, plucking, or anything else that pulls out the hair
- You can continue to shave and should shave 24 hours before treatment
- Avoid sun exposure, tanning, and artificial tanners
- Do not bleach your hair since this removes the melanin from the hair root
- Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements such as NSAIDs
If you take prescription medications, including some acne treatments, tell Dr. Aycock so he can determine whether they are safe to take while planning laser hair removal.
Am I a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?
Good candidates for laser hair removal are in good health and have reasonable expectations. The best candidates have a strong contrast between hair and skin color, but the laser can safely treat most people. Those with pale blond, red, or gray hair may not have enough melanin in their hair roots to see their desired results.
Take the Next Step
To schedule your consultation, please fill out the form on this page or call Dr. Aycock’s office at (925) 937-8377 (Walnut Creek) or (415) 903-8463 (Greenbrae).
