Laser Hair Removal

What is Laser Hair Removal?


Laser hair removal is a procedure by which hair is removed from the body by utilizing a long pulse laser. Lasers are developed and designed from years of research. Laser hair removal is performed by a specially trained laser specialist or doctor who distributes the light of a laser onto the skin.

How many treatments are necessary?

The number of treatments needed to acquire certain results depends on the density of the hair as well as the hair color and will vary from patient to patient. Discussing this is always recommended.

Who is a candidate?

Those who desire to remove unattractive, unwanted and excessive hair. Lasers works best on pale skin with dark course hair. The closer you are to this combination the better your results will be.

Which areas of the body can be treated?

Lasers may be used on many areas of the body but are usually used on the face, neck, chest, back, arms, legs, torso and bikini area.

Are the treatments permanent?

The general opinion is that laser hair removal is permanent. The FDA approved it as “permanent reduction” but it does not work on everyone. Generally, this means you should not expect the laser to remove every single hair from an area. Most people need to follow up with electrolysis treatments for any remaining hairs for complete clearance as hair becomes too fine for a laser to target. Some may also need touch-up treatments 1-2 times a year after the initial set of treatments for any new hair growth your body develops with age.

How is the procedure performed?

Treatment begins by applying a topical cream to numb the treatment area about an hour prior to treatment. This is to keep the patient comfortable during the procedure. It may be recommended to have hair trimmed or shaved in the area you desire to have treated. The laser works by disabling hairs that are in their active growth cycle at the time of treatment. Lasers designed for permanent hair reduction emit wavelengths of light designed to be absorbed by the pigment in the hair. While the laser emits a beam that only heats the hair shaft, heat is transmitted from the hair shaft to the surrounding tissue for several milliseconds after the laser pulse. If the surrounding skin is relatively light compared to the color of the hair, then the entire energy of the laser will be concentrated in the hair shaft, effectively destroying it without affecting the skin or follicle. Hair removal lasers target the dark pigment in the hair. That is why laser hair removal works best on light skin and dark course hair. Since other hairs will enter their growth cycle at different times, several treatments are necessary to disable all of the follicles in a given area.

What should be expected during recovery from treatment?

After the treatment has concluded, you should apply a topical to sooth the skin for a few days. Within 2-4 weeks, you should experience shedding of all treated hair. At first, hair will look like it is growing back in, but is just coming through the skin to shed. Shedding starts at about -2 weeks and can last until 4 weeks post-treatment or so. Exfoliating and/or scrubbing gently in the shower with a loofa can help speed up the process. After shedding finishes, you might experience little black dots still “stuck” in the skin. These are commonly referred to as “pepper spots” and will shed eventually, but it might take a bit longer. You can exfoliate to help those out as well.

When will results be apparent?

After shedding occurs, you should experience a hair free period for a few weeks, until the next set of hair that was dormant begins to come in. Once you have enough growth, go in for another treatment. This usually happens within 6-10 weeks post-treatment. This process is continued until the remaining hairs are too fine for laser to target or until you have reached your desired reduction.

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