Getting ready in the morning feels easier when you don’t have to factor in shaving or waxing. Throwing on a tank top or shorts without checking for stubble saves time and simplifies your routine. Laser hair removal can reduce the need for constant upkeep in areas like the legs, underarms, and bikini line. This treatment is one of the few options that can keep areas smooth without regular maintenance. At San Diego Aesthetics & Med Spa in La Mesa, CA, we use this treatment to help patients manage unwanted hair more efficiently.
The Basics of Laser Hair Removal
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal uses concentrated light energy to reduce hair growth in specific areas over time. Patients often choose it for areas where repeated shaving or waxing can be irritating or inconvenient. The results aren’t instant, but with consistent treatments, many patients see a lasting reduction in unwanted hair.
How Laser Hair Removal Works
The laser targets pigment in the hair follicle, heating it enough to disrupt future growth without damaging the skin surrounding it. Hair grows in cycles, so multiple sessions are spaced out to catch follicles at the right stage. The equipment can be adjusted for different skin tones and hair textures to treat a variety of patients. Over time, treated hair becomes finer and sparser, often stopping growth altogether in those areas.
Why Patients Choose Laser Hair Removal
Long-Term Hair Reduction and Smoother Skin
With laser hair removal, you won’t get fast regrowth as with shaving because it impacts hair at the root. After several sessions, many patients experience little to no regrowth for months or even years. You also avoid the stubbly texture that comes from shaving, which leaves your skin smoother between treatments.
Fewer Ingrown Hairs and Irritation
If you are prone to ingrown hairs, especially in areas like the bikini line or underarms, laser treatments can help reduce this problem. We treat the follicle directly, which lowers the chance of hairs curling back into the skin as they regrow. Other methods include pulling or cutting the hair in ways that can trigger irritation, bumps, and redness.
Time and Cost Savings
You may spend a lot of time each month shaving or scheduling waxing appointments, and those expenses can add up. Laser sessions require an initial time and financial commitment, but most patients find that they save both in the long run. Once hair growth slows, you do not need to maintain a regular schedule for removal..
Fast Sessions With Minimal Downtime
Each session typically takes only a few minutes for small areas and under an hour for larger ones like the legs or back. Once the treatment is over, you won’t need to follow a special routine or complicated aftercare steps. You can go back to most normal activities as long as you protect your skin from the sun.
Areas That Can Be Treated With Laser Hair Removal
We can treat nearly any area where unwanted hair grows. This includes the legs, underarms, arms, chest, back, face, and neck. Many patients ask about bikini laser hair removal, which allows for precise shaping or complete hair removal in the bikini region. Smaller areas like the upper lip or chin take just a few minutes per session.
Comparing Laser Hair Removal To Other Methods
- Shaving: Shaving cuts the hair at the surface of the skin, which means stubble often appears within a day or two. It is quick and inexpensive, but needs to be repeated frequently. You may also deal with razor burn, nicks, and ingrown hairs, especially when shaving larger or more sensitive areas.
- Waxing: Waxing pulls the hair from the root, so results can last a few weeks. However, the process can be painful and may lead to redness, swelling, or ingrown hairs. You also need to wait for the hair to grow out before it can be waxed again, which limits how smooth the skin stays in between appointments.
- Depilatory Creams: These chemical-based creams dissolve hair at or just below the skin’s surface. They are easy to use at home, but they often contain ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin. Results usually last only a few days, and the odor and texture of the product can be off-putting for some users.
- Electrolysis: Electrolysis uses an electric current to destroy each hair follicle. It is the only method considered permanent by the FDA, but it requires a significant time commitment because each hair must be treated one at a time.
What to Expect During a Laser Hair Removal Treatment
When you arrive for treatment, we clean the area and apply a cooling gel to help protect your skin. You will wear protective eyewear throughout the session to shield your eyes from the laser light. The laser feels like a quick snap or sting each time it pulses, but most patients tolerate it well. Our device contains built-in cooling technology to reduce heat on the skin and improve comfort.
The Rohrer Spectrum 810-Diode Laser
The Rohrer Spectrum 810-diode laser uses a specific wavelength that targets the pigment in hair follicles without affecting the surrounding skin. It includes a large spot size and built-in contact cooling to treat areas quickly and help keep the skin comfortable during each session. This laser works well for a wide range of skin types and hair textures. Its precision and speed make it an effective option for both small and large treatment areas.
