Laser Hair Removal

Laser Hair Removal Overview

If you are tired of shaving, waxing and plucking unsightly hair, consider laser hair removal, which uses an Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) system to eliminate unwanted hair for up to 17 weeks at a time. This procedure is non-invasive and is a relatively painless procedure. Laser hair removal is safe for most skin types and hair colors, using bursts of light energy to remove hair and hinder further growth.

Many of our patients opt for laser hair removal on the face, bikini line, neck, arms, legs or elsewhere on the body.

How is laser hair removal performed?

We perform laser hair removal using an Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) system, which directs bursts of light at the hair follicles, effectively destroying them and inhibiting re-growth. The procedure can take anywhere from ten minutes to one hour, depending on the treatment area.

A topical anesthetic will be applied to sensitive areas, and you’ll be given special eyewear to protect your eyes from the light. One of our trained medical professionals will then use a small hand piece to touch your skin with flashes of IPL. While results are long lasting, you may need up to eight laser hair removal treatments to ensure the best outcome.

Am I a good candidate for laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is a safe and effective procedure for almost anyone interested in ridding their body of unwanted hair. However, the best candidates for laser hair removal tend to be people with dark, coarse hair and light skin. Patients with darker skin may still benefit from the treatment, but to a lesser extent.

The following is a list of criteria you should consider before undergoing laser hair removal:

Blonde, grey or red hair is more difficult to treat.
Tanned patients must let their tan fade before treatment.
Skin disorders, such as psoriasis, cystic acne and dermatitis may preclude you from laser hair removal.
Anyone taking Retin-A^®, Accutane^® or select other medications are not suitable candidates.
Pregnant women should not undergo laser hair removal.
Anyone with a pacemaker or metal screws in the treatment area should not receive laser hair removal.

What can I expect after laser hair removal?

Following laser hair removal, you may experience swelling, soreness and redness of the treatment area. You should gently cleanse the area with a mild soap and apply any lotions or ointments that have been prescribed. You will be advised to stay out of the sun or wear a strong sun block if you’re going to be exposed to sunlight.

Laser hair removal requires minimal down time, and you are able to resume normal activities immediately. We advise, however, for patients to not continue waxing or using depilatory creams after the treatment.

What are the typical results of laser hair removal?

Patients who have received laser hair removal are generally pleased that they no longer have to undergo painful waxing and plucking or continually shave problem areas.

Duration of results depends on the treatment area. Upper body hair removal typically lasts from seven to 11 weeks, mid-body results last from 10 to 16 weeks and leg treatments last from 11 to 17 weeks.