The Science Behind Laser Hair Removal Near Minnetonka, MN
Studies show that women spend an average of 72 days of their lives shaving their legs—not to mention the thousands of dollars spent on shaving products. Those numbers also don’t include other areas like the armpits or the bikini region, nor do they account for the time men spend across their lives shaving areas like their face.
At Vively Body Science, we know that your time is valuable. That’s why we offer the most effective technologies on the market for laser hair removal near Minnetonka, MN, keeping you effortlessly smooth.
So, how do these technologies work? How do you make sure you’re investing in the right treatment and the right provider for laser hair removal? Our team is here to lay out everything you need to know to make informed, confident decisions.
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal harnesses the power of light to target the melanin (pigment) in your hair. Once that light beam reaches your hair follicles, it turns into heat, which damages the follicle and prevents future growth. Modern technologies are highly advanced, targeting only the hair itself and leaving your skin unharmed—a process called selective photothermolysis.
The Hair Growth Cycle
There are four distinct stages in the hair growth cycle, and in order to understand laser hair removal near Minnetonka, MN, and how this treatment works, we need to start by understanding the way hair grows. The anagen phase is the initial growth phase, where hair follicles are actively producing hair. This is followed by the catagen stage—considered the “transition” phase—when the hair follicle prepares to enter the third stage (telogen). During the telogen or “rest” phase, hair neither grows nor sheds.
Finally, during the exogen phase, the old hair sheds, and a new one begins growing in its place to begin the cycle again. While everyone’s body follows this cycle, each does so on its own timeline depending on factors like your age and diet.
Lasers target actively growing hair in the anagen stage, which is when the follicles are most receptive to the light waves. That’s why laser hair removal produces the best results with multiple sessions, as not every one of your hair follicles is on the exact same timeline, either.
Is laser hair removal painful?
Everyone’s pain tolerance is different, but many patients say that laser hair removal is more comfortable than other hair removal methods like waxing. While your experience may vary based on the location being treated and the device being used, most people describe the sensation as a warm tingling or pitching sensation.
At Vively Body Science, our laser hair removal technologies have built-in cooling systems to keep your skin at a safe temperature throughout treatment. Our providers will also closely monitor your responses during your session, adjusting the intensity of the laser as needed to maximize your physical and emotional comfort.
How many sessions of laser hair removal do I need?
Before investing in laser hair removal near Minnetonka, MN, it’s important to understand that it is not a one-time treatment. Most people require a series of 6 to 12 sessions, each spread a matter of weeks apart to target the various follicles as they move through the natural growth cycle. However, this varies depending on the device used, the chosen treatment area, and your hair and skin type.
Staying on schedule is key to seeing the best results. Everyone’s schedule looks different, so our experts will help you map out your treatment regimen before scheduling your sessions.
Keep in mind that after you complete your initial series of treatments, you will also need to come in for maintenance sessions. While these visits are less frequent than your initial series, your touch-up schedule will vary depending on your hair’s unique growth patterns. Typically, you’ll need a touch-up every few months to a year to maintain the best results long-term.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
While laser hair removal does not permanently stop hair growth, it does permanently damage the treated hair follicles by forcing them into a dormant state. This means that if and when hair grows back, it grows back lighter and thinner than before, requiring less frequent treatments to maintain completely bare skin.
Can I get laser hair removal anywhere?
Not all lasers are suitable for treating all areas of the body. That’s why at Vively Body Science, we offer two state-of-the-art laser technologies—Forever Bare BBL and ClearHair—to treat a broader spectrum of skin and hair types among men and women, in areas such as the:
- Back
- Bikini line
- Chest
- Face
- Legs
- Underarms
So, yes, when you come to Vively Body Science, you can treat practically anywhere on your face or body.
How do I prepare for laser hair removal?
Near Minnetonka, MN, it’s important to protect your skin from the sun year-round—not just in the summer months. Not only is the sun the leading cause of premature skin aging, but if you develop a sunburn before your laser hair removal appointment, you’ll need to reschedule your appointment.
While you’ll need to avoid waxing or plucking the treatment area before your appointment, you should shave the area the day before. This allows the lasers to more easily target the hair follicles themselves, making treatment more comfortable and effective.
Is there any downtime from laser hair removal?
No! While you can return to work—or play—immediately after your appointment for laser hair removal near Minnetonka, MN, there are a few small steps you can take to ensure the best results, including:
- Avoid direct sun exposure and excessive heat or sweating for at least 3 days
- Keep the area clean and dry, using gentle cleansers and lukewarm water
- Use an unscented moisturizer daily
You’re welcome to shave once any sensitivity has resolved, but continue to avoid plucking, waxing, or bleaching hair in the treated area.
Is laser hair removal safe for all skin types?
Not all lasers are the same, and some are better suited for specific skin types than others. Because laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in your hair, some lasers can’t differentiate the pigment in your hair from the pigment in your skin, making treatment ineffective for patients with darker skin tones.
Our advanced technologies treat all skin types. Here’s a closer look at our devices.
Sciton ClearHair
We offer ClearHair laser hair removal near Minnetonka, MN, because it works for patients of all skin tones. The device can uniquely distinguish the pigment in your hair from that in your skin, even if the shades are similar. Powered by a single wavelength, this laser typically requires a series of 8 to 12 initial treatments to achieve the best results.
Forever Bare BBL
We also offer Forever Bare BBL laser hair removal near Eden Prairie, MN, which is actually IPL rather than a laser. IPL, which stands for intense pulsed light, works through multiple wavelengths. This allows the device to deliver the highest light power and repetition rate, reducing hair by up to 30% per treatment.
Typically, we recommend a series of 6 to 8 initial treatments for optimal results. However, Forever Bare BBL is only suitable for patients with light to medium skin tones.
Does where you go for laser hair removal matter?
Yes; while the technologies themselves play a significant role in the effectiveness of your treatment, so does your provider’s expertise. It’s important to work with a qualified laser specialist who understands how each device works, and how the laser interacts with different skin and hair types, so they can personalize your sessions—offering the best results and safest, most comfortable experience.
At Vively Body Science, our practice is uniquely led by physicians, so we hold ourselves to high standards. We understand the science behind our lasers, offering solutions beyond laser hair removal like laser skin resurfacing near Eden Prairie, MN.
→ Learn More About Laser Skin Tightening Near Eden Prairie, MN
Skin care, including laser hair removal, is just as much a science as it is an art, and it takes years to master. There is no “one-size-fits-all” laser, so working with an expert who takes the time to understand your unique struggles and aspirations is key. With their expertise, you don’t just maximize your results, but your investment in yourself.
Don’t just take our word for it—our patients’ reviews speak for themselves.
Make Your Investment Count
So, is laser hair removal near Minnetonka, MN, really worth it? When you do your research and go to trusted laser specialists who use proven technologies, yes!
At Vively Body Science, we don’t settle for “good enough,” and neither should you. As a physician-owned and operated medspa, we do things differently—we do them better. We recognize that there’s a lot of information (and misinformation) out there, so allow us to set the record straight. Browse our online FAQs or reach out to our team at any point for insights you can count on.
We build every unique treatment plan from scratch, so if you’re ready to begin your journey, start by scheduling a consultation! For immediate guidance, try our convenient virtual consultation tool to get personalized recommendations delivered to your inbox. Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media to be the first to know about more exclusive industry insights, our upcoming specials and events, and more.
