Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that uses pulsed laser energy to remove unwanted hair from a targeted area, while leaving surrounding skin unharmed. Common areas on which laser hair removal is performed are the chin, upper lip, chest, underarms, back, bikini line, and legs.

Although there are many temporary treatments to remove unwanted hair, including tweezing, shaving, using depilatory creams, and waxing, patients seeking more permanent and less irritating / painful methods are frequently good candidates for laser hair removal. Through this safe and usually painless procedure, hair can be removed from nearly any area of the body. (The eye area is an exception because of the possibility of serious eye damage.)

Laser hair removal is performed while the target area is numbed by a topical anesthetic. A handheld device that emits intense laser pulses is moved across the area, focusing on individual hair follicles. There are several different methods of laser hair removal, some of which combine laser impulses with radiofrequency. The appropriate method for each patient is decided in consultation with the physician administering treatment.

Hair growth takes place cyclically, in three stages. The most effective laser hair removal takes place during the andogen (full-growth) stage, because the hair follicles in this stage are susceptible to laser energy. Because all hair is not in the same stage of growth at any given time, several laser treatments, usually between three and five, spaced four to eight weeks apart, are necessary. The length of treatment depends on the texture of the patient’s hair and the location from which it is being removed.

Some redness, soreness, or swelling may occur immediately after laser hair removal, but these reactions almost always fade within a few days. Cold compresses, ice packs, moisturizers, and anti-inflammatory creams may minimize discomfort. Sun exposure should be avoided as much as possible during the recovery period.

The most common complication of laser hair removal is the regrowth of the unwanted hair. Frequently, however, the hair that regrows is finer and lighter than the hair that was removed. Usually, regrowth can be addressed with a few additional treatment sessions. Other complications that may arise after laser hair treatment include skin irritation such as blistering and crusting, changes in pigmentation or texture of the skin, and scarring at the removal site.

Laser hair removal is commonly done on: lip, underarm, ear lobe, shoulders, back, abdomen, buttocks, face, neck, chest, legs, toes, arms, and hands.

Common side effects seen after laser hair removal treatments include temporary discomfort, redness, and swelling in the treatment area; loss of freckles or lightening of moles in the treatment area; and temporary skin lightening or darkening in the treatment area in some tanned or darker skin types.

For your hair removal needs, we offer:

• Viora V-IPL