Laser hair removal is transforming the way we think about personal grooming, offering a long-term solution to unwanted hair. At SMooth Solutions Medspa, we harness the latest technology to give you freedom from daily shaving and painful waxing. Read on to discover how you can achieve lasting results with laser hair removal, why it might be right for you, and how it’s making life a little easier (and a lot smoother) for our clients in Naperville and Oswego.
How It Works
Laser hair removal is an advanced treatment method used to achieve a permanent reduction in unwanted facial or body hair. It works by delivering concentrated laser energy into the hair follicles, where it is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) within the targeted hairs and converted into heat, effectively destroying the root of the hair to prevent or delay future growth.
Laser hair removal can be performed almost anywhere on the body, but common treatment areas include the face, chin, armpits, legs, back and bikini line. Since hair grows in cycles, multiple treatments are needed for optimal results, with the amount of regrowth diminishing after each session. Eventually, no new growth will occur in treated areas.
To better understand how laser hair removal works and what kind of outcome you can expect, first you need to know more about the hair growth cycle.
The Hair Growth Cycle
The hair growth cycle has a direct impact on the timing and effectiveness of your laser hair removal treatments. Human hair grows in three distinct phases: anagen, catagen and telogen. This happens in a non-synchronized mosaic pattern, meaning that not all hairs are in the same stage of the growth cycle at the same time, even in the same areas of the body.
For laser hair removal to be the most effective, it has to target hair in the anagen (growth) stage. These hairs are still actively nourished by the body and rich in melanin, making them easier to target and more susceptible to the laser’s energy.
- Anagen (Growth): This is the active growth phase of hair follicles, during which the hair shafts are continuously growing. The laser targets the melanin and sends heat down the shaft to the root, effectively destroying the follicle’s ability to regenerate.
- Catagen (Transitional): During this short phase, the hair follicle shrinks and detaches from the dermal papilla, a structure that provides the hair with nutrients. This phase lasts about two to three weeks. Treatment during this stage is less effective because the follicle is not actively producing hair and melanin levels are lower.
- Telogen (Resting): This is the final stage of the hair growth cycle, where the hair is no longer growing. The telogen phase can last for several months. At the end of this phase, the hair falls out naturally and is replaced by new hair, and the cycle begins again with the anagen phase. Lasers are ineffective during the telogen phase since the hair is neither growing nor rich in pigment.
Because each hair on your body can be in a different phase of the growth cycle at any given time, several sessions are needed to effectively target all hair in the anagen phase. Treatments are scheduled several weeks apart to align with hair growth cycles and ensure maximum effectiveness. This spacing allows hairs that were in the catagen or telogen phase during initial treatments to move into the anagen phase, where they can be effectively targeted.
Why We Use the GentleMax Pro Laser
Laser hair removal is the gold standard for permanently reducing unwanted hair, but not all lasers are created equal. At SMooth Solutions Medspa, we use the GentleMax Pro laser by Candela, a heavyweight in the world of medical aesthetic laser equipment and technology.
What makes the GentleMax Pro so different? For starters, it uses advanced technology that makes it safe for all Fitzpatrick skin types, from lighter to darker tones. That’s because it offers two distinct wavelengths on one platform: 755 nm (Alexandrite), which is suitable for skin types I-III, and 1064 nm (Nd:YAG), which is safe for skin types IV-VI. During treatment, our laser technicians select the best mode for each patient and precisely target melanin at the level of the hair follicle, eliminating the risk of complications like burns, scarring and discoloration.
GentleMax Pro is also considered an industry leader due to its versatility — in addition to hair removal, it can treat wrinkles, facial redness and vascular lesions — and its ability to effectively treat and target the finer, thinner hairs that would be missed by other lasers. These features make it a top choice for those looking to treat a diverse patient population with varied needs.
What to Expect During a Laser Hair Removal Session
Pre-Treatment Prep
Before your laser hair removal session, properly preparing ensures the best results and minimizes potential risks. Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds and self-tanners for at least two weeks prior, as this can increase irritation and make the treatment less effective.
You should also refrain from plucking or waxing unwanted hairs for six weeks before treatment, since these methods remove the root that the laser will target. However, you are encouraged to shave the day before (or the day of) your treatment. This preserves the hair shaft below the surface and avoids “wasting” laser energy by allowing for more direct access to the root.
Treatment Duration & Comfort
The duration of a laser hair removal session varies depending on the size of the area being targeted. Small areas, like the upper lip, take just a few minutes to treat, while larger areas, such as the back or legs, may take up to an hour. Most modern laser systems include cooling mechanisms to minimize discomfort, making the process quite tolerable. Patients often compare the sensation to pinpricks or a rubber band quickly snapping against the skin. If you’re concerned about pain, discuss the option of applying a topical anesthetic before treatment.
