Laser Hair Removal For Women Seattle & Tacoma

Long lasting hair removal is one of the most desired cosmetic procedures around the world. Whether it be purely for cosmetic reasons, for better hygiene, or related to health conditions, laser hair removal is largely considered one of the best ways to permanently reduce hair. Both women and men seek out the procedure frequently, but treating them can differ. Seattle Plastic Surgery provides the best laser hair removal for women Seattle and Tacoma offer.

Overview: Laser Hair Removal Treatment

Laser hair removal is an FDA-approved treatment that permanently reduces hair. It first entered the scene as a hair removal treatment in the 1960s. Initially, it was impossible to create long lasting results without damaging the skin. However, in 1964, the FDA approved the first laser for hair removal.

Throughout the rest of the twentieth century, lasers continued to evolve and laser hair removal began to become more popular through the 1980s and 1990s. Though, back then, laser hair removal was much more painful and could not safely treat skin of color. However, as lasers advanced and their manufacturing of them also made strides forward, new triple wavelength lasers are the newest innovation.

Triple wavelength lasers like those at Seattle Plastic Surgery combine three different types of lasers. Your master esthetician can switch between them to best treat you. Along with the combination of a cooling diamond handpiece, this laser significantly reduces pain and can safely treat all skin tones.

Common Female Laser Hair Removal Areas

Women often seek laser hair removal on certain areas of the body. However, when compared to men, they tend to want more body areas treated. Male laser hair removal usually focuses on one large body area such as the back or one or two smaller areas like the neck and upper border of their facial hair.

Women are more likely to treat multiple large body areas at once. Some examples of common places women get laser hair removal include:

• Upper lip
• Chin
• Areola
• Between the breasts
• Arms
• Legs
• Bikini line
• Full Brazilian

Benefits

There are several benefits to choosing to get laser hair removal in Seattle. Not only can you enjoy less hair for the rest of your life in most cases, but it can also save you time and money. Less shaving means that you can stop wasting time and money on at-home hair removal methods. Some of the other benefits include:

• Permanent hair reduction
• Promotes smooth, hair-free skin
• Reduces ingrown hairs
• Regrowth is thinner and sparse
• Can help reduce hair growth due to PCOS, hirsutism, and the use of certain medications
• Less razor burn and cuts
• Almost no risk of scarring
• Safe and effective
• Long lasting results
• Can treat nearly any area of the body
• Viable for all skin tones
• Nearly painless
• Quick sessions
• Performed by a licensed and experienced master esthetician

Laser Hair Removal vs. Electrolysis

Electrolysis is another professional hair removal method that uses small electrical currents to remove hair. Unlike laser hair removal, the FDA does state that it permanently removes hair. However, electrolysis is not right for everyone or in every situation. Let’s look at the differences between laser hair removal and electrolysis and which one may be best for you.

Laser Hair Removal	Electrolysis
Long lasting Uses heat and light energy in the form of mild radiation Damages hair follicle Not viable for people with light skin and hair Side effects common Scarring unlikely Can treat large areas at once	Permanent Uses electrical currents in the form of radiowaves Destroys hair follicle Viable for everyone regardless of hair or skin color Side effects rare Slightly higher risk of scarring Cannot treat large areas at once

While the procedures have notable differences, they also have several similarities. Both laser hair removal and electrolysis can be used on any part of the body. Each procedure often does require more than one session to provide the best results.

Before & After Laser Hair Removal For Women

Consultation

Before laser hair removal treatment in Seattle, you will meet with one of our master estheticians. First, they will want to get an idea of your goals for the procedure. From there, they may ask about your medical history, including any medication you take. Finally, your master esthetician may ask to examine the treatment area because skin tone, hair type and thickness, and other factors can differ throughout the body.

In some cases, it is possible to proceed with your procedure on the same day as your consultation. Also, patch tests are also occasionally performed. Otherwise, you will receive a personalized price quote based on the number of treatment areas, size of the areas, and projected number of sessions.

