Laser Hair Removal

Unwanted hair is not uncommon.  For women, hairs around the mouth, chin and bikini areas may be a source of embarrassment.  For men, the chest, neck and back are common affected areas. Waxing, shaving, applying gels and creams are temporary solutions, often producing undesirable side effects (razor bumps that result when shaving sensitive areas, for example) and possibly thicker and darker hair then before.

Advancements in laser technology provide solutions to this problem. Laser hair removal has become increasingly popular since it was granted FDA approval in 1998 and is the second most requested non-surgical cosmetic procedure after Botox injections.  Selective photothermolysis uses a beam of laser light to disable or destroy hair follicle roots, while leaving the surrounding skin areas undamaged.  Significantly less hair grows back with each treatment, ultimately resulting in long lasting hair reduction. The number of treatments required varies by individual and by the body area treated.

Further advancements in technology have made permanent hair removal more comfortable. Dr. Lee uses procedures that apply a cooling blast of air, protecting the skin during treatment.

On completion of this safe and effective procedure, your skin is silky smooth, leaving you with greater confidence about yourself!

How it works

The laser produces an invisible beam of light that penetrates the upper layers of skin without harming them and is absorbed by the hair follicle’s pigment at the root.  The light transforms into heat, rupturing and retarding hair growth. Because the energy is absorbed by hair follicle pigments, the process is most effective on dark haired, light-skinned individuals. Patients with fair, blond or fine hair are usually not good candidates for laser hair removal.

Effective areas

Laser hair removal is best used on dark or pigmented hair anywhere on the body.  Facial hair, underarms, chest, backs, legs, and the bikini areas are commonly treated with this laser. Facial and bikini areas are usually treated in less than ten minutes; legs, backs and larger areas can take slightly longer.

Side Effects

The laser may produce mild redness and occasional swelling in the treated areas. Sometimes patients develop pinpoint redness or swelling located around each hair follicle, but these side effects usually lessens within a few hours. During that time the skin may be more sensitive to sun exposure and therefore we recommend avoiding sun exposure and applying sunscreen immediately after treatment.

The Experience

While every person’s experience is unique, we do everything we can to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. Our laser technology is equipped with a cooling system, a device that sprays on a coolant just prior to delivering each laser pulse.  Because of this cooling device, many patients experience very little discomfort during treatment, only a mild pin-prick-like sensation.

However, some minor discomfort may be experienced at higher settings. Tingling or stinging sensations are common. Also, some areas of the body area more sensitive than others. Patients with strong sensitivity may benefit from the application of a topical anesthetic ointment.

Results and Limitations

Despite media and advertising hype, the truth is that laser does not permanently remove hair. Many patients experience a significant reduction in the amount of hair after a series of treatments (usually 3 to 5 treatments spaced one month apart) on the area. After a period of time – on average 6 of months – some or all of the hair may regrow. In order to achieve long-term effects, ongoing treatment sessions may be required over the course of several months. Despite these limitations, the Gentlase system is one of the safest and most effective lasers used in hair removal and many patients find it to be a quick and comfortable way to achieve long term control over unwanted hair.

Care after treatment

Since immediate effects are so minimal and resolve so quickly there is little to no after care required other than sun avoidance, and ice for any swelling that occurs.

Patient Guidelines

Patients should avoid sun exposure to the treated area(s) for 4-6 weeks prior to the laser session. We also recommend that patients wear sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater for any casual (non tanning) sun exposure between treatment sessions.

For best results avoid waxing, plucking and tweezing for at least 6 weeks prior to treatment and during the treatment program. Shaving and depilatory creams are acceptable forms of hair removal between treatment sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How does laser hair removal work?

Our laser is a revolutionary long-pulse high energy alexandrite laser.  It emits a gentle beam of light that passes through the skin to the hair follicle where it is absorbed. The laser energy is transformed into heat, which destroys the hair follicle leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. The skin is further protected during treatment by a Dynamic Cooling Device TM where cool air is sprayed onto the skin cooling the upper layers and providing patients with increased comfort and safety.

What are the benefits to laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal combines the speed of shaving with the lasting results promised by electrolysis. It is effective on almost any area of the body where smoother, younger, hair-free skin is desired. Many people find the that they save unbelievable amounts of time by never having to bother with shaving, waxing or tweezing again. 

Are laser treatments safe?

Yes, laser and light-based treatments have been used in various medical and cosmetic procedures for many years. In 1998, laser hair removal was approved by the FDA as a safe and effective way to get rid of unwanted hair permanently.

Does it hurt?

While every person’s experience is unique, we do everything we can to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. Our laser technology is equipped with a cooling system, a device that sprays on a coolant just prior to delivering each laser pulse.  Because of this cooling device, many patients experience very little discomfort during treatment, only a mild pin-prick-like sensation.

However, at higher settings some minor discomfort may be expected.  Tingling or stinging sensations are common in the areas being treated. Some areas of the body may be more sensitive than others. Patients with strong sensitivity may benefit from the application of a topical anesthetic ointment.   

Are there any areas or hair types for which the laser treatment will not work?

The laser will not work effectively on hair that has little to no pigment (melanin), such as white, gray hair, blonde, and red hair. Also, the laser may not be as effective in patients with hormonal imbalances.  For safety reasons, the laser should not be used on any areas close to the eyes.

I am pregnant, can I still have laser treatment?

Yes, with the exception of the abdominal and pelvic areas. Treatment around these areas should be avoided during pregnancy. There are no restrictions for patients who are breastfeeding.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments you may require depends on a number of factors, including the specific area you wish to have treated, the hair density in that area, your skin color, hair color and coarseness of the hair as well as your hair’s growth cycle. Most patients require 3 to 5 treatments to a specific area, although more treatments may be necessary. 

Treatments should be performed once signs of hair re-growth appear.  The head and neck areas are usually treated at 4 week intervals, the chest areas and the rest of the body may be treated at  8-12 weeks intervals. Our experienced staff will work with you in designing a schedule to optimize your results.

How long does the treatment take?

Treatment times vary by body area and body size. Below is a table of average treatment times for several different body areas.

Body Area
Laser
Electrolysis
Waxing
Upper Lip
>1 Minute 30 Minutes 5 - 10 Minutes
Underarms
5 - 10 Minutes 2 Hours 10 - 15 Minutes
Bikini Line
5 - 10 Minutes 4 Hours 10 - 15 Minutes
Back
30 - 45 Minutes < 10 Hours 30 Minutes
Full Legs
1 Hour < 12 Hours 1 Hour

What happens after the treatment?

The treated area may become slightly red and puffy and feel warm immediately after treatment. This reaction should subside within a few hours, allowing most people to return to normal activity quickly. Do not plan any important social engagement for the same day as your treatment. Patients are advised not to use make-up, lotion or any other form of cover-up on the area for at least 12 hours after treatment.  This is because these cover ups block heat dissipation, possibly causing blistering or pigment changes. You should NEVER pluck or wax your hairs in the area(s) of treatment between sessions; shaving is and acceptable form of hair removal between sessions.

If you are interested, please make an appointment to come into the office for a consultation.