Laser Hair Removal
Laser Hair Removal
Laser Hair Removal is a popular and effective method for achieving long term hair reduction. This non-invasive procedure works by emitting concentrated light into hair follicles, which is then absorbed by the pigment in the hair, ultimately damaging the follicle and inhibiting future hair growth. Suitable for most parts of the body, including the legs, arms, back, underarms, bikini, face, and more, it’s a favored choice for individuals seeking a long-term solution to unwanted hair.
If you’re tired of shaving, waxing, or plucking, and seek a more permanent solution, consider booking your Laser Hair Removal consultation with Dr. Julia Milman today to see if you are a good candidate for the procedure.
Advantages of Laser Hair Removal include:
- Long-lasting hair reduction
- Smooth and soft skin
- Cost-effective in the long run
- Eliminates the need for shaving or waxing
- Reduces the risk of ingrown hairs
- Quick treatment sessions
- Suitable for various skin types
- Minimal pain and discomfort
- No more razor burns or cuts
- Boosted confidence with clear skin
Treatment
Laser Hair Removal
During a laser hair removal procedure, the patient will wear protective eyewear to shield their eyes from the laser light. The practitioner will adjust the laser equipment according to the patient’s skin type, hair color, and treatment area. A cooling gel will be applied to the skin to enhance comfort and protect the outer layers. Patients might feel a mild sensation similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin. The lase machine has a cooling mechanism to minimize discomfort and we also offer medical grade numbing cream if needed for area that may be a bit more sensitive. After the session, the treated area could appear slightly red or irritated, but this typically subsides within a few hours. Multiple sessions are necessary to target hairs in various growth cycles, ensuring optimal and lasting hair reduction results. As the treatments progress, the hair grows back finer and lighter, leading to less and less need for shaving. After a series of sessions, many individuals experience long-lasting results.
Areas of Treatment:
- Legs
- Arms
- Back
- Underarms
- Bikini line
- Face
- Chest
- Stomach
Video and before/after pictures
FAQs
Why are multiple sessions necessary for laser hair removal?
Multiple sessions of laser hair removal are necessary due to the natural growth cycle of hair. Hair grows in different phases: anagen (active growth), catagen (transitional), and telogen (resting). The laser is most effective during the anagen phase, as the hair follicle is actively connected to the hair shaft and can absorb the laser’s energy effectively. However, only a portion of hair follicles are in the anagen phase at any given time.
Since not all hairs are in the same phase simultaneously, a single session would only target the hairs in the anagen phase, leaving others unaffected. By spacing out treatments over several weeks, typically 4 to 6 weeks apart, it’s possible to catch more hair follicles in the anagen phase during subsequent sessions. This approach ensures that all hair follicles are eventually treated over the course of multiple sessions, leading to more comprehensive and lasting hair reduction results.
Who is a good candidate for laser hair removal?
The best candidates for laser hair removal are individuals with lighter skin tones and darker hair. This is because the contrast between the pigment in the hair and the skin makes it easier for the laser to target the hair follicles accurately. Additionally, candidates should have realistic expectations, be committed to multiple treatment sessions, and avoid sun exposure before and after the procedure to minimize the risk of complications.
Individuals who have darker skin tones or lighter hair color would likely require more sessions to achieve the desired result. Advancements in laser technology have made it possible to treat a wider range of skin tones and hair colors and here at Dr. Julia Milman’s Aesthetic Medicine, we use only the latest technology in all laser machines. A consultation with Dr. Milman will help determine if laser hair removal is a safe and effective option based on individual skin and hair characteristics.
How soon will I see results after Laser Hair Removal?
Afert the first session, the treated area could be slightly red and swollen, similar to a mild sunburn. This usually subsides within a few hours to a day. Over the next 1 to 3 weeks following the treatment, the targeted hairs will start to shed. You might notice that they appear to be growing initially, but this is actually the body’s way of pushing out the treated hairs. You can aid the process by gently exfoliating the area during this time. After the initial shedding, you may experience a period of several weeks to a few months during which the treated hairs do not grow back. This is because the laser has damaged the hair follicles’ ability to regrow hair.
However, not all follicles are destroyed in a single session, which is why multiple sessions are needed. As you continue with subsequent sessions, you should notice a gradual reduction in hair growth in the treated area. The hair that does regrow should become finer and lighter in color.
Will I need touchup sessions?
Even after you’ve completed the initial series of sessions, you might need occasional maintenance treatments to keep the results. This is because hair follicles can sometimes become active again over time due to hormonal changes.
Is there any downtime or side effects from Laser Hair Removal?
Most individuals experience minimal side effects, like slight redness or swelling, which typically resolve within a few hours. There’s no significant downtime, and patients can resume their daily activities immediately.
What should I do before and after LHR?
Before the treatment, avoid sun exposure, tanning, and waxing, or plucking. Please shave the areas to be treated the day before or morning of the day of treatment. Shaving ensures that the hair above the skin is at an optimal length for the laser to effectively target the follicles. When the hair is too long, the laser energy might get absorbed by the longer hair rather than reaching the follicle itself. Shaving the area helps prevent any discomfort that might arise from singeing or burning longer hair during the laser treatment. It also reduces the chances of the laser energy interacting with hair on the skin’s surface.
After the procedure, stay out of the sun, use sunscreen, and avoid any activity that might irritate the treated area.
If I wax or pluck hair, can I get LHR?
Waxing, along with other hair removal methods that remove the hair from the root, can disrupt the hair follicles that the laser targets during the laser hair removal process. This can make the laser less effective in targeting the hair follicles and reduce the overall effectiveness of the treatment.
For effective laser hair removal, it’s usually advised to avoid plucking, waxing, or using other hair removal methods that remove the hair from the root for six weeks prior to your laser session. This allows the hair follicles to be present in the growth phase, which is the phase targeted by the laser. The hair follicles need to be intact and contain pigment (melanin) for the laser to effectively destroy them.
Can I still shave in between my laser hair removal sessions?
Yes, shaving is allowed and recommended before undergoing laser hair removal and in between your sessions. Unlike waxing or plucking, shaving does not remove the hair from the root; it only cuts the hair above the skin’s surface. This means that the hair follicle remains intact and can still be targeted by the laser during the treatment.
Is Laser Hair Removal painful? What can I expect?
You will feel a sensation similar to having a rubber band snapped against your skin during the treatment. The duration depends on the area being treated but is generally quick. Some mild discomfort is normal, but cooling agents or numbing creams can be used to enhance comfort.
Who is Laser Hair Removal for?
Laser Hair Removal is best for those patients with contrasting hair and skin colors, like dark hair and light skin. However, advancements in technology have made it possible for a broader range of individuals to benefit from the treatment.
How soon will I see the results from Laser Hair Removal?
How long do the results typically last?
While results can vary, many patients experience long-lasting hair reduction. Periodic maintenance treatments might be required to keep skin smooth.
Is there any downtime or side effects from Laser Hair Removal?
Most individuals experience minimal side effects, like slight redness or swelling, which typically resolve within a few hours. There’s no significant downtime, and patients can resume their daily activities immediately.
What should I do before and after Laser Hair Removal?
Before the treatment, avoid sun exposure, tanning, and waxing. After the procedure, stay out of the sun, use sunscreen, and avoid any activity that might irritate the treated area.
Is Laser Hair Removal painful? What can I expect?
You will feel a sensation similar to having a rubber band snapped against your skin during the treatment. The duration depends on the area being treated but is generally quick. Some mild discomfort is normal, but cooling agents or numbing creams can be used to enhance comfort.
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