Body hair is a pretty common bugbear. It’s irritating, inconvenient and often a little unsightly, which is why survey after survey shows that over the years, most people say they would simply prefer to have less of it.
The popularity of laser and other hair removal techniques is to be expected these days, when body image is such a central part of our lives, but just how popular might surprise you. Research from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery shows that hair removal was the third most popular non-surgical treatment in the United States in 2015 – with a staggering 1.1 million procedures.
What’s more, that number is on the rise. Laser hair removal procedures were up 39 percent in 2015, with no signs of slowing down. In total, Americans spent a combined $289 million on their laser hair removal sessions.
If you are considering laser hair removal in Washington, D.C., contact Radiance Medspa. Our facility combines state-of-the-art medical treatments with soothing spa comforts, and unlike conventional spas, we offer services that only a licensed medical professional can administer. Call 202-483-0008 to schedule a consultation.
Here are five factors to consider while you wait for your laser hair removal session:
What Does Laser Hair Removal Involve?
Laser hair removal is a relatively simple, non-surgical technique that makes use of intense pulses of light to remove body hair. During the procedure, a medical professional will direct beams of light – hence the words “laser” in the name – through the skin to overheat and damage hair follicles.
This method effectively wears at the follicle above the root, reducing the speed and density of hair growth. It is a non-permanent treatment that, to ensure long periods of reduced hair growth, may require multiple laser hair removal sessions.
5 Benefits of Laser Hair Removal
The reasons for the popularity of hair removal procedures are self-evident. People who wish to remove body hair usually target the eyebrows, legs, underarms, upper lip, chin and bikini line.
Here’s why more than 1 million people choose laser hair removal over other techniques:
- It’s gentler than waxing;
- It leaves skin smoother for longer than shaving;
- It’s a lot less invasive than electrolysis;
- It treats larger areas, removing more hairs at a time than threading;
- And it involves no downtime, so you can walk out of the session hair- and pain-free.
Other Considerations before You Arrive for Your Laser Hair Removal Procedure
Laser hair removal is effective for targeting localized areas of the body – but that doesn’t mean you can have it done just anywhere on your body. Around the eyes, for instance, is an area you should avoid because it could result in a serious injury.
The Mayo Clinic reports that one of the primary side effects of laser hair removal is skin irritation: a temporary redness or swelling around the area that usually clears up after a few hours. To reduce these effects, it is advised that you wear sunscreen with a high SPF if you plan to spend time in the sun after your treatment.
Laser hair removal is most effective on dark hair and light skin. However, advances are being made so the procedure can be effective for treating lighter hair and darker skin colors. To find out more, speak to a medical professional from Radiance Medspa.
If you have questions about dermal fillers, wrinkle treatment, Botox or body hair removal in Washington, D.C., contact Radiance Medspa. Our top priority is patient safety, and we focus on personalized, results-oriented treatments. Call 202-483-0008 to schedule a consultation.