If you’re tired of shaving, tweezing, or undergoing painful waxing treatments to remove unwanted hair, you may consider laser hair reduction, an effective cosmetic dermatology procedure that offers lasting results!

Many of us deal with unwanted hair on our face and body—from the upper lip and chin to legs, arms, underarms, back, and shoulders. And although there are hundreds of over-the-counter hair removal products out there, they often fail to provide the results we desire and can even harm our skin (e.g. chemicals can cause skin irritations or disrupt the direction of natural hair growth, leaving us with painful ingrown hairs). The fact is many of these hair removal products don’t get to the root of the issue. Laser hair reduction treatment, however, does just that!

To help you decide if laser hair reduction is right for you, Pinnacle Dermatology’ dermatology specialist [NAME] shares the answers to some frequently asked questions about this safe and effective treatment option.

How Does Laser Hair Reduction Work?

During treatment, light energies are delivered through an applicator that destroy each hair follicle. Only the follicles in their first stage of growth, known as anagen, are susceptible to treatment, which is why treatments are provided in a series.

Most patients will average 6 treatments to see desired results, and treatments are typically scheduled 4-8 weeks apart to correctly follow your hair’s growth pattern to consistently reduce unwanted hair.

Does Laser Hair Reduction Hurt?

The short answer is…it depends on the person and the targeted area. Laser hair reduction is less painful than waxing or tweezing and can feel like a light sting or pin prick. If you’re concerned, it’s best to consult your skin care specialist with any questions or concerns you may have.

Are Results Permanent?

Hair reduction is permanent; hair removal is not. But with each treatment, fewer hair follicles remain, leaving your skin looking smoother. Patients with fairer skin and dark, coarse hair are more likely to achieve desired results.

Can I Shave Before Treatment?

Yes, you’ll want to shave the day before treatment with a new razor. This allows the light energies to locate your hair follicles and avoid treating hair that has already grown out. During the course of treatment, patients can shave, trim, and even cut their hair, but you’ll want to avoid tweezing, waxing, or removing hair with depilatories. This disrupts the natural hair growth pattern by causing trauma and resistance to the follicle.

How Much Does Laser Hair Reduction Cost?

The cost of each session will depend on the size of the area you’re treating. For example, if you’re removing unwanted hair from your upper lip or chin area, the average cost will be slightly less than if you’re treating your legs or bikini area. The best way to find out how much it will cost you to undergo professional laser hair reduction treatment is to contact your local Pinnacle Dermatology clinic.