Permanently reduce the appearance of hair 

 

Excessive hair growth (also called hirsutism) can occur in both men and women, although the effects are most noticeable with women. People who experience hirsutism usually have excessive growth of dark, coarse body hair that may appear on the face, chest, abdomen, back, and other unwanted regions.

The cause of excessive hair growth varies with the individual. Common causes include genetics, endocrine disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome, and medications such as hormones, steroids, and birth control pills. It can be normal depending on race and geographic origin, especially when it runs in families. Some rare causes include menopause, puberty, pregnancy, ovarian tumor, and drugs.

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What is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is a treatment designed to stop the future growth of hair in treated areas. It can be used on several parts of the body, and both women and men regularly use this form of treatment.

 

How does laser hair removal work?

Laser hair removal is one of the most commonly done cosmetic procedures in the U.S. It beams highly concentrated light into hair follicles. Pigment in the follicles absorb the light, which destroys the hair. Lasers can selectively target dark, coarse hairs while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged. Each pulse of the laser takes a fraction of a second and can treat many hairs at the same time. The laser can treat an area approximately the size of a quarter every second. Small areas such as the upper lip can be treated in less than a minute, and large areas, such as the back or legs, may take up to an hour. The lasers used in our offices can safely and effectively treat all skin types. 

 

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What areas can be treated?

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Lasers are useful for removing unwanted hair from these approved body areas:

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• Face (eye brows, cheeks, sideburns, upper lip, lower face etc.)

• Chin

• Neck (front and/or back)

• Under Arm (forearms, upper bicep, and/or arm pit)

• Hands & Fingers

• Back (full or lower)

• Chest

• Breasts

• Legs (thighs, knee and lower including toes)

• Bikini line/Brazillian

• Buttocks

 

How many treatments will I need?

Most patients have permanent hair reduction after an average of 4 to 12 sessions depending on the area.

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How long will it take to recover?

For a day or two afterward, the treated area of your skin will look and feel like it’s sunburned. Cool compresses and moisturizers may help. If your face was treated, you can wear makeup the next day.

 

What will my treatment consist of?

Depending on the laser or light source used, you and our esthetician will need to wear appropriate eye protection. It will also be necessary to protect the outer layers of your skin with a cold gel or special cooling device. This will help the laser light penetrate the skin. Next, she will give a pulse of light to the treatment area and watch the area for several minutes to make sure the best settings were used and to check for bad reactions. When the procedure is completed, you may be given ice packs, anti-inflammatory creams or lotions, or cold water to ease any discomfort. You may schedule your next treatment four to six weeks later. You’ll get treatments until hair stops growing.

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How do I care for my skin after the treatment?

You should avoid sun exposure for six weeks before and after treatment. Sun exposure makes laser hair removal less effective and makes complications after treatment more likely. Make sure you are applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 daily. Lasered skin is vulnerable to direct sunlight and may be prone to darkening. This is especially important in those with dark skin. You’ll also want to avoid heat treatment like hot showers, steam rooms and sauna for at least 24-48 hours.

 

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