Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is one of the most common cosmetic procedures in the world. Laser hair removal uses a concentrated beam of light (laser) to remove unwanted hair.

During laser hair removal, a laser emits a light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair. The light energy is converted to heat, which damages the hair follicles that produce hairs. This damage inhibits or delays future hair growth.

Although laser hair removal effectively delays hair growth for long periods, it may not result in permanent hair removal.

Multiple laser hair removal treatments are needed for initial hair removal, and maintenance treatments might be needed as well. Laser hair removal is most effective for people who have light skin and dark hair, but it can be successfully used on all skin types.

Lasers can selectively target dark, coarse hairs while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged.

Many clients say that the laser pulses feel like the skin slowly warming up. Most say it feels virtually painless.

Typically, clients come on an average of once every 4-6 weeks for 6-8 sessions. This will vary for every client and will be discussed during your consultation.

Risks of side effects vary with skin type, hair color, treatment plan and adherence to pre-treatment and post-treatment care. The most common side effects of laser hair removal include:

• Skin irritation. Temporary discomfort, redness and swelling are possible after laser hair removal. Any signs and symptoms typically disappear within several hours.

• Pigment changes. Laser hair removal might darken or lighten the affected skin. These changes might be temporary or permanent. Skin lightening primarily affects those who don’t avoid sun exposure before or after treatment and those who have darker skin.

Rarely, laser hair removal can cause blistering, crusting, scarring or other changes in skin texture. Other rare side effects include graying of treated hair or excessive hair growth around treated areas, particularly on darker skin.

Laser hair removal isn’t recommended for eyelids, eyebrows or surrounding areas, due to the possibility of severe eye injury.

If you’re interested in laser hair removal, choose a facility with a medical director and technicians who are trained and certified in laser hair removal.

Before laser hair removal, schedule a consultation to determine if this is an appropriate treatment option for you. Your technician will likely do the following:

• Review your medical history, including medication use, history of skin disorders or scarring, and past hair removal procedures

• Discuss risks, benefits and expectations, including what laser hair removal can and can’t do for you

• Take photos to be used for before-and-after assessments and long-term reviews

At the consultation, discuss a treatment plan and related costs. Laser hair removal is usually an out-of-pocket expense.

Specific instructions will be discussed to prepare for laser hair removal. These might include:

• Staying out of the sun. Follow your technician’s advice for avoiding sun exposure before and after care treatment. Whenever you go out, apply a broad-spectrum, SPF45 sunblock.

• Apply a daily Zinc-based Sunblock SPF45 or better. We recommend a Zinc based sunblock.

• Avoid any sunless skin creams that darken your skin. If you have a recent tan, your technician may reschedule your appointment.

• Avoiding other hair removal methods. Plucking, waxing, threading, and sugaring can disturb the hair follicle and should be avoided at all costs!

• Avoiding blood-thinning medications. Ask your doctor about what medications, such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs, to avoid before the procedure.

• Shaving treatment area. Trimming and shaving is recommended 1-2 days prior to your laser treatment. It removes hair above the skin that can result in surface skin damage from burnt hairs, but it leaves the hair shaft intact below the surface.

• Arrive with clean skin. There should be no lotion, make-up, perfume, powder or bath/shower oil present on the skin in the area to be treated.

You might notice redness and swelling for the first few hours after laser hair removal.

To reduce any discomfort, apply ice to the treated area. If you have a skin reaction immediately after laser hair removal, the doctor might apply a steroid cream to the affected area.

After laser hair removal and between scheduled treatments, avoid sunlight and don’t use a tanning bed for six weeks or as directed by your doctor. Use a broad-spectrum SPF45 sunscreen daily.

Hairs do not fall out immediately, but you will shed them over a period of days to weeks. This may look like continued hair growth. The repeated treatments are usually necessary because hair growth and loss naturally occur in a cycle, and laser treatment works best with hair follicles in the new-growth stage.

Results vary significantly and are difficult to predict. Most people experience hair removal that lasts several months, and it might last for years. But laser hair removal doesn’t guarantee permanent hair removal. When hair regrows, it’s usually finer and lighter in color. You might need maintenance laser treatments for long-term hair reduction.

No, laser hair removal generally does not require any real downtime. Immediately after having laser hair removal, your treated skin will be red and swollen. Despite this, most people return to their everyday activities.