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Laser Hair Removal FAQs
Two lasers, a medical director, and published prices.
Everything clients ask before their first laser session at Laser Affair in Tampa: how it works, what it feels like, how many treatments to expect, and how to prepare. If your question is not here, a phone consultation is free.
Tap any question to open it.
How it works
What the laser actually does, why results are called permanent reduction, and who is allowed to hold the handpiece in Florida.
How does laser hair removal work?
Light energy from the laser targets the melanin, or color, in the hair just below the skin. That energy injures the cells lining the hair follicle while leaving the surrounding tissue unaffected, which inhibits future growth.
What are the benefits of laser hair removal?
- Freedom from razors, tweezing, waxing, stubble, and ingrown hairs.
- Unlike waxing, threading, or plucking, there is no need to grow your hair out between sessions. You come in clean shaven.
- Over time it is faster and less expensive than a lifetime of temporary removal.
Is it permanent?
The FDA classifies laser as permanent hair reduction. When treated by a skilled technician on the appropriate laser, many clients see 70 to 98 percent permanent reduction, and any remaining hair usually grows back lighter and finer.
No one can predict the exact amount or guarantee that hormonal changes and medical factors will not affect future growth. For permanent removal of individual hairs, see our electrolysis FAQs.
Who performs the treatments?
Under Florida law, laser hair removal may only be performed by a licensed physician (MD or DO), APRN, physician assistant, or electrologist. At Laser Affair, treatments are performed by medically licensed laser specialists with a medical director on staff, in a private, comfortable setting.
Mary Beth Lambert, Certified Medical Electrologist. Founder of Laser Affair, licensed in Florida, and a certified Laser Safety Officer. Every laser specialist on the team is licensed to perform laser hair removal in Florida.
Is it safe?
Laser hair removal is a lunch-time procedure with no recovery or downtime. Some clients turn pink or red, similar to a mild sunburn, and there may be slight swelling around the follicle, which is a sign the treatment reached the target. These effects are temporary. You can return to work or play right away, as long as you avoid sun exposure and intense heat such as saunas or hot tubs for a couple of days.
Although rare, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and blistering can occur. Our informed consent explains all of the possible risks.
Should I be worried about radiation to my skin?
No. There are two basic types of radiation. Hair removal lasers produce non-ionizing radiation, which is simply light energy and is the same category as visible light. Ionizing radiation, which includes x-rays, ultraviolet, and nuclear radiation, is a completely different type and is not produced by hair removal lasers.
What to expect
What a session feels like, how long it takes, and what is normal afterward.
Does it hurt?
- Many describe the sensation as a small rubber band snapping against the skin.
- Our Candela lasers spray a cooling mist milliseconds before each pulse for comfort and to protect the skin surface, so there are no messy gels.
- Aloe may be applied after treatment to relieve any temporary discomfort.
- During your free consultation we demonstrate how the laser works and administer a few test pulses so you know what to expect.
How long does a treatment take?
Actual laser time depends on the area. Underarms take about 5 minutes, a Brazilian bikini about 15 minutes, and full legs about 90 minutes.
Is itching, swelling, or redness after treatment normal?
Mild itching, swelling, or red welts around the follicles can happen and usually settle within a day or two. Cool compresses and an over-the-counter antihistamine help. More sensitive clients may prefer to shave the day before rather than the morning of treatment to reduce irritation.
Treatments and cost
Which areas can be treated, how many sessions to plan for, and how pricing works.
What areas can be treated?
Any area of the body except the orbital rim around the eyes. Popular areas for women are facial hair, underarms, Brazilian bikini, and legs. Popular areas for men are ears, neck, back, and chest. See all treatment areas.
How many treatments will I need?
Most clients need a minimum of 6 treatments, and many see roughly 20 percent permanent reduction per treatment. Hair must be in the anagen, or active growth, stage to respond, and because all hairs are not in that stage at the same time, multiple treatments are required for the best result.
We do not require a minimum number of sessions, packages, or plans. Following the recommended schedule is what gets you to the result you are after.
How long must I wait between treatments?
Treatments are timed to the periods when hair growth is active.
- Face
- Every 4 to 6 weeks
- Underarms and bikini
- Every 6 to 8 weeks
- Chest and back
- Every 6 to 10 weeks
- Arms and legs
- Every 6 to 12 weeks
How much does it cost?
Laser pricing starts at $50 per treatment and varies by area and by the number of treatments you need. Prices are published up front, with no packages, contracts, or memberships. Over a lifetime, laser hair reduction is both faster and less expensive than temporary methods. Starting prices by area are listed below.
Preparation and sun
Shave, skip the sun, and hold off on waxing. The rest is detail.
How should I prepare for my treatment?
- Come in pre-shaved with clean skin. Hair above the surface absorbs laser energy intended for the follicle.
- Avoid waxing, plucking, or depilatory creams for 4 weeks before treatment. Shaving or clipping is fine and expected.
- Darker skin types may need a spot test 1 to 2 weeks before the first treatment.
- Wait 7 to 10 days after microdermabrasion, chemical peels, or injectables.
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds. Wear SPF 30 throughout your course of treatments. Sunless tanning is fine after a treatment, not before.
- If you forget to remove makeup, deodorant, lotion, or cologne, we provide wipes.
Why must I avoid the sun during laser treatments?
The laser targets melanin in the hair shaft. Extra melanin in tanned skin competes for that energy, which can lead to discoloration and blistering. Recent sun or tanning-bed exposure also stimulates melanocytes and raises the risk of hyperpigmentation in the shape of the laser spot.
- Avoid sun exposure and extreme heat for at least 1 week after each treatment.
- Hyperpigmentation is not permanent, but it can take from a few weeks to a year or more to resolve.
- Spray tans and tanning lotions also compete for laser energy. They are safe after a treatment, not before.
Can I have laser over Botox or fillers?
There is no clinical evidence that the Candela Alexandrite laser breaks down Botox or fillers, but heat from the laser might contribute to faster breakdown. We ask that you wait 2 weeks after injectables before having laser in the same area.
Laser starting prices
Priced by area, quoted up front. No packages, no contracts, no memberships.
Starting prices per treatment. Your exact price depends on the size of the area and is confirmed at your free consultation.
| Area | From |
|---|---|
| Lips, chin, neck, face | $50 |
| Arms, underarms | $62 |
| Bikini | $75 |
| Abdomen, torso, chest | $100 |
| Full Brazilian | $100 |
| Full body | Consult |
Not sure which area or how many sessions? A phone consultation is free and there is no obligation.
Ready to book, or still have a question?
Book online, or call 813-944-2445 and a laser specialist will talk through your area, skin type, and how many sessions to expect.