Many people who are looking for laser hair removal want to know what constitutes a small area. A small area can be anywhere from a few square inches on your face to a couple of feet on your back or chest. Laser technology has come so far that even small areas are now being treated effectively! For example, some treatments can target just one row of hairs along your bikini line, while others may cover up to 15 square inches on your back.
Laser hair removal is an alternative to other forms of permanent hair reduction. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) estimated that more than 2 million individuals in the United States receive laser hair removal treatments every year.
What Are The Areas for Laser Hair Removal?
Although laser hair removal is most commonly performed on the face, it can be used on any part of the body. Areas commonly treated with laser hair removal include:
- Bikini Line
- Upper Lip
- Chin/Neck
- Chest/Breast
- Abdomen
- Underarm(s)
- Back
- Full Back/Sides
- Buttocks (including the crack)
- Hands/Feet
- Knees/Ankles/Toes
- Legs (upper and lower)
- Male Pattern Baldness
Areas that are generally not treated include the eyebrows, eyelashes, eyes, or lips. It is best to avoid tanning before your laser hair removal treatment. Many lasers have difficulty penetrating tanned skin. Also, although there are no absolute contraindications for laser hair removal, it is important to practice good hygiene and keep yourself healthy before your treatment.
You should not get laser hair removal if you have a sunburn or any form of active infection. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under the age of 18, it is best to check with your doctor first.
Most Common Areas For Laser Hair Removal
Ideal areas for laser hair removal are those that respond well to the treatment. Areas with coarser hair growth may require more than one session, especially on darker skin types. Hair colors range from light blonde to black and all hair colors can be treated provided they are dark enough to absorb the laser light. You should consult your physician or cosmetic surgeon to find out if you are a good candidate for laser hair removal.
The following are common areas treated with laser hair removal:
- Back
- Shoulders
- Chest
- Stomach
- Arms
- Buttocks
- Genitals
- Legs
- The Bikini Line
- Underarms
While the above are common areas treated with laser hair removal, it is important to note that all parts of the body can be treated with the exception of directly treating the eyelashes and eyebrows as this could lead to blindness.
Which Are Small Areas for Laser Hair Removal?
Usually, the answer is that anybody part that takes up less than 10 square inches can be considered a small area. There are exceptions to this rule, though. If you have very dark skin or if you’re undergoing hair removal on your face, it may take more treatments to achieve the desired result because of these factors. The underarms, bikini lines, and face are considered small areas for laser hair removal.
The underarms are usually treated by a handheld laser hair removal device. This narrow body part can be treated in twenty minutes with mild discomfort.
The bikini line is also a small area that is usually treated with a handheld device or laser machine in ten to twenty minutes with mild discomfort.
Genital areas are small areas for laser hair removal. However, most patients do not want to treat these areas. Ten to fifteen minutes of treatment time with mild discomfort is normal.
Does The Size of The Area For Laser Hair Removal Affect Pain?
Yes, but each person’s amount and tolerance of pain varies greatly. If you have a low pain threshold or haven’t received laser treatments before, small areas for laser hair removal may cause much more pain than a larger one. Wearing a numbing cream prior to treatment can help a lot with pain, as well as taking ibuprofen or another over-the-counter pain reliever before you have the procedure.
Is A Brazilian Considered A Small Area for Laser Hair Removal?
A Brazilian is considered a small area for laser hair removal. Treating the area can take as little as 10 to 20 minutes and should be performed with the assistance of a medical professional like a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Laser hair removal treatments for this body part tend to be more expensive than others due to its sensitivity and there may be an increased risk of skin discoloration.
Final Words
Larger areas for laser hair removal will require more sessions to get the same results as smaller areas. Laser hair removal can be a quick and easy way to remove unwanted body or facial hair, but what is considered a small area? Smaller areas such as underarms typically don’t cause much discomfort while larger ones like backs may take some time getting used to because there are so many hairs in one spot.
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