The Ins and Outs of Laser Hair Removal for the Face, Neck & Ears
Face and neck hair is a common concern that affects both women and men. It can be embarrassing, annoying, and painful – causing emotional stress and impacting self-esteem.
Reasons for unwanted hair include hormonal imbalances and genetics. Patients who typically want to remove excessive or unwanted face, neck, or ear hair often have:
- Hormonal imbalances
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Darker skin tones
- Dark, thick, coarse hair
While traditional hair removal methods like waxing, plucking, tweezing, and shaving offer temporary fixes, they often lead to irritation, ingrown hairs, and a never-ending cycle of expenses to reduce the presence of face and/or neck hair.
For patients who want long lasting reduction of face, ear, and neck hair, laser hair removal provides a 75%-90% reduction of hair and painful ingrown hairs, leading to overall smoother skin. Read on to find out more on laser face and neck hair removal, how to prepare for it, and what to expect during and after treatment.
How Laser Face, Neck & Ear Hair Removal Works
During laser hair removal for the face and/or neck, the laser’s heat energy is absorbed by the melanin of the hair follicle, causing permanent damage that slows or stops hair growth[10]. It’s ideal for treating the uniqueness of each patient’s face and personal situation, including those with hormonal imbalances, PCOS, darker skin tones, and dense, coarse hair.
Who Should Get Laser Hair Removal for Face, Neck or Ears?
Anyone bothered by unwanted hair is a potential candidate. That said, here is a closer look at those who commonly pursue this treatment:
- Women with Hormonal Imbalance: Overproduction of testosterone levels can mean excess hair in unwanted places, even resulting in beards similar to men.
- Individuals with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome): This hormonal disorder, prevalent among women of reproductive age, can lead to serious health concerns such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. It often causes increased hair growth in unwanted areas[88].
- People with Darker Skin Tones: At WIFH, 42% of our patients (52 nationalities) come from diverse backgrounds. We have experience in treating all skin types without compromising safety or results. Those of Asian, South Asian, or Indian descent typically have dark hair on their faces, but the hair is very fine on the cheeks and coarse on the lip, chin, and sideburns. Thicker hairs respond to the laser better than finer hairs.
- Those with Dark, Thick, Coarse Hair: This hair type – prone to causing ingrown hairs and skin irritation – responds well to laser treatment. Ingrown hairs often cause uncomfortable bumps and skin discoloration which can lead to infections (Pseudofolliculitis Barbae). This is a common condition seen in our African and African American patients, whereby the hair curls and reenters the skin causing irritated bumps and often discoloration in the skin.
Benefits of Laser Hair Removal vs. Traditional Methods
Laser hair removal offers several advantages over conventional hair removal techniques.
Reduced Bumps
Achieve smoother skin without the discomfort of razor bumps, making the skin look so much better.
Elimination of Ingrown Hairs
Many men and women use clippers instead of razors due to ingrown hairs. Laser hair removal reduces discoloration and other pain caused by ingrown hairs.
Boost in Confidence
Many patients – especially women dealing with noticeable facial or neck hair – find a significant improvement in self-esteem. The lack of bumps or ingrown hairs means it doesn’t “look” like you’ve shaved. And with certain patients, we’ve witnessed a significant transformation in confidence throughout the treatment process. It’s a very rewarding experience for us.
Less Maintenance
Laser face and/or neck hair removal significantly reduces the need for constant upkeep. Once the treatment cycle is completed, patients will enjoy long-lasting smoothness – freeing them from the daily or weekly routines of shaving or waxing.
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Preparing for Laser Hair Removal of Your Face, Ears, or Neck
Prepping for face and/or neck laser hair removal is a fairly simple process for patients. We ask that the patient shaves the face or neck area the night before each of the 8 treatments to help maximize the effectiveness of the laser in damaging the hair follicle.
Upon arriving at WIFH for treatment, patients should ensure their faces and/or necks are thoroughly cleansed and free of any makeup, lotions or sunscreen. This applies especially to lotion/sunscreen products with any tints darker than their natural skin tone, and for patients who wear makeup with a thicker consistency like MAC Cosmetics or Chanel. These products can get deep into the pores and hair follicles, increasing the risk of hyperpigmentation, burns, and blisters.
