Commonly Asked Questions on Hair Removal Treatments

Summer is heating up, and that means shedding your winter layers and showing off your beautiful skin. If one of those extra layers happens to be unwanted body hair, then you’re probably considering your hair removal options for the season. Shaving, waxing, and depilatory creams are fine if you don’t mind dealing with hair removal day after day. Electrolysis is another choice, but tends to be painful and expensive. 

There’s a better option. Laser hair removal is one of the most popular and sought-after aesthetic procedures today, helping men and women around the globe get rid of unwanted hair on the face and body. Modern advancements in technology have made uncomfortable hair removal a thing of the past—today, you can get a laser hair removal treatment over a lunch break and walk away smooth and stubble-free after just a few sessions. Read on to have all your questions about laser hair removal treatments answered. 

Laser Hair Removal Options 

There are two technologies trusted by aesthetic treatment providers to deliver the best laser hair removal results. One is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), and the other is medical-grade diode laser technology. Both work by delivering targeted energy directly to the hair follicle, where it affects the hair follicle so that the hair won’t grow anymore, resulting in permanent hair reduction. The result is smooth, stubble-free skin for a lifetime. 

Venus Concept’s Venus Versa™ uses IPL with SmartPulse™ technology to deliver hair removal treatments that are ideal for Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV. The treatments are comfortable, swift, and deliver long-lasting results for smooth skin that’s free of unwanted hair. Like the devices mentioned above, Venus Versa™ can be used on the face and body, delivering energy deep into the hair follicle to disrupt growth. SmartPulse™ technology ensures safe and consistent heat distribution, while a real-time cooling system works to keep your skin protected from the heat.  

Venus Concept’s Venus Velocity™ and Venus Epileve™ use diode laser technology and a real-time cooling system to provide the optimal balance between comfort and long-lasting results. The versatile applicators can be used on all areas of the face and body, anywhere undesired hair is present. During the treatment, the provider can adjust the intensity of the wavelengths for optimal absorption to the melanin of the hair follicle, delivering the best results with the least discomfort or side effects such as hyperpigmentation. 

Like many Venus Concept devices, this technology was designed to be safe to use on all shades of skin. 

Commonly Asked Questions About Hair Removal 

Q: Am I a good candidate for hair removal? 

A: Hair removal treatments are for anyone who wants to permanently reduce unwanted hair on their face or body instead of having to wax, shave, pluck, or use other temporary solutions. There are a few conditions that could prevent you from getting a hair removal treatment. Refer to our page on hair removal treatments, or speak to your treatment provider if you have concerns. 

Q: Can I still get this treatment if I have darker skin?  

A: Laser hair removal treatments with Venus Concept devices can be customized to the patient’s skin type, making them safe for darker skin tones and tanned skin. For both IPL and diode laser treatments, your technician will perform a test spot and wait between 15 minutes to 48 hours, depending on your complexion, to assess your skin’s reaction in order to ascertain which treatment parameters are most appropriate to use for your skin type. 

Q: How long does the treatment take? 

A: Hair removal treatments are fast, even on larger areas like the back or two full legs. It’s also ideal for treating multiple areas, like the bikini area and underarms. If it’s a smaller area, it may only take as little as 15-30 minutes. A larger area, like two full legs, may take up to 60 minutes. 

Q: How many sessions will I need to see results? 

A: For laser hair removal, most patients receive 4-6 treatments per area. The exact number will depend on each individual person’s skin type, hair color and texture, and the area being treated. 

Q: How often will I need to get a treatment? 

A: Treatments are done 4-8 weeks apart for laser hair removal. Because hair grows in three stages, you want to try your best to avoid missing a session. 

Q: How do I prepare for my hair removal treatment? 

A: Make sure your skin is clean. Do not apply any lotions, creams or makeup (if you’re getting a treatment on your face) before your session, and stop using any products that might irritate your skin 2-3 days before. Before your treatment, your technician will likely shave and clean the area to be treated for best results. 

Q: What does a hair removal treatment feel like? 

A: You’ll feel some heat in the area, but this will only last a short while, thanks to the real-time cooling system that kicks in right away to help minimize discomfort. The treatment itself may feel like a series of light snaps against the skin. 

Q: Will my hair removal treatment be painful? 

A: The applicator has a built-in cooling feature to make the treatment as comfortable as possible, but you might feel a bit of discomfort if you’re treating a more sensitive area, like along the bikini line. If you find it too uncomfortable, let your treatment provider know and they can adjust the settings accordingly. 

Q: How will I feel after the treatment? 

A: If you’re doing laser hair removal, you may feel like you have a slight sunburn around the treatment area, but this should go away after 1-2 days at the very most. Some patients may also experience mild redness and itching which will subside over a few days. Cool compresses or antibiotic ointment can help speed up the healing process. 

Q: Is there any downtime?  

A: There is no downtime. You can return to your daily schedule immediately after your treatment, regardless of whether you’re doing the IPL or diode laser treatment. 

Q: What kind of aftercare will I need to do after the treatment? 

A: Be sure to gently clean the treated area twice a day and apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 before going outside; however, avoid excessive sun exposure. You should also avoid hot baths, massages, or any treatment that requires direct contact with the skin for the first 2 days after your treatment. For IPL, avoid tanning for at least 2 weeks before and 2 weeks afterward. 

Q: How long do the results last? 

A: It depends on how your hair grows. Some people may see longer-lasting hair removal, while others who see sporadic hair growth in the area may need a touch-up treatment to maintain the results. 

If you dream of never having to shave, wax, or pluck ever again, use the search field below to schedule a hair removal treatment near you.