Unwanted facial hair can seriously affect your confidence. However, innovative laser light technology makes it easy to remove excess facial hair. This minimally invasive medical procedure eliminates unwelcome fuzz and stubble on your chin, upper lip, and other facial areas.
This article explores the procedure, targeted areas, aftercare regimen, and facial laser hair removal cost.
What Is Facial Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal uses a concentrated beam of light or intense pulsed light (IPL) to remove hair on the face. The most common areas include hair around the mouth, chin, and cheeks.
This non-invasive cosmetic procedure can be performed on other body areas, such as the upper body (e.g., neck, shoulders, belly, armpits) and lower body (e.g., bikini, buttocks, legs, toes).
Note: BBL or BroadBand Light is a more advanced version of IPL. Learn how the IPL and BBL differ.
How Does Facial Laser Hair Removal Work?
The laser emits intense light beams into the hair follicle. The hair pigment called melanin absorbs this light, converting it to heat, which damages the follicle.
The laser pulses target the unwanted hair follicles precisely without compromising the surrounding hair or skin tissue. The treatment temporarily delays or permanently stops hair regrowth.
Note: Read about other hair removal solutions in our articles about laser vs. waxing and electrolysis vs. laser.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Facial Laser Hair Removal?
Both men and women of good overall health can benefit from facial laser hair removal.
Note: Find out more details about laser hair removal for men.
Due to the higher color contrast, this procedure works best for people with dark hair and a lighter skin tone. Today’s more advanced laser technology is also considered safe for people with blonde hair and those with darker skin tones but will most likely require more sessions and may not be as effective.
Skin experts do not recommend laser hair removal during pregnancy due to hormonal shifts that may increase skin sensitivity, disrupt the hair growth cycle, and cause skin inflammation.
Note: Explore and compare seven hair removal methods to find the most suitable solution.
Facial Laser Hair Removal Targeted Areas
Commonly treated areas in a facial hair removal session include the following:
- Upper lips
- Sideburns
- Temples
- Forehead
- Nose
- Cheeks
- Ears
- Chin
- Jaw
- Neck
- Beard
How to Prepare for Facial Laser Hair Removal?
Talk to your medical provider, who will tell you how to prepare for laser hair removal. The following guidelines will help you maximize the results and avoid potential complications.
- Avoid direct sun exposure, self-tanning lotions, and tanning salons before the treatment.
- Stop waxing, tweezing, or plucking your hair for six weeks before the laser session.
- Stop taking medications that may interfere with the procedure or make you more sensitive to light (e.g., blood thinners, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs).
- Clean your skin with gentle products suitable for sensitive skin to avoid possible irritations.
- Shave the treatment area if instructed by your chosen laser technician or doctor.
- Refrain from drinking alcohol 24 hours before the treatment.
- Avoid drinking coffee or caffeinated beverages prior to the treatment.
- Wait at least two weeks after a Botox or dermal filler treatment before scheduling a laser hair removal session.
- Avoid chemical peels in the week leading up to your treatment.
- Postpone the appointment if you have any open cuts or sores on your skin.
What Can You Expect During the Procedure?
A facial laser hair treatment lasts 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the treated area.
You can expect to go through the following steps during the procedure:
- The provider thoroughly cleans your face and neck.
- They apply a numbing gel or a cooling air spray to the treatment area.
- You will wear specially designed goggles for eye protection, and your hair will be covered.
- The practitioner presses a handheld device and aims the laser beam at the specified spot. You may smell the scent of burnt hair and feel a tingling sensation like a sunburn or a rubber band snapped against the skin.
- The provider may apply a soothing cream or gel to the treated area to reduce redness or irritation.
The Results of Facial Laser Hair Removal
Multiple sessions may be required to target hair follicles during different growth stages: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (rest). Noticeable changes in hair growth are visible 2 to 3 weeks after the initial treatment.
You can expect to see full results after completing a series of sessions. The number of touch-up appointments varies depending on hair color, thickness, and individual response to the treatment.
How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last on the Face?
Most patients remain hairless for months or even years after completing a whole round of laser treatments. Hair regrowth may occur, but the hair will be more sparse, thinner, and less noticeable.
A yearly maintenance appointment can help extend the results.
What are the Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal on the Face?
Side effects are mild to moderate and subside on their own after a few days. They include the following:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Skin irritation
More severe side effects and complications are rare. They include the following:
- Pain, discomfort, or tenderness
- Bacterial infections
- Burns
- Crusting
- Blistering
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Scarring
- Skin discoloration
Does Laser Hair Removal on the Face Cause More Hair?
In rare cases, laser hair removal may cause thicker, darker hair growth in the surrounding areas. This condition, known as paradoxical hypertrichosis (PH), affects 0.6% to 10% of the population and is most common on the face and neck.
This risk is higher for patients with an underlying androgen-related hormonal condition.
Facial Laser Hair Removal Aftercare
You can resume normal daily activities immediately after the treatment. Proper laser hair removal aftercare will help you minimize potential risks and speed up the recovery.
- Apply cool compresses to reduce redness and swelling.
- Use cool or lukewarm water to avoid skin irritation.
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect the skin from UV damage.
- Wait at least four weeks before your next treatment.
- Avoid self-tanning lotions, tanning salons, and direct sun exposure.
- Avoid harsh cosmetic products with perfumes and fragrances for 48 hours.
- Refrain from touching, pressing, or squeezing the treated area.
- Avoid tweezing, waxing, or plucking stray hairs.
- Do not apply facial scrubs or facial gels with a granular texture.
- Avoid cosmetic treatments for two weeks.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Seek immediate medical help if the side effects do not subside or get worse. Contact your medical provider if you experience any of the following:
- Prolonged swelling
- Increased pain
- Skin tone changes
- Infection
- Blistering or crusting
Facial Laser Hair Removal Cost
At Vibrant Skin Bar, the prices range from $150 to $350, depending on the size of the treatment area. Facial laser hair removal typically covers a small area.
Conclusion
Facial hair can be tiresome and persistent. Laser treatments are a convenient and effective way of eliminating stray hairs and reducing coarse thick facial hair, and stubble. This minimally invasive cosmetic procedure helps you achieve long-lasting smoothness and regain lost confidence.
For more information, contact our friendly skin experts at Vibrant Skin Bar.
