Shaving becomes an entirely different task when you’re pregnant. As your belly grows and your body works hard to make a little person, getting to your legs with a razor blade gets tough. You can shave in the shower, but you might need help hitting those spots you just can’t see anymore. You can shave in the tub but getting up and out can be difficult. You may wonder, is now a good time to opt for laser hair removal?

Laser Hair Removal During Pregnancy

Laser therapy targets the dark pigment in the hair follicle and releases light energy to inhibit the hair follicles. Most providers recommend avoiding laser hair removal during pregnancy due to lack of information on what (if any) effect it could have on the fetus.

If you’ve tried waxing and found your skin to be more sensitive than when you weren’t pregnant, it would be advisable to avoid laser therapy procedures until after delivery.

In addition, your body undergoes a proverbial circus of hormonal changes throughout pregnancy. These fluctuations can cause dark hairs to grow in areas that have previously been hair free. If your goal is to laser away hairs for good, hormonal changes during pregnancy can delay achieving maximum results.

Effective Laser Hair Therapy

Hairs grow in three stages. Hair follicles are only susceptible to laser energy during the first growth stage. As a result, achieving maximum results requires multiple treatments. Why? Because the hair on your body grows at different rates. Even hairs in the same general area grow at different rates. Treating each unwanted follicle while it is in the first stage of growth takes multiple, spaced sessions.

Due to the hormonal changes that impact the body during pregnancy, treating unwanted follicles during their initial growth stage becomes a more significant challenge. Dormant follicles and new hair growth are also more likely to “sprout” at unpredictable times.

Can Laser Hair Removal Cause Infertility?

To date, there is no evidence suggesting laser hair removal causes infertility. The lasers used are designed to penetrate into the first few millimeters of the skin only. They do not reach any other organs. Laser therapy has been cleared as safe for sensitive areas of the body as well, including the bikini area. So, if you’re trying to get pregnant, having laser hair removal in the interim is safe.

Shaving

It’s not the easiest way to deal with unwanted hair, especially during pregnancy, but it is the safest. In the meantime, don’t dismiss your desire to have laser hair removal for more permanent hair growth reduction. Nothing is stopping you from having a  consultation with a qualified laser hair removal specialist, learning how to prep for treatment, and when to time it.

After baby arrives, scheduling some mommy pampering time will be important. Why not contact us to schedule a free consultation and find out all the ways a MedSpa can pamper you post-pregnancy?

Are you still living with unwanted hair?

You’ve no doubt heard about laser hair removal. It’s a safe and effective way to get rid of unwanted hair. It reduces and weakens hair re-growth, and it can even help you achieve soft, smooth skin.

Are you aware of the benefits of laser hair removal? We’re going to share five of the top reasons you need to consider laser therapy to tame those unruly hairs in unwanted places.

#1: Minimal Side Effects

Laser therapy is successful, safe, and most importantly, comes with no down time and limited side effects. You may experience some redness and tenderness post-treatment, but it is often short-lived and can be easily treated.

#2: Convenient and Precise

Laser hair removal has three amazing perks that cannot be undersold.

It’s convenient. You can opt for laser therapy year-round. While some months are better for it versus others, you can pretty much schedule treatments at your convenience. Just be sure to follow all recommendations made by your laser therapy specialist.

It’s precise. The words laser and precision just go together. Laser hair removal is so exact that it can be used on almost all parts of the body and treat the curviest of areas.

It’s fast. Unwanted facial hair is one of the most popular uses for laser therapy. Whether you want to get rid of unwanted hairs on the chin, upper lip, or between the eyebrows, these small areas can be treated in as little as five to 10 minutes. Larger body areas, such as the legs, can take approximately an hour to treat.

#3: Good-Bye Tweezers, Wax, and Threads

No more tweezing. No more waxing. No more threading. Just imagine it. Picture the freedom and cost savings! It’s estimated that waxing costs roughly $23,000 over a lifetime, shaving costs $10,207, and laser therapy costs around $3,000. The monetary savings are clear, but laser hair removal goes one step further. It creates time savings. Waxing consumes 482 hours over a lifetime while shaving eats up some 1,402 hours. Laser therapy takes up a minimal 16 hours. What’s not to love?

