laser hair removal Effectiveness FAQs

Here are some of your frequently asked questions that relate to the effectiveness of hair removal lasers for both men and women:

Normally to achieve satisfactory results, a series of 3 to 5 treatments are required at 4 to 8 week intervals depending upon the amount, location, colour and type of hair. Following the initial set of treatments, further sessions are usually required at less frequent intervals to keep all the hairs away in a given area.

After a single treatment, the hair in the treated area is usually reduced in amount and thickness for a very long period of time. However, as previously mentioned, it may not be completely all gone. To keep an area completely hair free, maintenance treatments may always be required for some patients. These maintenance treatments may eventually only be required at yearly intervals or even less frequently. The total number of initial treatment sessions and maintenance treatments depends on the area being treated as well as the patient's skin and hair characteristics.

One of the main advantages of having laser treatment is the speed of the procedure. The length of the treatment session depends on the size of the area being treated, and the colour of the skin and hair. It is possible for a good candidate to have an entire back treated in 1 to 1 1/2 hours; underarms can be done in a few minutes and an upper lip in less than 1 minute. The table below shows some examples of the durations for treatments for a good candidate.

Laser hair removal results are often permanent, but it is more likely that patients will experience a 50 to 80% reduction after 3 treatments, performed 6 weeks apart. Patients will need additional treatments if they wish to remove a larger percentage of the hairs.

Hair removal is accomplished in a series of sessions generally done every 4 to 8 weeks. The average number of treatment sessions required to result in over an 80% permanent hair reduction in 80-90% of good patients is approximately 3 to 6 sessions.

Hair follicles produce hairs in cycles: when some follicles are growing hairs, others are dormant. It is for this reason that a patient has to have a number of treatments 4-8 weeks apart to catch each follicle in its growth phase. Having multiple sessions ensures that all the hairs are subjected to laser treatment. The hairs that grow between sessions may be shaved by the patient if desired.

Many patients find that additional maintenance sessions done once or twice per year are enough to keep hairs at bay after completing the initial set of treatments.

The most common substance in most people's diet that effects laser treatment is beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is found in carrots, vitamin A supplements, squash, and other vegetables. It is deposited in the skin and when taken excessively, it results in changes to skin colour of yellow or orange. This colouring absorbs the laser's energy, preventing it from reaching the hair's follicle, and increasing the chance of blisters or burns to the skin. Patients are advised to reduce the amount of beta-carotene in their diet a few months before treatment, as it can persist for many months after ingestion.

Yes, it is possible to achieve this result by having only a few treatments or reducing the laser power setting. An experienced technician will know how to adjust the laser settings accordingly.