Results & Aftercare
After your laser hair removal session, you may notice some redness and swelling akin to mild sunburn. These effects typically last a few hours to several days, depending on your skin’s sensitivity and the area treated. Applying ice packs or aloe vera can help reduce discomfort. It’s important to avoid sun exposure and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to the treated area to protect the skin and reduce the chance of temporary pigmentation changes.
Over the next month, treated hair will fall out. Results vary from patient to patient, but most people start to see a significant reduction in unwanted hair after three to seven sessions, scheduled four to six weeks apart. The exact timing depends on your hair growth cycle.
Benefits of Laser Hair Removal
Your Days of Ingrown Hairs Are Over
One of the greatest benefits of laser hair removal is the significant reduction or complete elimination of ingrown hairs. Unlike shaving or waxing, laser hair removal targets the hair at its root, preventing the hair from curling back into the skin. This makes it ideal for those who are prone to irritation or with sensitive skin that reacts poorly to other hair removal methods.
No Grow-Out Phase
You shouldn’t have to live with hairy legs or a five o’clock shadow between your hair removal appointments. With most salon-based hair removal services (like waxing or plucking), you have to let the hair grow out so it can be effectively targeted. That’s not the case with laser hair removal, meaning you can avoid awkward or embarrassing periods of regrowth.
More Comfortable Than You Think
Many people assume laser hair removal is painful, but advances in technology have made it more comfortable than ever. Modern lasers come equipped with cooling mechanisms that soothe the skin instantly, significantly reducing discomfort. Treatment is manageable for most people and gets better with repeat sessions, as the hair becomes finer and less dense.
It Offers Permanent Results
While individual results can vary from person to person, laser hair removal typically delivers a 90-95% permanent reduction in unwanted hair. Most people achieve significant hair loss after three to seven sessions, and any remaining hair will usually be finer and lighter in color. Maintenance sessions might be needed once or twice yearly to manage any new growth, but your results should be long-lasting, freeing you from the hassle of shaving or waxing.
Saves You Money In the Long Run
The up-front cost of laser hair removal can seem steep, but when considering the long-term benefits, it can actually save you money. By reducing hair permanently, you cut down on the ongoing expenses of razors, shaving cream, waxing and other hair removal products. Additionally, the time savings are substantial — no more daily shaving or monthly waxing appointments. For many, these benefits make laser hair removal a worthwhile investment.
For even more savings, SMooth Solutions Medspa offers a laser hair removal membership program that gives you the freedom to target different areas at the optimal time, maximizing your results. Whether you’d like to treat big areas like the back or legs or focus on smaller areas such as the chin, we have a package designed for your exact needs and treatment goals.
Learn More About Our Membership Program
What Else Do I Need to Know About Laser Hair Removal?
Potential Side Effects
Laser hair removal is safe when performed by an experienced and qualified practitioner. However, like any cosmetic treatment, it can have side effects. The most commonly reported side effects include skin redness, swelling and discomfort in treated areas, similar to a mild sunburn. For most patients, these symptoms subside within a few hours to a few days.
Less common side effects can include blistering, discoloration and changes in skin texture, especially in those who do not follow all pre- and post-treatment guidelines, such as avoiding sun exposure. Rarely, scarring or hyperpigmentation can occur, particularly if the laser is not properly adjusted for the patient’s skin type.
Skin Type & Safety
The safety and effectiveness of laser hair removal can vary significantly based on skin tone. However, modern technology like Candela’s GentleMax Pro laser is suitable for all patients, including those with darker complexions, thanks to its dual-wavelength capabilities. Its Nd:YAG mode bypasses the surface of the skin, directly targeting the pigment in the hair follicles.
To ensure the best possible results, it’s important to discuss any skin conditions, sensitivities or previous experiences with laser hair removal with your provider. This helps us avoid adverse reactions and develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
What About Electrolysis?
Laser hair removal is an excellent treatment option for most people. However, we also offer electrolysis, which can treat non-pigmented hair that lasers are unable to target. This technique uses electrical currents to destroy the hair follicle. It can target finer, lighter hairs and is suitable for all skin types, making it a popular method for reducing unwanted facial hair.
Book Your Consultation at SMooth Solutions Medspa
Say goodbye to endless shaving and painful waxing! Laser hair removal at SMooth Solutions Medspa offers a safe, effective and permanent solution for getting rid of unwanted hair. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to invest in smoother, healthier skin with minimal effort.
Visit us at our Naperville or Oswego location and discover how you can benefit from laser hair removal with the GentleMax Pro. Our team is ready to craft a treatment plan and schedule that matches your unique needs and lifestyle, helping you achieve the best possible results.
Whether you’re looking to tackle stubborn hair on the face or body, our friendly and knowledgeable staff will guide you through the process, making sure you feel comfortable every step of the way. Plus, we’ll help you explore our exclusive offers and flexible payment plans.
Call us now at 630-381-8952 or schedule your appointment online. Start your journey to lasting hair removal and experience the confidence that comes with radiant, hair-free skin!