Laser hair removal is one of the most requested treatments at our med spa in Tampa, FL, and also one of the most misunderstood. Below, we answer the questions patients ask most, from how the treatment works to how many sessions it actually takes.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal targets the pigment inside the hair follicle. When the laser energy reaches that pigment, it converts to heat and damages the follicle enough to slow or stop future hair growth.
Because the treatment affects every follicle in the area at once, most patients experience long-term permanent reduction in hair growth after a full series. That's different from a claim of total permanent removal. Some fine or lighter hairs can return over time, which is why many patients schedule occasional maintenance sessions.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Hair grows in cycles, and laser energy only affects follicles that are in their active growth phase at the moment of treatment. Because not every hair is in that phase at once, a single session can't treat everything.
Most patients need six to eight sessions, spaced several weeks apart, to see full results. We'll build your treatment plan based on the area being treated, your hair density, and your skin type. We won't promise an exact number of sessions before your first consultation.
What Areas Can I Treat With Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal works for both men and women who want to reduce facial hair, ingrown hairs, razor bumps, and the routine of regular shaving. Common treatment areas include the underarms, face, back, chest, arms, legs, and bikini area.
A meaningful share of our laser hair removal patients are men treating the chest, back, or underarm area.
We use the SplendorX laser system for hair removal, a dual-wavelength device combining Nd:YAG and Alexandrite technology. Learn more on our laser hair removal page. The dual-wavelength design treats a broader range of skin tones than single-wavelength lasers, which matters in a market as diverse as Tampa Bay.
How Long Do Laser Hair Removal Sessions Take?
Session length depends on the size of the area being treated. Small areas like the upper lip or chin usually take five to ten minutes. Areas like the underarms or bikini line take about ten minutes. Larger areas such as the legs, back, or arms can take thirty minutes or more, depending on hair density.
Compared to a lifetime of shaving week after week, a full laser hair removal series is a fairly small time investment for a long-term result.
Who Performs Laser Hair Removal at Our Med Spa?
All laser treatments at our practice are performed by clinicians licensed by the State of Florida, under the oversight of Medical Director Dr. Jorge Leal, who has practiced in the Tampa Bay area for more than sixteen years.
We've completed more than 70,000 treatments since opening in Odessa in February 2004, and we hold a 4.9-star rating across 142 verified patient reviews. Your candidacy for laser hair removal, including your skin type and treatment goals, gets reviewed at consultation before any session is scheduled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are quick answers to a few more questions we hear often about laser hair removal.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
Laser hair removal produces long-term permanent reduction in hair growth, not guaranteed total permanent removal. Multiple sessions are required to treat hair in different phases of the growth cycle, and most patients see significant, lasting reduction after a complete series.
What laser device do you use?
We use the SplendorX, a dual-wavelength laser system combining Nd:YAG and Alexandrite technology. The dual-wavelength design allows treatment across a broader range of skin tones compared to single-wavelength devices.
How many sessions will I need?
Most patients need six to eight sessions, spaced several weeks apart, depending on the treatment area, hair color, and skin type. We'll build a personalized plan at your consultation.
Can I get laser hair removal during the summer in Florida?
Yes. We treat patients year-round with the right precautions in place. For more on that, see our guide on getting laser treatments during a Florida summer.
Book Your Laser Hair Removal Consultation
If you're ready to build a laser hair removal plan around your skin and your goals, we'd love to help. New clients receive 10% off their first visit. Call us at (813) 922-3417 to get started.