#4: Wardrobe Freedom

How often do you dig for a long dress, skirt, or pants because a shave just isn’t happening? Or maybe you quickly shave from ankle to knee to wear those fun shorts.

Shortly after, you’re dealing with painful razor burn from that swift shave and wishing you’d just surrendered to pants.

Wardrobe freedom is one of the great benefits of laser hair removal. You can wear that cute skirt and those fun capris – whatever you want – whenever you want because unwanted hair will no longer be a bothersome issue.

#5: No More Ingrown Hairs

There’s nothing more obnoxious than finding an ingrown hair while shaving or after waxing. They can also be painful to handle. Ingrown hairs are nearly gone after laser hair therapy.

Get the Benefits of Laser Hair Removal

Get rid of unwanted hair and reap the benefits of laser hair removal. It’s cost–effective, convenient, and a great way to boost your confidence.

Why not schedule a free consultation and discuss the results you want to achieve with one of our laser therapy experts?

With some of the most advanced lasers on the market today, DermacareHR offers laser hair removal year-round. It’s a safe and effective treatment designed to reduce unwanted hair growth. One of its greatest benefits is convenience, but is there a best time for laser hair removal?

Fall and Winter Treatment

It’s no secret that the fall and winter months are a great time to schedule laser hair removal. You may have noticed that providers start advertising laser therapy at the end of summer. There’s a reason for this.

Limited sun exposure before and after treatment is essential. The treated area will be extra sensitive to UV rays and need time to heal. Since beach trips and outdoor activities slow during fall and winter, this makes these months a natural time to start treatment.

Also, most of us tend to wear clothes that cover more of our skin during the fall and winter months. Not only does it help with blocking sunlight, but any redness that may occur after a session is easily hidden.

The Best Year-Round Time for Laser Hair Therapy

If working laser hair removal sessions into your fall and winter schedule just isn’t an option, you can opt for treatment year-round. But there are some tips you’ll need to know for maximizing your results.

Let Your Tan Fade

For the best results, you should let a tan fade before treatment and avoid tanning in between sessions. Fair skin allows the laser to better detect contrast with hair follicles, which helps increase effectiveness.

Pale Skin for The Win

Scheduling treatment when your skin is at its palest will help you achieve the most reduction in hair regrowth in between sessions. It will also help improve the overall results after initial treatments.

A Little Growth Works

You should avoid waxing, tweezing, and threading for about a month before treatment and in between sessions. Shaving is fine, and a day or two of growth at your treatment time is optimal.

Plan to Stay In

Depending on the area you want to treat, planning to stay in and relax may be a good idea. For example, if you opt to treat facial areas during the spring and summer, it will be vital to avoid sunlight after treatment while the area heals.

It’s Up to You

Laser therapy is not for everyone. It tends to work best for treating thick, dark, or coarse hairs on lighter skin. However, Dermacare carries multiple lasers that can help reduce hair growth for all skin types at any time of year. The laser hair removal provider you see should be ready to discuss your unique skin and hair combo and educate you regarding possible outcomes.

The best time for laser hair removal is really up to you. Laser therapy is a cosmetic procedure and won’t be covered by insurance. If budget is a concern, remember you’re more likely to find specials and discounts during the fall and winter months.

Believe it or not, the best way to answer this question is to discuss how much laser hair removal doesn’t cost.

If you’re interested in laser hair removal cost, then chances are you’re fed up with spending hard-earned money on multiple hair removal methods. The good news is laser therapy is a great investment that can save you both time and money.

Shaving and Waxing vs. Laser Therapy

How much time and money have you spent on shaving and/or waxing in the last three months? What about in the previous six? Even if you shop for deals, the lifetime cost of these hair removal methods adds up.

It is estimated that over a lifetime, the average person will spend around $10,207 shaving and invest 1,402 hours of their time.

Waxing might seem like the smarter buy; after all, the results usually last longer than shaving. But over a lifetime, the average person will spend roughly $23,000 waxing and invest 482 hours of their time. While the time investment is smaller, the monetary cost is more than double.

