How Many Laser Hair Removal Treatments Will I Need?

Laser hair removal has come a long way since the days when only patients with pale skin tones and dark, coarse hair were candidates. With advances in technology and technique, almost anyone can achieve some measure of successful hair removal. At Alamo Ranch, we have all the answers to your questions so you can get started.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Successful laser hair removal begins with the laser. At Alamo Ranch, we use the Cutera Xeo® laser for patients. The Cutera Xeo® targets the pigment in the follicle and penetrates actively growing hairs to compromise their structure and facilitate shedding. 

With the follicle itself shedding, the hair does not grow back. The length of your treatment sessions depends on the size of the treatment area and the thickness, darkness, and texture of the hair removed. 

Every patient is unique, so we create a treatment plan during your comprehensive consultation so you know what’s involved with your hair removal goals before you start.

We treat the following areas:

• Face (except for around the eyes)
• Arms and underarms
• Legs
• Back
• Abdomen
• Bikini area

Am I a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

If you are tired of shaving, waxing, and plucking your hair, you may be a good candidate for laser hair removal at Alamo Ranch. Patients with gray, white, red, or blond hair may not be good candidates as there may not be enough pigment to target. 

How Many Laser Hair Removal Treatments Will I Need?

This is one of the most common laser hair removal questions; unfortunately, the answer isn’t straightforward. It depends on the patient. Hair follicles exist in three phases: active, dormant, and transitional. Only hair in the active phase, about 10-25% of the hair follicles in the treatment zone, receives the laser’s energy in a way that removes the hair. 

As soon as those follicles begin to shed, your body kicks the dormant and transitional follicles into the active phase to compensate for the lost hair. The new hair growth is completely normal, but it’s also why you’ll possibly need between 2-6 treatments or more to reach your goals for hair removal.

Each treatment session is spaced 8-12 weeks apart to give your body time to heal, and at your next session, we target the newly active follicles. This process repeats until each follicle in the treatment area has been targeted. 

There’s also the chance hormone changes in the future may increase hair growth in an already treated location, so you may need to return for follow-up treatments. Typically, about once a year seems optimal. Each patient is unique and may have different requirements.

What Results Will I See After Laser Hair Removal?

Most patients who undergo their recommended number of laser hair removal sessions successfully remove the majority of follicles in the treatment area. There may be a few downy hairs that remain or the occasional need to pluck a strand or two, but for the most part, the hair is gone for the long term.

Don’t spend any more time or money on shaving, plucking, or waxing. Dr. Sanchez can get you ready for summer with a laser hair removal plan that works.

Take the Next Step

If you have further questions about laser hair removal, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at Alamo Ranch Laser Aesthetics. Call us at (210) 999-9588 or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to helping you.