Laser Hair Removal

Before you judge a reaction to laser hair removal, you need to know what the laser does. That is the baseline for telling a normal response from a concerning one.

What the laser is said to do

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons describes laser hair removal as a noninvasive technique that uses highly concentrated light to penetrate hair follicles. The laser light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair shaft, generating heat that damages the follicle to inhibit future hair growth.

Cleveland Clinic calls it a procedure to remove unwanted hair on the body. It is noninvasive, which means it does not require any cuts in the skin.

For more detail, read WebMD on laser hair removal benefits, side effects, and cost, Cleveland Clinic on how laser hair removal works and what to expect, and Healthline on laser hair removal side effects and risks.

Seven questions, costliest guess first

Side effects and aftercare lead the list, ordered by what a wrong guess could cost you.

1. Which side effects can laser hair removal cause? Learn the list before the first session.
2. What should I do after laser hair removal? Ask for aftercare instructions in writing.
3. Is there downtime after laser hair removal? Plan your week around the answer.
4. How soon can another laser treatment be done? Ask the provider for the spacing between sessions.
5. What happens during a laser hair removal session? Knowing the steps helps you notice if one is skipped.
6. When will laser hair removal results appear? Set your expectations before you pay for a package.
7. How permanent are laser hair removal results? Check any promise of permanence against the sources above.

Before you book a laser session

Readers in West Sacramento can ask who operates the laser, what that person is licensed to do, and what the plan is if the skin reacts badly. The Med Spa Safety page covers who is allowed to treat you.