treatment
Laser Hair Removal
Unwanted hair is a common problem, for both men and women. Laser hair removal gives you effective, permanent hair reduction anywhere on your body including the face, legs, back, underarms or bikini line. Treatments are quick and easy, letting you get back to your everyday activities.
Hair removal can be time-consuming, inconvenient, and often painful. Free yourself from the constant need to shave and wax unwanted facial and body hair and feel your best. Laser technology has brought us a permanent solution to remove unwanted hair, leaving skin feeling smooth and healthy.
How Laser Hair Removal Works
During laser hair removal, a laser device emits light energy that travels through the skin and is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle and hair shaft. Pigments are the substances that give skin and hair its color. This energy damages the hair follicle, which impairs its ability to grow.
Hair follicles that are in the anagen, or active growth phase, have more pigment and absorb more energy, and typically respond best to treatments. For this reason, it takes multiple treatments to achieve the best results – it’s important to “catch” your hair in this active growth phase when you are receiving treatments.
benefits
Safe and effective on all skin types
Results may be seen after one treatment
Permanent hair reduction
No downtime
Laser Hair Removal Procedure
During the procedure, the provider will guide the device over the treatment area. The laser will emit gentle pulses of energy that are delivered into your skin and hair follicles.
The hair follicles that absorb the energy from the laser will be damaged. Hairs that were present in the follicles at the time of treatment will fall out over the next couple of weeks and future hair growth will be impaired. Since not all hairs are actively growing at the same time, a single procedure will not treat all of the hair follicles in the area. As the follicles in the transitional and resting periods return to the active growth phase, you may notice some hair regrowth but not as thick as it was before the treatment. This regrowth will become thinner and lighter with each subsequent treatment until there is little to no hair at all.
What To Expect On The Day Of Treatment
You must shave prior to your consultation and minimize sun exposure if you would like to get started the same day as your consultation if time allows. Typically, there is little to no downtime after laser hair removal treatments, and it is so quick and easy patients can come on their lunch breaks.
Before the laser is used, a gel is applied to your skin where you will receive treatment. The treatment will begin with the provider guiding the laser handpiece over the treatment area. You will feel cooling while the handpiece is gliding over the treatment area to provide a comfortable session. You may also feel a slight rubber-band-like snapping when the energy is being delivered into your skin and hair follicles. The discomfort is over almost immediately, and treatments take just a few minutes depending on the size of the area.
After the treatment, the gel will be removed, and after-care will be applied to your skin. Bandages and ointments are not necessary after laser hair removal due to the nature of the treatments being so non-invasive. For a few days after your treatment, you may feel like you have a mild sunburn but can resume all your normal day-to-day activities immediately following treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Hair Removal
Can anyone have this treatment?
Laser hair removal is effective on individuals with dark hair anywhere on their face or body. Individuals with very light or gray hair are not ideal candidates however, an at-home melanin enhancement topical may be available to improve the effectiveness of the treatment. Any skin color can be treated, as the laser is effective on light and dark skin types. Speak with one of our providers to discuss if you are a good candidate.
How many treatments will I need?
Since your hair grows in three stages, several treatments are needed to affect all the unwanted hair. The number of treatments can vary between individuals, depending on the amount of hair, the area to be treated, skin color, hair color and hair coarseness.
Typically, 6+ treatments are needed but this will depend on several factors. One of our providers can give you a more specific treatment plan during your consultation.
How much does the treatment cost?
Treatment costs vary depending on the size of the area to be treated.
How does the laser work?
The laser emits powerful light energy that targets and heats hair follicles. After treatment, the follicles are permanently unable to produce new hairs, or can only produce thin, fine hairs that are virtually invisible.
What does the treatment feel like?
Most people feel only a slight “snap” like a rubber band at the treatment site during the procedure. You will also feel cooling on your skin as the handpiece glides over the treatment area.
How far apart are treatment sessions?
It depends on which area is getting treated. In general, face, underarms, arms, and bikini are approximately 4-6 weeks apart. Back, chest, and legs are approximately 6-8 weeks apart.
Can I shave in between laser hair removal sessions?
Yes. In fact, the area needs to be freshly shaved before your treatment session. However, you should not wax or tweeze the hair between treatment sessions.
How quickly will I recover?
You can resume regular daily activities immediately following treatment.
Are there any side effects?
Typically, most people experience a mild, sunburn-like sensation, possibly accompanied by some minor redness and/or swelling immediately following the treatment. This usually lasts 2-24 hours. We will discuss any other possible side effects and the necessary post-treatment care with you during the consultation.