The human body produces hair naturally, but for many individuals, unwanted hair growth provides a bothersome reality. Whether it appears on the legs, underarms, face or bikini area, removing hair with razors or wax can come with the hazard of causing razor burn or rash. The ideal solution for those looking for a long-term and effective answer to removing unwanted hair is to go the route of laser hair removal. Laser hair removal in St. Louis, MO is a highly effective and relatively painless process that ensure long-term results for patients.
How St Louis Laser Hair Removal Works
St Louis laser hair removal is performed by an attending physician or certified technician using a hand-held device in the comfort of an examination office. A concentrated beam of energy is aimed directly at unwanted hair in a particular area of the body. The hair follicles subsequently absorb the laser light and are damaged to the point of preventing future hair growth. As heat energy is drawn into the melanin, the rest of the follicle shaft is heated and eventually detaches and sheds.
It is generally recommended that patients undergo anywhere between 4 to 6 treatments to achieve optimal results, however, this number will vary depending on the amount of hair to be removed as well as the thickness of the hair follicles. At the first session, the hair on the area to be treated must be visible on the surface of the skin. With every following treatment, less hair will be visible until finally, growth is restricted due to inactive hair follicles.
Results and Recovery
Laser hair removal in St Louis, MO is a non-invasive technique that has proven highly effective over extended periods of time. Patients can expect to see minimal results after their initial treatment session with hair visibly thinning and completely gone by their final session. Results are long-lasting and have shown to last anywhere from several months to several years at a time. In general, results tend to be more pronounced with patients who have naturally dark hair and roots while patients with lighter hair require extended sessions to achieve optimal results. As specific lasers are required to treat patients of varying skin tones, timely results may vary due to this factor as well.
Laser hair removal is an outpatient procedure that can be performed in a physician’s office. There is no downtown associated with laser hair removal and patients are free to resume their normal daily activities as soon as the treatment is complete.
Safety
Overall, laser hair removal is a highly safe and extremely effective procedure. The nature of a laser beam makes it a direct point of contact. This means that while the laser is destroying targeted hair follicles, it is not affecting the surrounding tissue. Laser hair removal is also much gentler on surrounding skin than techniques such as waxing, plucking or shaving. Many patients report nothing more than minor irritants associated with laser hair removal that may include redness, swelling and minimal scarring at the treatment site. Some patients have reported side effects including small blisters, scars or skin discoloration. These conditions tend to reduce in the week following treatment.
Patients are always advised to avoid tanning their skin for 6 weeks prior to treatment as well as 6-weeks after treatment. Tanned skin may be more likely to absorb the laser light before it has a chance to reach the intended hair follicles.
Cost of Laser Hair Removal in St. Louis, MO
The cost of laser hair removal fluctuates according to a number of personal factors including the amount of hair to be removed, the size of the area to be treated, and the number of sessions required to achieve desired results. The number of sessions in a patient’s treatment plan is thoroughly discussed prior to treatment. National med spa chains like Ideal Image are usually the most expensive. Our Laser Center regular price is a fraction of the price of the major national chains. Please contact about the cost of laser hair removal for specific areas you are interested in. Laser hair removal is rarely covered by individual health insurance, but you can always check with your insurance plan.
Schedule a Consultation
Prospective patients interested in the benefits of laser hair removal in St. Louis, MO will want to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Wright and his professional staff at the St. Louis Laser Lipo and Vein Center. This consultation is part of a comprehensive approach to patient care and provides time for Dr. Wright to assess the potential treatment area, review a patient’s medical background and discuss the many options available at the Laser Lipo and Vein Center. The consultation is also an important opportunity for patients to ask questions they have surrounding treatment options, discuss any initial concerns and bring preferences to the forefront of the conversation before a personalized plan is put into place. Hair removal seems simple, but every cosmetic procedure comes with a physical and emotional impact. The caring staff at the Laser Lipo and Vein Center are here to make sure each of our patients feels cared for from the moment they walk through the door until their treatment plan is complete. Click here to contact us!