You may wonder…

Does Laser Hair Removal Really Save Money?

When compared to the lifetime cost of shaving and waxing, yes!

Over a lifetime, the average person will spend roughly $3,000 and 12 hours achieving the results they want from laser therapy. In addition, you can sign up for the Dermacare Difference membership and snag introductory offers and specials all designed to save you money on the cost of laser therapy packages.

You can keep up with the specials and events here at DermacareHR by visiting our Specials & Events page or following our Facebook page. Don’t forget, you can also book a consultation to discuss your hair removal goals for free, and our specialists will help you decide on the best services to reach your goals.

If performed by a qualified and experienced practitioner, laser hair removal is not bad for your skin. In the wrong hands, however, it can be dangerous.

Laser hair removal is a cosmetic treatment that uses laser therapy. While non-invasive and safe, laser therapy can damage the skin if misused. It works by pulsing laser light energy into individual hair follicles, which is absorbed by the pigment in the shaft of the hair. The light energy turns to heat and destroys hair roots.

Session time varies depending on the size of the area being treated. Facial areas can take as little as five to 10 minutes to treat while larger body areas, such as the legs, arms, and back can take roughly an hour.

Selecting a Qualified Laser Hair Removal Practitioner

The requirements to operate laser therapy vary from state to state, but most require practitioners to be licensed. Proper training and licensure are important because, if misused, laser therapy can damage the skin. It can cause serious burns, especially if misused on sensitive areas, such as the face and bikini area.

In Virginia, laser hair removal must be performed by a properly trained individual and under the direction and supervision of a licensed doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner.

Reducing Possible Side Effects

As is the case with any cosmetic medical procedure, there are potential risks. Laser hair removal is safe and effective, but complete hair removal is not guaranteed.

Hair follicles are only susceptible to laser therapy during the first stage of the hair growth cycle. Multiple treatments are needed to achieve maximum results as the hairs in a target area will grow at different rates. Some may experience hair regrowth within six months of treatment due to hormonal changes or dormant follicles starting to grow, but re-growth is usually finer and lighter than before.

Possible side effects of laser hair removal include:

• Minor skin irritation
• Redness
• Tenderness
• Pigmentation changes

Side effects, if experienced, are temporary. However, if misused, laser therapy can cause eye injury and serious burns to the skin. The best way to reduce possible side effects is to only receive treatment from a licensed medical professional.

At DermacareHR, our staff is licensed and highly trained. In fact, most of our practitioners are physician assistants or nurse practitioners.

Does Laser Hair Removal Cause Cancer?

The lasers used to target hair follicles produce a small amount of radiation. The idea that laser hair removal causes cancer is an unfounded myth. To date, no evidence has shown that the minimal amount of radiation produced by laser therapy contributes to or causes skin cancer.

Give Your Skin a Leg Up

While laser hair removal can be performed year–round, the fall and winter months provide a better healing time for your skin. We spend more time indoors during these months, which keeps the treated area out of the sun. It’s vital to avoid UV rays as much as possible after treatment.

When performed correctly, laser hair removal is safe and effective. It can save you time, money, and best of all, boost your confidence. It’s one of the many ways you can love the skin you’re in even more.

Shaving, waxing, tweezing – it’s all time–consuming. If you’re ready for smooth, hairless skin with less effort, then laser hair removal may be the perfect solutions.

What makes it so perfect? Consider some basic benefits of laser hair removal:

It’s (Nearly) Painless

Waxing and tweezing are far from pain-free and can leave unwanted bruising in sensitive areas. Shaving may seem like a painless option, but it can cause painful bumps and razor burn. Laser hair removal is considered by most patients to be painless. It can cause slight tingling, stinging, and some post-session soreness, but the discomfort is short-lived and can be addressed during treatment with topical anesthesia.

It’s Cost Effective

How much money do you spend on hair removal products? Waxing and shaving supplies add up fast, especially if you use them often. It is estimated that shaving and waxing cost anywhere from $10,000 to $23,000 over a lifetime and consumes anywhere from 482 to 1,402 hours. In contrast, laser hair removal costs roughly $3,000 over a lifetime and consumes around 12 hours of time.

