Laser hair removal uses the energy from light to permanently diminish unwanted hair. As light passes through the skin and absorbs pigment (melanin), it stops or delays future hair growth.
Laser hair removal can benefit most men and women. Prior to receiving laser treatments, it is wise to avoid direct sun exposure, self-tanners and any methods such as shaving, plucking or waxing that could possibly increase skin cancer risks.
Underarms
Laser hair removal for underarms is an efficient and noninvasive way of eliminating unsightly armpit hair, offering faster results than either shaving or waxing while helping prevent ingrown hairs and rashes. When selecting your cosmetology clinic, ensure they use high-grade equipment with plenty of experience – this way they can explain to you all of the benefits associated with underarm laser hair removal as well as what to expect during treatment.
Procedure begins by having your professional thoroughly cleanse the area and apply an anesthetic cream, if required. Next, they’ll place their device over your underarms and direct a beam of light towards it – heating the hair follicles can damage them and stop further hair growth in that area. Treatment typically lasts only several minutes with professional may even apply a cooling gel or spray to reduce any pain or discomfort experienced from treatment.
Your underarm laser hair removal treatment should include no pre-treatment with shaving, waxing or plucking to maximize effectiveness by creating contrast between skin tone and hair color. Furthermore, sun exposure should be limited prior to and for several weeks following laser hair removal procedure as this could increase pigmentation occurrence on underarms susceptible to prolonged UV exposure.
Underarm laser hair removal is generally safe for most people; however, before proceeding with this treatment it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider first. Before going forward with this treatment it’s essential that you discuss whether this procedure fits well with your medical history and skin type – make sure to disclose any medications or supplements you take including any supplements such as vitamins. Likewise if you suffer from conditions like psoriasis or pregnant/breastfeeding it should not be performed at this time.
For optimal results, commit to multiple underarm laser treatments over six weeks for maximum effectiveness. This will enable the laser to target hair follicles at their most vulnerable stage of growth; typically 6-10 sessions should suffice.
Legs
Laser hair removal for the legs has become an increasingly popular choice among women looking for ways to remove unwanted leg hair quickly and painlessly. Leg laser hair removal provides women with an efficient method for eliminating unwanted growth quickly, giving them confidence without stubble or ingrown hairs to worry about.
Laser hair removal procedures are quick and painless, taking less than 30 minutes to treat an entire lower leg. Topical anesthetic may be applied prior to beginning to make the experience more comfortable; however it isn’t always necessary. Tanning skin should also be avoided before laser treatment to avoid hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation side effects from absorption by heat energy from laser. Sunless tanninners and products which darken skin tone should also be avoided in advance for best results.
Prior to any laser hair removal procedure, consulting with Dr. Green is essential. She will assess the area you wish to remove hair from, the color and texture of your skin as well as any medical conditions which could adversely impact results or increase risk of side effects.
Laser treatments are generally safe for all skin types, though it is most beneficial when administered by board certified dermatologists with experience and extensive knowledge of laser therapies for darker-skinned patients with lighter-colored hair and pigmented skin. When selecting your dermatologist, choose someone familiar with both laser procedures as well as skin issues; otherwise it could result in scarring and permanent changes to tone and pigmentation of the treated area.
Most individuals require 2-6 laser treatments before experiencing noticeable results, since hair grows at various stages and only targets those that are actively in growth phase. Some hair may shed immediately while others may reappear later – when they do come back, however, they usually appear finer and lighter in color than before.
Bikini Line
Bikini lines are an integral part of women’s bodies, as it’s what’s visible under clothing. Instead of shaving, waxing or using depilatories to remove unwanted hair in this area, many opt for laser hair removal in this region as it offers less painful solution that doesn’t involve harsh chemical products or waxing.
Clients choosing bikini line laser hair removal will depend on their personal preferences and comfort level. Some clients may prefer an aggressive removal that encompasses an entire strip in front of the pubic area while others may prefer less extreme treatments such as just covering labia and anus area with laser treatment sessions often being less tolerable than waxing and can often be completed within minutes.
Prior to any bikini laser hair removal treatment, it is vitally important that any potential patients refrain from plucking or waxing the hairs for four weeks prior to treatment as these activities can block the laser from effectively targeting hair follicles in the skin. Furthermore, shaving the area that will be treated two days beforehand can ensure that hairs are short enough so the laser can reach them effectively.
Typically, six laser hair removal treatment sessions will be necessary to halt hair growth in the bikini area. Your specialist will inform you what treatments to expect during your initial consultation session.
Laser hair removal offers an effective long-term solution to unwanted body hair on the face, legs and other areas of the body. Once multiple treatments have been performed successfully, their effects should last throughout your lifetime.
Laser treatment for hair removal is safe for people of all ages and skin tones; however, naturally tanned or artificially darkened skin will inhibit its effectiveness and could potentially result in unwanted side effects.
Face
Many women experience unwanted facial hair on their upper lips, chin, and sideburn areas that is difficult to get rid of with shaving, waxing or tweezing alone. Laser hair removal offers an effective treatment option for this area of their face.
Your hair absorbs laser light, which converts into heat that damages its follicle, eventually stopping its production of hair altogether and possibly becoming scarred to prevent future growth of the same spot. Multiple treatments may be needed for permanent facial hair reduction; maintenance treatments may also be necessary post-treatment.
Before and after laser hair removal treatments, your skin is more vulnerable to sunlight exposure, making a sunscreen with SPF 30+ recommended to provide sun damage protection. In order to achieve the best possible outcomes from treatment it is also vital that you follow all directions from your dermatologist regarding timing of administration and after-care advice.
Dark skin may increase your risk of hyperpigmentation or laser burns after laser hair removal treatments, so it is vital that you visit a board certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green at her private dermatology clinic on Manhattan’s Upper East Side for laser hair removal services.
At your consultation, we will discuss your aesthetic goals for your skin to ascertain whether laser hair removal is an appropriate treatment plan for you. In addition, we will review your medical history to ensure the procedure will be safe for you.
Once you are ready, we will arrange an appointment time that works with your busy lifestyle. When sitting comfortably in our treatment room for your treatment, the laser will be directed on the desired area causing slight discomfort similar to rubber band snapping against skin (though this should subside within an hour of completion of your session). After your session has concluded, redness and swelling should subside within an hour of finishing treatment – although redness could remain temporarily.
