Procedures
Laser Hair Removal
What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser Hair Removal is the use of laser or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) energy to destroy hair follicles beneath the surface of the skin and produce long-term hair reduction.
Common areas of treatment for men and women include the legs, chest, face, abdomen, back, bikini line and underarms.
What are the advantages of having Laser Hair Removal?
- Longer lasting results than other temporary hair removal methods (waxing, shaving, etc...).
- Laser uses a wide beam that treats many hairs at once instead of treating hair-by-hair like electrolysis. Large areas can be treated in a short period of time.
- Is a safe, fast, gentle and effective method for permanent hair reduction.
Who is a good candidate for Laser Hair Removal?
- If you have unwanted hair on any part of your body
- The lighter your skin tone, the easier it is to achieve hair reduction
- The darker your hair color, the easier it is to achieve hair reduction
What does a Laser Hair Removal treatment involve?
The light, which is directed at the hair follicles in the area of treatment, penetrates the skin and is absorbed by the follicle beneath the hair. As the light is absorbed, it is converted to heat, which in-turn produces inflammation - destroying the hair follicle's ability to grow new hair.
Laser or IPL hair removal needs to be performed in stages because hair grows in stages. It is only in its active stage of growth that hair can be removed successfully.
The treatment does have a slight prickly or stinging sensation. Most of our patients are able to tolerate the treatment without difficulty. However, since every person's level of sensitivity is different and treatment areas may vary, a topical numbing crème is available.
How long does a Laser Hair Removal treatment take?
Treatment time depends on the number and size of areas you wish to have treated.
How many Laser Hair Removal treatments are required?
Most of our patients are able to discontinue treatments, knowing they will probably need an occasional touchup, after an average of 5-6 treatments. This is providing that the recommended treatment schedule is followed. It is also important to understand, results may vary depending on the individuals hair type, their stress levels, certain medications and different hormone levels. Keeping in mind some individuals require fewer treatments and some will require more treatments depending on the results desired.
How long does it take to recover from Laser Hair Removal?
There is no downtime although you will need to keep the treated areas out of the sun directly after treatment.
The treated areas will redden and is the desired skin reaction. The redness usually subsides within a few minutes to a few hours and returns to normal. Since the laser is not invasive in any way, no bandages are necessary. You are able to reapply your make-up, return to work, and continue with your normal daily activities immediately following treatment.
When can I expect to see results from my Laser Hair Removal?
After your initial treatment, you should notice a reduction of hair. However, it will take 2-4 weeks for the treated hair to push its way to the surface and fall out. With each treatment, the hair in the active growing phase will be effectively treated. A follow up appointment is scheduled in 4-6 weeks after each treatment. It is important to keep your follow-up appointments to achieve optimal results. You should notice a significant if not complete reduction after your series of treatments have been completed.
When can I go back to work/resume my normal activities after having Laser Hair Removal?
Immediately - there is no downtime.
How long will the results from having Laser Hair Removal last?
The FDA has cleared laser hair removal regardless of the laser for "Permanent Hair Reduction" only. Based on our experience we believe that the hair treated will probably not re-grow. Each individual's treatment response may be different because of their hair or skin type and that they have between 500 and 1000 follicles per square inch, of which many are dormant at the time of treatment, we have no way of knowing if and when they may start growing due to stress levels, certain medications and different hormone levels.
What are my alternatives to having Laser Hair Removal?
- Hair removal using IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) technology for permanent hair reduction.
- Electrolysis
- Temporary methods include: tweezing, waxing, shaving or chemical depilation.
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