More than 750,000 laser hair removal procedures are performed each year in the United States, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. But despite how popular the treatment is for both women and men, there are plenty of myths about it — and in many cases, that misinformation holds people back from getting a treatment that could be a really good choice.
At Laser Bar and Spa in New York City’s Midtown West Koreatown neighborhood, our team uses the state-of-the-art Cynosure® laser system to get rid of unwanted body hair, developing custom treatment plans for the best possible results. If you’ve heard conflicting information about laser hair removal, we help dispel some of the most common myths here.
Myth: Laser hair removal makes hair grow back thicker
No way. Laser hair removal permanently stops hair growth by damaging the follicles so they’re unable to grow hair. It can take a series of treatments to completely stop a follicle from producing hair. Until then, if you do notice hair regrowth, the hair itself will be much finer than it was before treatment.
Myth: Treatments only work on people with fair skin
Laser hair removal can be a safe, effective choice for people of all skin tones. It’s true that darker skin tends to absorb more of the laser energy, which means there’s an elevated chance of hyperpigmentation (dark spots) or scars.
The good news is that our team has extensive experience tailoring treatments to every patient based on skin type, skin color, and other factors, so you can feel confident in your treatment and your results.
Myth: Lasers expose you to harmful radiation
Nope. Lasers use focused light energy to heat up follicles. There’s no radiation used at all.
Myth: Laser hair removal is really painful
When performed by a skilled professional, laser hair removal causes little discomfort. Most people liken the bursts of laser energy to the sensation of a snapping rubber band.
It’s certainly not as painful as yanking the hair roots out with wax or tweezers. If you have very sensitive skin or if you’re nervous about your treatment, we can apply a topical agent to numb your skin prior to your treatment.
Myth: All you need is one session
Laser hair removal works on follicles that are in their active growth phase. Because each individual hair grows on its own timetable, you need a series of treatments to ensure all follicles are treated at their optimal time. Your provider spaces out your treatments over several weeks to capture every hair during its growth phase for smooth, sexy results.
Myth: Anyone can perform laser hair removal
Plenty of places advertise laser hair removal, but it’s really important to make sure you select a licensed provider with extensive experience, like the team at Laser Bar and Spa. Only an experienced provider can ensure you get the best results in the fewest treatments.
Plus, without proper education and experience, an unskilled provider could wind up injuring you, burning your skin, causing hyperpigmentation, or even giving you permanent scars in the treatment area.
Myth: It takes a long time to heal after your treatment
The opposite is true: There’s no downtime at all after laser hair removal. Yes, your skin will be a little red and sensitive for about a day, and you should do everything you can to prevent sun exposure while the skin is irritated. But you can go right back to your regular activities immediately following your treatment.
Myth: Laser hair removal only works on your legs
You can have laser hair removal performed on just about any part of your body, including:
- Your legs
- Your arms and underarms
- Your back and chest
- Your bikini area
- Your face (including your chin and upper lip)
Better still, our team can treat more than one area in a single session.
Enjoy smoother, sexier skin
Forget hours spent waxing, shaving, and plucking. Laser hair removal can give you the smooth skin you want without the hassle. To learn more about laser hair removal at Laser Bar and Spa, call 646-386-7562 or book an appointment online with our experts today.