Treatment

Upon checking in and getting changed if necessary, your master esthetician will calibrate the laser based on your gender, skin tone, treatment area, and hair thickness. From there, they will apply ultrasound gel to the first treated area. After providing you with eye protection, they will begin the treatment. 

You should feel little pain as your master esthetician activates the laser. Some patients relate it to a pinching feeling or the snap of a rubber band against the skin. Even large areas do not take long to treat. Thus, numbing cream is rarely needed.

Your master esthetician may reconfigure the settings of the laser if treating multiple areas. Though, in some cases, they may even adjust the settings when treating the same area. Regardless, they will customize your laser hair removal treatment to the specifics of your body and goals.

Between Sessions & After Treatment

Laser hair removal takes an average of four to six sessions to reach the desired results for most patients. In the weeks between treatments, your master esthetician will provide directions on how to best care for the treatment areas and how to prepare for your next session. Some of the directions may include:

• Keep treated areas out of the sun and/or covered
• Avoid activities or situations that cause sweating for at least a few days
• Do not submerge treatment areas
• Gently exfoliate the dead hairs from the follicles after about a week
• Do not tan either naturally or using tanning products
• Ask your master esthetician if you are unsure about using a product
• Shave the day or night before your next appointment

Once you finish your initial round of sessions, you can likely undergo one or two sessions a year to spot treat and maintain results. You may still notice occasional regrowth, but it is generally thinner, sparse, and easy to remove without too much trouble.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Laser Hair Removal Treat Unwanted Hair From PCOS?

Yes, laser hair removal can cause hirsutism caused by PCOS. Though, it is highly recommended that patients also undergo adequate treatment as this can help reduce hair growth on top of the laser hair removal.

Is Laser Hair Removal Cancerous?

As briefly mentioned, the laser uses a mild form of radiation to damage the hair follicles. Many patients initially have concerns about the radiation from the laser causing cancer. Laser hair removal has not been known to significantly increase cancer risk. While a link has not been well studied, lasers have safely been used for hair removal for decades.

With that said, if you are at an increased risk for skin cancer or taking certain medications, disclose this to your master esthetician to make sure you receive the safest treatment. Also, there is a limited amount of radiation that touches the skin. Most of the radiation remains within the laser handle.

Are At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices Just As Good?

No, at-home laser hair removal devices are not nearly as effective or regulated as professional lasers. At Seattle Plastic Surgery, you undergo laser hair removal with an FDA-approved laser and a master esthetician experienced in laser hair removal. This increases safety and lowers overall risks. 

When performed with an unregulated, at-home device, the risks of burns, hyperpigmentation, skin damage, and unsatisfactory results. You are better off going to a professional like those at Seattle Plastic Surgery.

How Old Do You Need To Be?

At Seattle Plastic Surgery, we only treat patients who are eighteen or over. While it is not unheard of for teenagers to sometimes undergo laser hair removal, we only treat adults.

Can I Get Laser Hair Removal If Pregnant Or Nursing?

No, you should wait until you are finished with your pregnancy and nursing before proceeding with laser hair removal. In general, laser hair removal while breastfeeding is okay as long as not treating the breast or areola. With that said, our policy states that we do not treat anyone who is currently nursing to be on the safe side.

The Best Laser Hair Removal For Women In Seattle

Seattle Plastic Surgery is a top plastic surgery clinic and medical spa in Seattle, WA. Performing the highest standard of surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures, our providers aim to help you achieve all your aesthetic goals. Centrally located in the First Hill neighborhood, Seattle Plastic Surgery offers the best laser hair removal for women Seattle and Tacoma provide.

The master estheticians at Seattle Plastic Surgery have extensive experience in laser hair removal. Along with their general esthetician training, they have also undergone additional, medically focused training that allows them to provide high quality care.

To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 206-324-1120. You can also reach out online via chat, contact form, or Price Simulator.

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