People living with unwanted hair often spend their lives trying to rid themselves of it through temporary methods like shaving, waxing and tweezing. Instead of fighting these temporary solutions for lifelong results, laser hair reduction may offer permanent results.
Laser treatments typically require multiple sessions spaced out several weeks apart in order to achieve the best results, as laser only targets active hair follicles during their active growth phase.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal is one of the most sought-after noninvasive cosmetic treatments in the US. It uses laser technology to effectively rid yourself of unwanted body hair by targeting and damaging its source follicles – ultimately leaving behind smooth skin free from hair growth!
Laser hair removal treatments can produce long-term effects; however, regular follow-up sessions may be needed in order to maintain them. Some patients require six to eight sessions spaced four to eight weeks apart while others only require three or five.
Before beginning laser hair removal treatment, your dermatologist will clean and anesthetize the area before administering a topical anesthetic to ensure you remain comfortable during your appointment. Once administered, a technician will systematically and strategically treat each hair follicle; you may experience slight discomfort while the laser works – some have described this sensation as being similar to rubber bands snapping against skin surface; however this feeling depends on its location within each follicle as well as how sensitive your skin may be.
Before your laser hair removal appointment, it is important to prevent tanning as this could make treatment less effective. Your doctor may advise against waxing, tweezing or plucking hair from treated areas in between treatments; using broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 30 will help mitigate potential side effects or complications related to laser hair removal.
Laser treatments only affect hair with pigment, so white, gray, blonde or red locks cannot be targeted by this technology. Furthermore, thicker locks respond better as more melanin exists within their structure – hence why it’s recommended that you shave before receiving laser hair removal treatment.
While laser hair removal treatments may be available at MedSpas, the American Academy of Dermatology advises visiting a board-certified dermatologist in order to achieve maximum effectiveness and avoid unwanted side effects. At NYC Dermatology, their doctors specialize in laser hair removal treatments and have over two and half decades of experience providing noninvasive skincare treatments like laser hair removal to some of the most discerning individuals worldwide.
How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last?
Unwanted hair on the face and body is an inconvenience for many patients. Traditional methods of hair removal such as waxing, shaving and tweezing take time-consuming efforts that often yield only temporary solutions. Laser hair removal offers an effective, quick, non-invasive cosmetic treatment with permanent results to achieve smooth skin with reduced facial hair.
Before initiating laser hair removal, your dermatologist will cleanse your skin before applying a topical anesthetic to ensure maximum comfort throughout the procedure. Next, the laser device emits light energy which penetrates deep into your skin where it hits unwanted hair follicles where pigment absorbs light energy to convert to heat that destroys them and disables their growth, ultimately stopping new hair from emerging while permitting existing ones to shed naturally over time.
At times during a treatment session – lasting anywhere from minutes to an hour depending on its size – some discomfort may arise; patients have described it as similar to having rubber bands snap against their skin. Dr. Green always utilizes devices with cooling mechanisms, like GentleLase and GentleYAG devices which minimize this experience for his patients.
After your treatment, your skin may become red or swollen and have an unusual odor due to laser’s heat vaporizing unwanted hair follicles; to minimize discomfort afterward it’s recommended avoiding direct sunlight as much as possible and seeking medical advice regarding aftercare from your dermatologist.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends seeking laser hair removal treatments from board-certified medical professionals such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC. Non-professional treatments may lead to side effects like blistering, scarring and hyperpigmentation which should only be sought from qualified providers like her.
As multiple treatment sessions may be necessary for most patients, it’s also essential to realize that multiple sessions may be required due to laser hair removal’s ineffectiveness against hair follicles in their growth phase. Therefore, regular follow up treatments must be conducted in order to stop new hairs emerging; face treatments could require four-week intervals while bikini area/armpit areas will likely need between 6-10 week sessions.
How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost?
Cost factors associated with laser hair removal vary significantly based on several key considerations. One is size of area to be treated; larger areas require more time per session, thus increasing costs accordingly. Furthermore, different lasers are better suited for different skin and hair tones; an experienced provider should be able to recommend one suitable for you from among their FDA-cleared range.
Location plays an integral role in laser hair removal prices. According to the 2020 ASPS report, laser treatments tend to occur more often on coasts compared with other regions – so laser hair removal costs tend to be slightly higher on these coasts.
At optimal results, laser hair removal requires four to eight sessions for best results, so the initial investment may seem high; however, when considering what you save in terms of shaving costs (shaving, waxing and plucking combined), laser treatment becomes far more worth your while in terms of long-term savings.
At SKINNEY Medspa, we provide competitive prices and financing options that make laser hair removal more accessible to most. Your initial consultation is complimentary; we would be more than happy to discuss all the available solutions with you.
Are you ready to stop spending money on razors and painful waxing sessions? Contact us now so that we can show you how we can help restore your summer body to you!
At our Brooklyn clinic, we take great pride in offering comprehensive cosmetic services – such as laser hair removal. Using the Lumenis LightSheer DUET laser system with its dual wavelengths emitting multiple beams designed to target and damage undesirable hair follicles, once damaged they will no longer produce hair, with results lasting for months before new growth recurs. Schedule an appointment now if you’d like laser hair removal – we look forward to helping you reach your goal of having an impeccable complexion!
Who Is a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?
If you’re tired of shaving, waxing, or plucking away unwanted hairs then laser removal could be the ideal long-term solution. But first it’s important to assess whether this minimally invasive therapy would suit you before proceeding with treatment.
Laser hair removal works best on people with light skin and dark hair, since their contrast allows the laser to precisely locate each follicle without harming surrounding tissue. Furthermore, two weeks before your appointment it’s essential that you avoid sun exposure as laser treatments and sunburn don’t mix!
Your pain threshold should also be taken into consideration. While laser hair removal can be uncomfortable for some patients, your physician can offer you numbing cream to reduce its intensity and ease discomfort.
Your laser treatment could become complicated if you are pregnant, nursing, have cold sores in the past or currently taking oral herpes medication. Your physician will ask about your skincare regimen and skin condition in order to assess if there are any conditions which might interfere with it.
Your doctor will recommend the appropriate number of sessions to achieve your desired results during your consultation. Most patients require between four and six individual treatments spaced out every 3-6 weeks; as hair grows in cycles and laser treatment only works when active growth phase follicles are active.
Are you ready to put an end to unwanted hair growth? Click below and schedule an in-person consultation with our dermatology team! We’d be more than happy to assess your skin and hair before providing a fully customized laser treatment plan tailored specifically for your aesthetic goals. Make an appointment now!