It Generates Real Results

How many hair removal products promising hair growth reduction have you tried? How many have worked? Numerous products claim to reduce hair growth, but most are a waste of time and money for limited to no results.

These are just three of the top benefits highlighting why laser hair removal is a great option for achieving smooth, hairless skin. But how does it work, and what do you need to know about it?

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Laser hair removal is a simple, non-invasive treatment. Hair naturally grows in three stages. During the first, it is susceptible to light energy. Light energy from the laser is absorbed into the pigment of the hair follicles. For follicles in the first stage of growth, it can damage the root. Once the root is damaged, the hair will no longer grow.

Not all lasers are the same. Some are more effective for different skin types:

• A Diode laser is suitable for light and dark skin types.
  
• An Alexandrite laser is fast and best for treating large body area.
• The Nd: YAG laser is good for all skin types, including tanned skin; however, it can be less effective when treating light or fine hair.

How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Take?

Session time depends on the size of the area being treated. Facial hair can take as little as five to 10 minutes to treat. Body areas, such as the legs, arms, and back, take up to roughly an hour.

How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last?

Achieving maximum results takes multiple sessions, and here’s why:

When hair follicles reach the second and third stages of growth, they are immune to light energy.

Unfortunately, hair follicles don’t all reach the same growth stage at the same time. Usually, only 20% of follicles are first stage at any time. Any follicles in stages two or three during your session will be immune to the treatment. Multiple sessions help ensure these follicles are exposed to the laser while in their first stage of growth. With each treatment session, you will notice even more hair growth reduction.

DermacareHR is staffed by laser hair removal experts. For new patients, we recommend a series of five treatments for maximum results. Any “stubborn” hair follicles that aren’t in the first growth stage during these sessions can be removed via touchup sessions. Touchups are often as minimal as once in six months.

The hair growth reduction you achieve with laser hair removal will be as close to permanent as possible since every hair root successfully treated will no longer produce hair. Over time, new hair can grow in previously treated areas due to hormonal changes or dormant hair bulbs becoming active.

Prime Candidates

People with dark hair are excellent candidates for laser hair removal because the light energy from the laser is best absorbed by pigment or color. Thick and coarse hairs also respond to treatment.

While dark, thick, and coarse hairs respond well to treatment, these hair types can take a little longer to achieve maximum results.

Are There Any Risks with Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is a safe and effective hair removal solution. No long-term health risks have been linked to the procedure, and most people consider it to be the best and most painless hair removal option.

Some minor side effects can occur. It’s best to have a small patch of skin tested to see how the skin reacts to treatment before having a large area treated. During a session, a stinging or tingling sensation may occur. For sensitive areas, topical anesthesia can be applied.

After treatment, you may experience some redness and tenderness in the affected area. Many patients liken it to a light sunburn.

Discuss Medication During Your Consultation

If you’re taking any prescription medications, be sure to discuss these during your pre-treatment consultation. Medications that are photosensitive will need to be stopped a minimum of one week before treatment.

Photosensitive medications include antibiotics. If you’re taking any for an infection or to treat acne, be sure to discuss them with your laser hair removal expert before treatment.

For Best Results

Our laser hair removal experts have a few tips to pass on to help you achieve maximum results:

1. You need to be at every session. The biggest mistake made by patients is skipping a treatment.
   
2. You can shave before treatment, but avoid bleaching, waxing, or tweezing for one month prior. In between sessions, shave but avoid waxing, threading, tweezing, and bleaching. (One to two days of growth before a session is fine.)
   
3. Don’t cancel because of your period. If you’re menstruating and your bikini area is being treated, don’t skip or postpone the next session – just use a tampon.
   
4. Safeguard your skin after treatment. We strongly recommend avoiding sun exposure to the treated area, and our skincare experts can help you with the best sunscreen choices for safeguarding your skin post-treatment.
   
5. Finally, be sure to choose an experienced practitioner.

Are you ready to achieve smooth, hairless skin and stop worrying about unwanted hairs? Contact us today to schedule your free consultation!