What Laser Hair Removal Feels Like on Your Face, Ears & Neck
Laser hair removal isn’t that painful of a process, especially compared to waxing. It’s often compared to the sensation of a rubber band lightly snapping against the skin. Any discomfort disappears after each laser pulse.
For those sensitive to the procedure, our medical specialists can provide a numbing cream upon request. However, we encourage our patients to experience the first session without numbing cream to gauge comfort level.
Treatment Duration & Immediate Aftercare
Each face and/or neck laser hair removal session is quick – typically lasting between 15 and 30 minutes. To achieve comprehensive results, we perform a series of 8 sessions spaced at least 6 weeks apart. This efficient process is designed with convenience in mind, easily integrated into the busiest of schedules.
Following treatment, individuals can resume normal activities. There are no restrictions on exercise and patients can apply makeup immediately following the treatment.
- Calm Your Skin: WIFH offers aloe vera and sunscreen immediately following treatment to soothe your skin.
- Avoid the Sun: Patients should stay out of the sun for the first 24-48 hours.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and use a gentle, scent-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
Risks & Side Effects
As with any medical procedure, there are some risks associated with getting face and/or neck laser hair removal. Commonly, patients may experience minor redness and irritation in the treated areas – similar to mild sunburn. These symptoms are usually temporary and go away within a few hours to days post-treatment.
On a rare occasion, an individual might notice temporary changes in skin pigmentation – with lighter skin possibly developing dark spots and darker skin showing lighter spots. These will also go away. Once in a blue moon, there could be blistering or changes in skin texture, but such instances are very uncommon.
Expected Results
While you will never be 100% hair-free, upon completion of the 8 laser sessions performed by one of our experienced and licensed Laser Practitioners, patients can expect a 75%-90% permanent reduction in hair growth[11].
We always advise patients treating their faces and/or necks that on-going treatments will likely be necessary to keep that hair at bay. This is because face and neck hair growth are hormonally driven. Patients may need 1-4 touch up treatments per year, but this varies individually.
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Cost of Laser Hair Removal for the Face, Neck & Ears
WIFH offers 8-session laser treatment packages for both men and women. The cost will vary depending on the area being treated, with prices ranging from $900 to $2,000 for partial face and full-face treatment, and $900 to $2,400 for the front and back of the neck.
| Men's Packages | Price Includes 8-Sessions | December 40% OFF |
|---|---|---|
| Face | $2,712 | $1,627 |
| Neck (front or back) | $1,760 | $1,056 |
| Neck (front and back) | $2,208 | $1,325 |
| Ears (Both) | $1,160 | $696 |
| Face and Neck | $2,800 | $1,680 |
| Women's Packages | Price Includes 8-Sessions | December 40% OFF |
|---|---|---|
| Chin | $1,288 | $773 |
| Neck (front or back) | $1,544 | $926 |
| Neck (front AND back) | $2,208 | $1,325 |
| Sideburns | $1,088 | $653 |
| Upper Lip | $1,160 | $696 |
Compared to other hair removal methods – such as shaving or waxing – that come with lifelong costs and effort, laser hair removal offers significant long-term savings.
We also provide discounted pricing for patients who choose to have laser hair removal on more areas of the body in addition to their face and/or neck, including:
- Arms & Underarms
- Back & Shoulders
- Bikini/Brazilian
- Buttocks
- Chest, Breasts & Nipples (Areola)
- Chin & Upper Lip
- Hands & Feet
- Legs
Flexible payment options are available. Please visit our Pricing page to view our current monthly specials.
Get a Consultation for Ear, Neck & Facial Laser Hair Removal in Atlanta
Choosing WIFH for your face, neck or ear hair removal means opting for unparalleled expertise in a welcoming and professional environment. Our track record of success – evidenced by testimonials and repeat family visits – speaks to our practitioners’ 90+ years of combined experience and our commitment to excellence.
We aren’t exaggerating when we say that face and/or neck laser hair removal can change your life. We’ve seen it with countless patients over the years. Find out if the procedure will work for you by requesting a complimentary consultation with one of our licensed Laser Practitioners who will discuss your goals, medical history, and provide a thorough assessment to build a treatment plan specific to you.
