What exactly is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is the most effective and safest way to get rid of unwanted hair. As the name suggests, a specially designed laser is used to remove unwanted hair by damaging follicles and disabling them from producing more hair.

The laser produces energy, which is able to target the hair follicle due to its contrasting color as compared to the surrounding skin. The laser pulses attack the follicles and damage them, preventing their ability to produce new hair. The number of laser hair removal sessions required will depend on the color and coarseness of your hair, hormonal influences, and area of your body. The average number of sessions that it takes to eliminate the vast majority of unwanted hair is five, each spaced four weeks apart. Unlike shaving or waxing yourself at home, the probability of irritation at the treatment site is very minimal and using lasers will help prevent ingrown hairs and razor bumps.

It is possible to treat almost any area of the body, including:

• Armpits

• Back

• Chest

• Face

• Legs

• Bikini

• Neck

• Shoulders

What should I expect?

During the procedure, you will be given protective eyewear and the laser equipment settings will be adjusted for each patient. A cold gel or a cooling device may also be applied to protect outer skin areas during treatment.

During the laser treatment, pulses of light will be delivered in the area being treated and you may feel slight discomfort. This has been described as feeling like a warm pinprick or having a rubber band snapped against your skin. The first treatment tends to cause more discomfort than subsequent treatments.

The procedure itself varies in length depending on the area being treated but can last anywhere from a few minutes up to an hour or longer. The larger the area or areas the longer it will take. Once it’s over you may be given lotions, anti-inflammatory creams, or ice packs for relief of any lingering pain.

How long does it take to see results?

After each sequential treatment, you will see an accumulation of results. Generally, thinning of the hair is the first step, and you can see this after one or two sessions. Once the follicles have been effectively weakened, it may take several days to weeks for the treated hair follicles to completely shed. The hairs do not fall out immediately and during this period, it can look like continued growth is occurring.

Results may depend on factors like hair thickness and density. Laser hair removal is often effective at delaying growth for months or years but doesn’t always result in permanent removal.

After the first treatment, you can expect 10% to 25% less hair than before. Most patients need 2–6 laser treatments. After finishing the treatments, most patients do not see any hair on their treated skin for several months or even years—and when it does grow back, there tends to be much less of it and its color is lighter as well.

How long do results last?

Most people experience hair reduction that lasts for years. When laser hair removal is done correctly, and the person’s skin type matches well with treatment settings, permanent results are possible. But sometimes regrowth occurs—hair may be finer or lighter than before but still visible to the naked eye. If you are young (teens and 20s) or go through a major hormonal change after your original treatments then it is probable that you will develop new hair follicles that produce new hair during your lifetime. This new hair growth cannot be prevented but luckily can be treated with another round of laser hair removal.

What will my skin look like after laser hair removal?

Your skin may look pink for a short time, but often looks like there was nothing done.

How often should it be done?

A series of 2-6 sessions spaced approximately 4-8 weeks apart, depending on the body area. After your skin goals have been reached, it can be done for maintenance when needed

What is the aftercare like?

Your home care is extremely important for the healing process to ensure you heal without complication, and that you maximize the benefits of your treatment! You will be provided with home care instructions and specific products to use during the first few days of healing.

Are there any restrictions on who can be treated?

Not suitable for patients who are pregnant, nursing, or have been on Accutane within the last 6 months.

Prior to the treatment, you should:

• have had a skin consultation

• ensure that you have reviewed this information and that you have had enough opportunity to ask questions and have them answered to your complete satisfaction

• ensure that you have signed the consent form

• start prophylactic antiviral therapy if you have a history of cold sores

• avoid strong topical creams (Retin-A, AHAs, etc.) for at least 2 days before and after treatment

• notify me at your consultation or at your treatment if you have an upcoming important event

On the day of treatment you will/may/should:

• notice that your skin will appear well hydrated and moist immediately after the treatment

• not apply anything to your skin until this moisture is absorbed

• avoid direct sun immediately after treatment until you can apply sunscreen

• delay reintroducing stronger topical retinoid serums/creams for at least 48hrs after your treatment

• drink extra water