Laser Hair Removal FAQ’s: Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?

After having been into Dr. Krummen’s office for multiple facials, I wanted to try something new! I had heard that fall/winter was the best time for hair removal because it gives you plenty of time to go through the process and be ready just in time for summer. Hair removal is something I had always considered, but wasn’t sure if it was for me. I was also wondering is laser hair removal safe? I mean doesn’t everyone consider it at some point or another? I’m sure all of us remember that one specific situation where we forgot to shave our armpits and were mortified the entire time or simply had to skip out on something for that reason.

I specifically remember planning my day around this workout. I was actually dreading showing up because I had just completed a long shift at work, but I pushed my butt to the gym and was really proud of myself when I got there! However, once I started getting ready for class I realized I forgot to shave my armpits.

I was stuck with two options. Option 1, push through the embarrassment and stay for class to get my workout in. However, I would know that the entire hour I would be self conscious and not want to do the exercises that involved raises your arms. Option 2, just head home to save myself the uncomfortable and embarrassing one hour workout class, after working so hard to get myself there in the first place. I went with option two because I refused to ever be known as the girl who doesn’t shave her armpits.

That is simple one example that I vividly remember and just really wished my armpit hair didn’t exist in that moment. If any of you have ever felt that way too, this is the blog post for you.

Common Laser Hair Removal FAQ’s

It’s about time I officially talked about my laser hair removal journey! I’ve done a lot of behind the scenes Instagram stories and have answered many questions on that platform, but who wants to dig through someones highlight reel to find all of that information?

My job is to make your life easier, to give you everything you need to know, and make it easy for you to find information.

Most peoples want to know “is laser hair removal safe?”, “where did you get it done?”, “how much does it cost?”, and “does it hurt?”. Today I will be answered these most commonly asked questions.

Q: “Where did you get your laser hair removal done?”

I got my hair removal done at Dr. Donna Krummen’s Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery by Harper’s Point in Cincinnati. I first began coming to Dr. Krummen’s office to get routine facials. I absolutely love the staff there, and specifically my doctor, Christie who is pictured below.  Everytime I walk into the office, the entire staff greets me, they are very friendly and everyone knows my name. I am not sure if that is a big deal to you, but that’s important to me!

Q: “Does it hurt?”

A simple, but important question. I would say the two reasons people are hesitant about hair removal would be #1 cost and #2 and pain. Some people cost is the most important factor and for other people they are like I’ll pay whatever but beauty isn’t pain for me!

I am totally willing to suffer any pain for long term results, however for me I was hesitant about the cost. We’ll discuss that next!

So, the pain. Let’s just say it definitely was painful but it was 100% bearable. For those of you who have gotten tattoos before, I would say it was a very similar feeling. I have only gotten one tiny tattoo so I would say the hair removal was a little bit more painful, but that’s just because we were covering a larger area.

Have you ever gotten a shot, or stitches or anything that was painful, but you were having a great conversation with your nurse or your friend who came with you and it just made it that much better? That’s how it is when I see Christie. She is so friendly, and we have so much fun talking to one another that it definitely helps take my mind off of the pain.

“Q: What is the cost?”

For those of you brave souls out there who are willing to take on the pain, but are more worried about the cost, I’ve got answers for you. So the cost isn’t pocket change, I’m sure you didn’t expect it to be. However, I am such a long term thinker, so I thought about how much money I would save down the road.

If I got this laser hair removal done now, at the age of 24, I would save so much money on buying razors, I would save time shaving my armpits, and I would never have to leave a workout class again due to embarrassment. This was worth it to me!

This treatment costs $350/treatment and they recommend 3-6 treatments depending on how you respond to the treatments. They offer discounts if you buy a package of 3 services and then for every additional service it’s only $100. I ended up needing 4 services total.

The darker your hair is and the lighter your skin is, the less treatments you will most likely need. I didn’t see 100% no hair until after the fourth treatment, but I did notice significantly less hair after my first treatment.

 

Q: “How long does the treatment last?”

It is a lifetime treatment which is why it’s so worth it to me! However, I have heard that some people may or may not need touch ups treatments down the road.

Q: “How long does the full treatment take?”

As I previously mentioned, a full laser hair removal treatment takes 3-6 sessions depending on the person. You are supposed to wait about 2 months in between sessions.

“Q: Can you shave afterwards?”

You are recommended not to shave right afterwards and to wait as long as you can after the treatment, for the best results. If you wanted to I’m sure you could shave the next day even though you wouldn’t need to!

Q: “What does the healing process look like?”

They give you ice packets immediately following your treatment. I usually don’t need to use them for very long. I would say there isn’t much of a healing process. Your under arms may feel a little bit irritated immediately afterwards, but other than that they are just like normal!

Q: “How long does the treatment take?”

The treatment can last around 30-45 minutes total. It doesn’t feel like very long which is another huge reason I think this service is so worth it.

Final Words

This is hands down one of the best beauty decisions I’ve made thus far! Dr. Krummen and her staff is incredible (especially Christie) and they made this hair removal journey so fun and fulfilling. I highly recommend them and this service. If you stop on in, tell them I sent you!

For more self care spots and treatments around Cincinnati check out the rest of my blog.