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 a few 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 small hand-held laser device used to deliver the light beams is placed on the treatment area. You might experience some mild discomfort during the session-like the feeling of a rubber band snapping against your skin. Some people like to briefly apply an ice pack afterwards. During the procedure you’ll wear tinted goggles to protect your eyes from the laser light.
For each treatment, we typically schedule three to seven sessions about four to five weeks apart.
Am I a good candidate?
Laser hair removal works when the light beams are absorbed by the melanin in the hair shaft and follicle. People with dark hair are considered the best candidates. Blonde, gray, and strawberry-blonde hair may not absorb the laser light. And contrast between the hair and your skin is also important.
Each person responds differently to laser hair removal. Some may require more treatments than others. And sometimes laser hair removal can’t eliminate hair completely. If some hair does grow back, it’s usually thinner and finer than before the treatment.
We practice all the necessary precautionary measures prior to a procedure. Before starting the first laser session, the laser technician will identify your skin type according to the Fitzpatrick Scale, which regards hair, skin and eye color as well as sun reactions. The scale includes 6 types: Type I with red hair, white skin and blue-green eyes and untanned skin up to type 6 with black hair, darkest skin and a dark eye color.
According to the identified skin type, the location, hair density and quality, the most effective laser wavelength will be chosen and the laser system settings will be adjusted to the findings and requirements. In order to perfect the settings, the laser technician will decide settings. therefore rest assured that all parameters will be considered, including pulse width (duration), repetition rate, spot size, energy level and cooling system. Subsequently we will analyze the skin and will evaluate the treatment plan with the best individualized setting for you.
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 treatment-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 for the following four to six weeks.