Pre-Treatment Preparation Steps
Step One: Stop Waxing or Plucking
To prepare for professional laser hair removal, avoid waxing or plucking the area for at least four weeks before your session. These methods remove the hair from the root, and we need the follicle intact for the laser to effectively target it. You can continue shaving, since it does not interfere with the follicle itself.
Step Two: Avoid Sun Exposure
Limit sun exposure and skip tanning beds for at least two weeks before your appointment. Sun exposure increases the risk of pigmentation changes during treatment. If the area has a tan or sunburn, we may need to reschedule for safety reasons. Apply sunscreen daily and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
Step Three: Stop Products That Cause Sensitivity
Discontinue any topical products that can make your skin more sensitive. This includes retinoids, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and other exfoliating ingredients. Avoid these products on the treatment area for at least three to five days before your session. If you are unsure whether something may interfere with treatment, we can review your skincare routine with you.
Step Four: Shave Shortly Before Treatment
Shave the area the night before or the morning of your appointment. This helps the laser focus on the follicle beneath the skin rather than burning surface hair. If you need help with hard-to-reach areas, let us know during your visit.
Hair Growth Cycles and Why Timing Matters
Hair does not grow all at once. Each strand moves through a cycle that includes growth, rest, and shedding. A laser hair removal treatment only affects follicles that are in the active growth phase, when the root is most responsive to the laser. This is why you need a series of treatments spaced several weeks apart. Treating at the right time helps reduce more hair with each session and leads to better long-term results.
Post-Treatment Care and Recovery
After laser hair removal, it is normal to have skin that feels a little red, tight, and sensitive, like you have spent too much time in the sun. This redness fades in the hours after treatment. You can use a cool compress wrapped in a cloth or a fragrance-free moisturizer to soothe the skin. Because your skin is already sensitive, avoid hot showers, heavy sweating, sun exposure, and exfoliating products for at least 24 to 48 hours. About one to two weeks later, you may see hair begin to shed from the treated follicles, which is a normal part of the process. To support the best possible laser hair removal results, let the shedding happen naturally without scrubbing or picking at the skin.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal works best for patients with darker hair and lighter skin, since the laser targets pigment in the follicle. However, newer technologies like the diode laser can treat more skin tones and hair colors. Patients with blonde, gray, or red hair may see limited results due to the lack of pigment in the follicle. You should avoid treatment if you are pregnant, have an active skin infection in the area, or take medications that increase sun sensitivity. If you have a history of keloids or certain medical conditions, we may need to adjust your treatment plan or recommend alternative options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Hair Removal
How Many Laser Hair Removal Sessions Will I Need?
Most patients need a series of six to eight sessions to see full results from a laser hair removal service. The exact number of sessions depends on your skin type, hair thickness, and the area being treated. Some areas respond faster than others. After the initial series, we may recommend periodic maintenance.
Can Laser Hair Removal Be Performed in All Seasons?
You can schedule treatments any time of year, but we take extra precautions during the summer. Since tanned skin increases the risk of pigmentation changes, we may need to delay treatment if you have had recent sun exposure. If you plan to continue treatments through the summer, use sunscreen daily and cover the treated area when outdoors. Avoiding direct sun helps protect your skin and keeps the treatment safe and effective.
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
Laser treatments can reduce hair long-term, but do not always stop growth permanently. Many patients see a major decrease in hair growth that lasts for months or years. Some follicles may eventually reactivate due to hormones or other changes in the body, but regrowth is often lighter and finer.
How Often Will I Need Touch-Ups?
After completing your initial treatment series, you may need touch-ups once or twice a year. The timing depends on your individual hair growth and the area treated. Some patients go longer between maintenance sessions, especially if hair comes back very fine or sparse. We will help you monitor regrowth and adjust your schedule as needed.
What Makes Our Laser Hair Removal Services Different?
At San Diego Aesthetics & Med Spa, we approach laser hair removal with attention to detail and a strong understanding of your individual circumstances. We do not use the same settings or treatment plan for every patient. Instead, we adjust each session based on your skin tone, hair type, and how your skin responds. Dr. Scott Musicant, our Medical Director, brings decades of surgical and aesthetic experience to guide the care we provide. With deep roots in La Mesa and a strong medical background, Dr. Musicant and our team focus on safe, effective treatments that match your goals.
Book Your Laser Hair Removal Consultation Today
Laser hair removal can reduce daily maintenance and help keep your skin smooth in areas where shaving and waxing fall short. Patients in La Mesa, CA, choose San Diego Aesthetics & Med Spa for efficient treatments using advanced diode laser technology. To schedule a consultation or ask questions, call (619) 303-0988 or contact us using the online form.
