Laser Hair Reduction

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Laser hair removal works by targeting and breaking down the melanin (the pigment that gives hair its color) in a hair follicle, which makes that hair fall out. Therefore, the process works best to remove coarse and dark hair. It may not work or won’t work at all to remove red, blond, gray, or white hair. 

 During laser hair removal, patients report a snapping feeling. For the most part, the ice that comes out while the laser is on will cover the laser sensation. A small number of patients report minor itching, redness or swelling in the treatment area that subsides within a few days. 

 Due to the staggered nature of the hair growth cycle, in which some hairs are actively growing while others are dormant, laser hair removal requires multiple treatments to catch each hair as it enters the “active” growth phase. The number of laser hair removal treatments necessary for complete hair removal varies from person to person, and is best determined during consultation. Most patients require 8-12 hair removal treatments, spread out between 4-6 week intervals. 

 Lasers use light and electric pulses to heat the hair follicle and destroy its roots without damaging the surrounding tissue or skin. By targeting the follicle, laser hair removal treatments inhibit any future hair growth. 

• Before your first session, it is important for you to avoid waxing for six weeks. This is also the case with the use of tweezers. The laser needs to be able to identify the hair follicle. During this time period, shaving is acceptable.
• You MUST stay out of the sun. Any tanning of the skin can result in pigmentation in the areas you laser.
• If you are prone to nervousness, you should avoid caffeine for 24 hours before your session.
• On the day before your treatment, you should shave with a clean, new razor. By shaving, the lasers will be able to locate the follicles. Using a clean, new razor ensures there is no lingering bacteria that could cause contact dermatitis after your laser treatment. (Contact dermatitis is a delayed type of allergic reaction of the skin resulting from skin contact with a specific allergen.)

Our team of medical clinicians will complete a comprehensive assessment to determine if laser hair removal is the right treatment for you and your goals.