Laser Hair Removal
ABOUT LASER HAIR REMOVAL
This noninvasive laser treatment uses gentle beams of light to get rid of hair. The hair’s melanin (the part that gives hair its color) absorbs the light, which turns into heat. The heat damages the follicle (but not the surrounding skin or tissue) and prevents it from producing more hair. Treatments typically last about 30 minutes and you don’t have to take time off to recover—so you can get back to your normal activities immediately. Laser hair removal usually requires three to seven treatments and works best for people with light skin and dark hair. Laser hair removal can treat hair anywhere on the face or body. Women often treat the bikini area, chin,
upper lip, and legs. Men can safely eliminate unwanted hair from places such as their backs.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT LIKE?
A licensed esthetician will place a small hand-held laser device on the treatment area. This device contains the light beam, which will remove the hair. You might experience some mild discomfort during the session—like the feeling of a rubber band snapping against your skin. A topical anesthetic can be applied 60 minutes before the treatment, and some people will briefly apply an ice pack afterwards. We will provide tinted goggles to protect your eyes from the laser light.
For each treatment, we typically schedule 4 to 6 sessions about four to six weeks apart.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT BEFORE AND AFTER TREATMENT?
Before Your Treatment
You can prepare for laser hair removal by not waxing or plucking hairs in the treatment area for four to six weeks before your appointment. Hair follicles must be present to be treated. You can still shave and, in fact, you’ll be asked to shave your treatment area 24 to 48 hours before your scheduled appointment. Because laser hair removal depends on the color of your skin and hair, you should not sun tan for a minimum of six weeks before your treatment.
After Your Treatment
There may be some redness or bumps immediately after the treatment, but nothing that will keep you from your daily activities. Some people apply a temporary icepack on their treatment area. You don’t need time to recover after your session, so you can participate in almost all of your regular activities immediately after your appointment. You should, however, avoid exposure to the sun on the treated areas for the following four to six weeks.
ARE THERE ANY RISKS?
Laser hair removal is a safe procedure, but there are some risks. Some people may experience redness,
swelling, bruising, blistering, or superficial skin erosions that are temporary and heal with time. Another risk is skin discoloration, which can last for several months or may be permanent.
