Outline the Process

Before laser treatment, clients shave the treatment area the night before or morning of treatment. Historically, clients would opt for a numbing cream to aid in pain management, but the technology we use applies a cooling spray of cryogen immediately prior to the laser which helps in how the treatment feels. We adjust the laser parameters according to a client's skin type and the color, coarseness, and location of the hair being treated.

Once the treatment is complete, aloe is applied and cold packs can be used to reduce the heat and energy response. Redness, bumpiness, and a slight sunburn sensation may be present for a couple of hours post-treatment and up to a day or two. The hair that was treated begins to push up and out of the follicle 1-2 weeks post-treatment. Laser hair reduction appointments are generally scheduled four to six weeks apart, and you can continue treatment until you are satisfied with the results which often come in 6-10 treatments

Laser Hair Reduction Side Effects

Because this process requires a laser to pass over large patches of skin, it is important to acknowledge the potential risks and side effects. 

1. Irritated Skin: Skin irritation, discomfort, redness, and other sunburn-like symptoms after laser hair reduction. The irritation generally disappears within 2 - 24 hours.

2. Bumps: You might experience small bumps or pimples around the hair follicles. This is totally normal, do not pick or scratch at them. 

3. Histamine Response: You may experience an allergic/histamine response. If this happens, you can take an over the counter antihistamine. Let your technician know about this. 

4. Things to Avoid: Avoid sunbathing for 4-6 weeks following treatment. Avoid swimming in chlorine, heat treatments like hot tubs and saunas, and spa treatments for 2-4 days after treatments. Do not use deodorant or moisturizer if they sting.   

Is It Permanent?

Many clients ask if laser hair reduction is permanent. We like to say that the hair we treat today that is actively growing does not grow back. There are several factors that affect lasting hair reduction outcomes: number of sessions, frequency of sessions, and hormones affecting hair growth over time. Hair on our body is not all growing at once, so we can only treat pigmented hair that is actively growing at the time of treatment. Folks increase their chance of success by having visits at the optimal intervals and by having the number of sessions that catch each wave of hair growth.

Memberships & Pricing

Our approach to laser hair reduction pricing is unique. Most laser hair reduction facilities have you pay by body area and define that area for you, which means removing hair outside of that predetermined area can cost you a whole lot of money. At Mill City Laser, we have created a membership model meant to stretch your dollar further. We offer month-to-month memberships and the purchase of time which allows you to define your own treatment area.

We do a monthly membership because each body area needs six to eight treatments spaced four to six weeks apart. We allow our clients to move within the memberships as it makes sense for their goals and there are no cancellation fees. There is a sign-up fee initially.

Which Membership is Right for me?

Selecting a monthly membership that is best for you can be confusing or bring up questions. If you would like some guidance or to compare our prices with traditional laser hair reduction centers, use our membership selection helper.