Laser Hair Removal Guide

JULY 2022

Complete Guide to
Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal FAQ's from our skin clinic in Newmarket, Cambridgeshire.

Answers have been provided by our aesthetic skin specialists to help you decide if this is the right treatment for you.

How much does laser hair removal cost?

Depending on the area being treated, you can expect to pay between £200-500 per session of laser hair removal.

Smaller areas such as upper lip, chin or sideburns will cost significantly less than a session of full legs, for example. 

Speak to a member of our team to discuss your unique treatment in more detail and receive an accurate price.

 

What areas can I have laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal can be performed on most areas of the body where hair appears. The common areas for this treatment include:

Upper lip, face, neck, shoulders, legs, arms, forearms, armpits, and bikini area.

We cannot perform this treatment on or around the eye as it is dangerous and could impact eyesight. Please be cautious of any practitioners that claim they can perform this.

Does laser hair removal hurt?

Everyone has a different pain threshold, however for most people the sensation is easily tolerated and doesn’t cause any discomfort.

The feeling has been compared to a rubber band snapping against your skin mildly. It’s also common to feel a sunburn sensation for the days after treatment.

Any discomfort after your treatment can be eased with simple home remedies like over-the-counter creams and ice packs. 

Is laser hair removal safe?

Laser hair removal is performed all over the world daily. It is considered one of the safest methods of hair removal. 

You should always ensure that your treatment is performed by a qualified and experienced practitioner. 

At LB Medical our staff are trained regularly on the latest techniques for all available treatments. We also only use industry-leading technology in our clinic in Newmarket for all of our laser treatments.

How long does laser hair removal last?

The results of a single session can last around 6-8 weeks before needing another session.

With each session, the hair will get lighter in colour and less visible. The laser destroys the follicle to slow down production and eventually provide permanent results.

Depending on the level of removal you want, or if you would only like the hair removed for some time, a single session will be enough to last a few months.

Is laser hair removal permanent?

After a number of sessions, permanent results can be achieved. The number of sessions needed varies per person, however, for most people, 6-8 sessions are enough to achieve this.

With each session, the follicle will become more damaged resulting in the hair that regrows to be lighter, smaller and less visible. 

At your initial consultation, our specialists will be able to recommend the right amount of treatments to achieve your hair removal goals. 

Are there any side effects for this treatment?

Although side effects are common for this treatment, they are often mild, temporary and are kept to the area that was treated. The most common side effects of laser hair removal include:

Redness, skin irritation, sunburnt feeling, pigmentation changes.

The commonality of the above side effects differs between skin type, hair colour, your chosen treatment plan and the aftercare you do. 

How does laser treatment compare to other methods?

There are many other methods, such as shaving, tweezing and waxing, that can remove hair effectively.

Although they can achieve similar results in the short term as laser hair removal, overall they take much longer and results do not last as long as those provided by laser hair removal.

Other methods are also unable to provide the permanent results that laser treatments offer.

How does laser hair removal work?

This cosmetic treatment uses a laser to produce intense pulses of light (known as ‘IPL’) to heat and destroy the hair follicle. 

By destroying the foundation of the hair at the follicle, this interrupts growth, slowing down the process.

The light produced is also absorbed into the pigment of the hair, making hairs that regrow much lighter and harder to see.

 

When will I see results from my treatment?

You will notice that the hair is immediately a lighter shade, and will begin to see the hair reducing in the treated area in 1 to 2 weeks.

Although repeat treatments are responsible for damaging hair in the active growth stage, you will see a noticeable difference in your hair after one session.

Will each session, the hair will become noticeably lighter, shorter and slower to grow, making the results quicker with repeat sessions.

Is there any downtime for this treatment?

One of the main benefits of laser hair removal is that there is no downtime for this treatment.

You can go about your day just as you usually would as soon as you leave the clinic.

We would recommend that you avoid any hot environments such as saunas, steam rooms, and spas for at least a week. It is also important to avoid applying pressure to the treated area, such as excessive scrubbing in the shower, for at least 72 hours.

Is there any aftercare needed for this treatment?

Side effects are common following treatment however the intensity differs between people. Aftercare is available to help relieve these side effects.

One thing that we would recommend to all clients is to stay hydrated and drink lots of water, keep the area clean and wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid friction and irritation to the treated area.

You can also use over-the-counter creams and gels to soothe any redness or irritation. Ice packs and cold treatments are also helpful for this.

What should I do to prepare for my treatment?

One of the main benefits of laser hair removal is that there is no downtime for this treatment.

You can go about your day just as you usually would as soon as you leave the clinic.

We would recommend that you avoid any hot environments such as saunas, steam rooms, and spas for at least a week. It is also important to avoid applying pressure to the treated area, such as excessive scrubbing in the shower, for at least 72 hours.

What should I expect during my treatment?

Side effects are common following treatment however the intensity differs between people.

One thing that we would recommend to all clients is to stay hydrated and drink lots of water, keep the area clean and wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid friction and irritation to the treated area.

You can also use over-the-counter creams and gels to soothe any redness or irritation. Ice packs and cold treatments are also helpful for this.

Is this treatment effective for different skin tones?

This treatment is suitable for all skin types across the colour spectrum. The laser we use can be adjusted for different skin pigments. 

This is to ensure that you are receiving the most effective treatment for your unique skin tone.

Am I suitable for laser hair removal treatment?

Although laser hair removal is available for all skin and hair types, certain factors may prevent someone from receiving this treatment.

This includes if you are pregnant, taking medication for something like acne, have raised scars or if you have or previously had skin cancer.

At your initial consultation we will determine whether a treatment is suitable for you. We would never recommend a treatment that we belive to be unsafe or dangerous for you.

Speak to a skin specialist about your laser hair removal treatment

If your questions were not answered above, please get in touch with our specialists who will be able to help. Our knowledgable team are on hand to make sure that any queries or concerns are clearly explained to keep you informed.

Your comfort and peace of mind are our priority. If any special requests will make your treatment more enjoyable, please let our team know. Discuss your treatment options with an experienced skin specialist at our clinic in Newmarket.