How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal uses concentrated light energy to target pigment within the hair follicle. This damages the follicle and reduces its ability to produce future hair growth.
Because hair grows in different cycles, a series of treatments is typically needed to target hairs during the appropriate growth phase. Over the course of treatment, many clients notice that hair grows back more slowly, more sparsely and finer than before.
At Celsius Med Spa STL, your treatment plan is customized based on your skin type, hair characteristics, treatment area and individual goals.
Laser Hair Removal Treatment Areas
Laser hair removal can be used on many areas of the face and body. Your provider will determine whether treatment is appropriate based on your skin type, hair characteristics and treatment area.
Face & Neck — Upper lip, chin, jawline, sideburns and neck.
Underarms — Reduce unwanted underarm hair and the need for frequent shaving.
Bikini & Brazilian — Customized hair reduction based on your preferred treatment area.
Legs — Treat the lower legs, upper legs or full legs.
Arms — Treatment options for the forearms, upper arms or full arms.
Back & Chest — Reduce unwanted hair across larger areas of the torso.
Other Areas — Additional areas may be treated depending on your skin, hair and individual treatment plan.
How Many Laser Hair Removal Sessions Will I Need?
Laser hair removal works best as a series because individual hairs are in different stages of the growth cycle at any given time. Multiple treatments allow your provider to target new hairs as they enter the appropriate growth phase.
The number of sessions you may need varies based on the treatment area, hair color and thickness, skin type, hormones and how your body responds to treatment. Your Celsius Med Spa STL provider will create a personalized treatment schedule based on your goals and progress.
Laser Hair Removal for Different Skin Types
Your skin type plays an important role in determining the safest and most appropriate approach to laser hair removal. Before treatment, your provider will evaluate your skin tone, hair characteristics and treatment area to determine an appropriate treatment plan.
Celsius Med Spa STL uses the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Scale as part of this evaluation. Clients with Fitzpatrick skin types IV–VI require a complimentary consultation and test spot before their first laser hair removal treatment.
Not Sure What Your Skin Type Is?
That's okay—you don't need to determine it yourself before booking. Our team can evaluate your skin and hair during your consultation and explain the treatment approach recommended for you.
Laser Hair Removal FAQs
How many laser hair removal treatments will I need?
Laser hair removal typically requires a series of treatments because hair grows in different cycles. The number of sessions varies based on the treatment area, hair characteristics, skin type, hormones and individual response. Your provider will recommend a treatment schedule based on your needs.
How long does a laser hair removal appointment take?
Treatment time depends on the size and number of areas being treated. Smaller areas such as the upper lip or underarms can be treated relatively quickly, while larger areas such as the legs or back require more time.
Does laser hair removal hurt?
You may feel warmth, snapping or a mild stinging sensation during treatment. Comfort levels vary depending on the treatment area and individual sensitivity. Your provider can explain what to expect before beginning treatment.
How should I prepare for laser hair removal?
You'll generally be asked to shave the treatment area before your appointment and avoid waxing or plucking beforehand so the laser can target the hair follicle. Your provider will give you specific preparation instructions based on your treatment area and skin type.
Can I shave between laser hair removal treatments?
Yes. Shaving is generally the preferred method of hair removal between treatments because it does not remove the hair follicle being targeted during your laser sessions. Avoid waxing or plucking unless your provider tells you otherwise.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
Laser hair removal is designed to provide long-term hair reduction, but results vary and some hair may eventually regrow. Maintenance treatments may be recommended depending on your individual response, treatment area and hormonal changes.
Can laser hair removal be used on all hair colors?
Laser hair removal works by targeting pigment in the hair, so treatment effectiveness can vary significantly with hair color. Your provider will evaluate your hair and skin characteristics to determine whether laser hair removal is an appropriate option for you.
Can I get laser hair removal if I have darker skin?
Laser treatment requires careful consideration of skin type and the technology and settings being used. At Celsius Med Spa STL, clients with Fitzpatrick skin types IV–VI receive a complimentary consultation and test spot before their first treatment.
Laser Hair Removal Pre & Post Care
Proper preparation and aftercare can help support a safe and effective laser hair removal treatment. Please follow these guidelines before and after your appointment. Your Celsius Med Spa STL provider may give you additional instructions based on your skin type, treatment area and individual needs.
Before Your Laser Hair Removal Appointment
4 Weeks Before Treatment
Avoid waxing, tweezing, threading or using an epilator on the treatment area. These methods remove the hair from the follicle, which needs to be present for laser treatment.
Shaving is okay between appointments and is the preferred method of hair removal during your treatment series.
2 Weeks Before Treatment
Avoid excessive sun exposure and tanning in the treatment area. This includes tanning beds and self-tanning products.
Let your provider know about any recent sun exposure or changes in your skin tone before treatment.
Before Your Appointment
Shave the treatment area approximately 24 hours before your appointment unless your Celsius provider gives you different instructions.
Avoid applying lotions, oils, deodorant, makeup or other topical products to the treatment area on the day of your appointment when possible.
Tell your provider about any medications, supplements or topical products you are currently using, particularly anything that may increase sensitivity to light.
Let your provider know if you have experienced any recent skin irritation, infection, rash, open wound or other changes in the treatment area.
After Your Laser Hair Removal Appointment
Temporary redness, warmth, sensitivity or mild swelling around the hair follicles can occur after laser hair removal.
Avoid excessive heat, including hot tubs, saunas and very hot showers, for the period recommended by your provider.
Avoid strenuous exercise if your provider recommends doing so following treatment, particularly if the treatment area is irritated or sensitive.
Protect the treated area from sun exposure and follow your provider's recommendations for sunscreen.
Avoid picking, scratching or aggressively exfoliating the treated skin while it is sensitive.
Hair in the treated area may appear to continue growing before gradually shedding. Avoid waxing or plucking these hairs between treatments. Shaving is okay once the skin is comfortable enough to do so.
Follow your provider's recommendations regarding skincare products, exfoliation and when to resume your normal routine.
Between Laser Hair Removal Treatments
Continue shaving rather than waxing, tweezing or plucking the treatment area.
Follow the treatment schedule recommended by your provider so sessions can target hair during different stages of the growth cycle.
Continue protecting the treatment area from excessive sun exposure throughout your treatment series.
Tell your provider about significant changes to your medications, skin condition, sun exposure or health before your next treatment.
When to Contact Us
Contact Celsius Med Spa STL if you have questions about your recovery or experience symptoms that are more severe or persistent than expected following treatment.
Seek medical attention for severe pain, significant blistering, burns, rapidly worsening skin changes or other severe symptoms following treatment.
Laser Hair Removal in Brentwood, MO
Celsius Med Spa STL is located at 1760 S Brentwood Blvd in Brentwood, Missouri. We provide personalized laser hair removal treatments for clients throughout Brentwood, Clayton, Richmond Heights, Maplewood, Webster Groves and the greater St. Louis area.
Whether you're looking to reduce unwanted hair on a small area or want to treat multiple areas of the face and body, our team will create a treatment plan based on your skin type, hair characteristics and individual goals.
Knowing your skin type is very important for a safe and effective treatment. Please complete the questionnaire below to determine your skin type prior to scheduling your 1st appointment. Darker skin tones naturally contain more melanin or pigment and absorbs more light, so for your safety we require skin types 4-6 to complete a complimentary consultation and test-spot prior to your 1st treatment.
