Laser treatments use light energy to destroy hair follicles. Once treatment has taken place, most patients experience no further growth for months or even years; when it regrows it tends to be thinner and lighter colored.
For this procedure, a doctor will press a hand-held laser instrument against your skin, equipped with either a cooling device or cool gel to protect and minimize discomfort.
How long will the results last?
If you’re seeking to remove unwanted body hair with laser treatment, here are a few things you should keep in mind. Unlike traditional temporary methods like shaving and depilatory creams (which sting, smell, and don’t last very long), laser removal is nearly permanent or close. To maximize results from this cosmetic procedure and achieve long-term benefits from it, Michele Green, MD of Spring Street Dermatology in Manhattan’s Upper East Side recommends scheduling multiple initial sessions of laser hair removal therapy.
One laser treatment likely won’t do much to alter the appearance of a follicle, but by the end of a course of treatments (typically six for women and eight for men), 10 to 25% less hair in the area being treated should have grown back.
Once a laser treatment has completed, you may notice some light hair regrowth in the treated area. It is normal and it should not be waxed or plucked off immediately – instead wait for these fine new hairs to fall out naturally or be addressed during future sessions.
New hairs that develop following initial treatments will be significantly lighter and thinner, and their growth rate will be slower than natural. Therefore, most people don’t notice any significant regrowth at all or simply a very small amount that sprouts back quickly after each treatment session.
Some individuals may need additional laser treatments after having completed an initial course of initial treatments due to how the laser only affects hair in its active growth phase (known as anagen phase ) at certain times – not every follicle will always be in this state at any one time.
In these instances, maintenance sessions should occur every four to eight weeks for maximum results. Also be careful never to shave in between treatment sessions as nicking yourself with disposable razor can lead to ingrown hairs and possibly infection. Make sure the individual conducting your laser hair removal has the required qualifications as well as being registered on an official list as it shows that they meet set standards of training, skill, and insurance coverage.
Will it hurt?
Laser hair removal involves sitting back in a chair while being targeted with tiny high-heat laser beams from an expert laser technician. The intensity of the heat will depend on your skin tone and area being treated; you should expect some mild discomfort similar to sunburn; though most patients tolerate it well; those with sensitive skin may feel more pain but it could simply be down to personal tolerance levels.
Laser treatments are generally safe and effective; it is, however, important to remember that they aren’t permanent solutions – in order to maintain an almost hairless appearance on areas like your face or armpits that experience rapid hair growth, periodic treatments will need to be scheduled in order to keep up with any necessary maintenance treatments.
Laser treatment only damages anagen (growth) cycle hair follicles; no catagen (transitional) or telogen (rest) phases are affected, meaning your new growth might appear lighter or thinner than before your laser sessions began.
For the safest and most effective laser hair removal results, it’s crucial to follow the advice of your dermatologist. This includes arriving for your treatment free from skincare products which might obstruct its effectiveness – such as scrubs or exfoliating creams – that could hinder its effectiveness. In addition, tanning should be avoided several weeks prior to your appointment as this could cause the laser misinterpret your pigmentation and cause burns on your skin.
Before receiving laser hair removal treatments, it is also advisable to refrain from waxing or tweezing hair for two weeks as these methods remove the roots which is essential to an effective laser hair removal session. Furthermore, sunscreen should always be applied both prior to and post laser sessions in order to protect skin damage caused by sun rays. Ultimately, many patients find the results of laser hair removal to be long-term yet relatively painless; so contact an expert in order to book a consultation consultation session and learn more!
Will it be painful?
Laser hair removal is fast and pain-free; an anesthetic may be applied prior to treatment as an option; once activated, beams of light target pigments in your hair follicles and damage them causing slight stinging/tingling sensations that could require an anesthetic for comfort during a treatment session – which are easily covered up once treatment is over with. Once treatment has concluded you’ll be free to get on with the rest of your day!
Some areas of the body tend to be more sensitive during laser treatments, including the face and armpits. Your pain threshold varies between individuals so it is wise to talk to your dermatologist about how much to expect each procedure to hurt as well as techniques you could use (numbing agents, icing or chill tips).
As hairs grow back after laser treatment, they will appear thinner or lighter than before, since only anagen-phase (growth) hair was targeted. Since catagen or telogen phase (rest) hair wasn’t affected significantly by your treatment.
Though laser hair removal results aren’t permanent, when performed by a board-certified dermatologist they can be long-lasting and effective. Subsequent follow-up treatments will keep your skin clear for an extended period of time.
Are You Thinking About Laser Hair Removal in NYC? Michele Green, MD in NYC offers board-certified dermatology services including facial rejuvenation procedures as well as laser hair removal treatments. Schedule a Consultation Today with Michele Green!
Laser treatments are FDA-approved cosmetic procedures that are safe and noninvasive when performed by qualified doctors like Dr. Green. Laser can also be used to safely remove lesions that might be early signs of cancer and moles from your skin, and achieve semi-permanent hair reduction. Learn about your options for semi-permanent hair reduction online by booking a consultation, or reach out directly to one of our staff members to speak about what treatments might work for you! We look forward to helping you love your skin!
Will it be expensive?
Laser hair removal may cost more than shaving or waxing initially, but over time its costs tend to be lower due to less time spent shaving and waxing plus decreased spending on skin care products that help prevent razor bumps, ingrown hairs and other problems associated with traditional methods of hair removal. It is often a worthy investment.
Note, however, that unlike with other cosmetic procedures, private health insurance typically doesn’t cover laser hair removal. Still, it may be worthwhile checking with your provider to see if there are exceptions; in certain instances such as gender dysphoria or health concerns they might provide partial coverage.
Laser light heats the pigment of a hair follicle to destroy it, stopping its ability to produce new hair and thus stopping further production of new locks. Although the damage to follicle is permanent, new growth could eventually return – though likely in lighter and finer form than original locks.
For optimal results, laser treatment requires you to refrain from any type of hair removal prior to starting therapy. Also avoid sun exposure and any medications which could increase bleeding. It’s a good idea to wear goggles to protect your eyes; practitioners will apply topical anesthetic cream so as to minimize pain during the procedure – some compare the feeling to snapping rubber bands or sunburn-like sensations during your appointment.
Laser hair removal should never be used on tanned skin or dark or gray hair, and therefore should only be performed by specialists experienced in treating patients of various skin types and hair colors.
Your doctor will conduct a physical and medical assessment during your consultation to ascertain whether laser hair removal would be suitable for you. They’ll likely recommend scheduling treatments every 4-6 weeks and telling you whether the procedure is safe for your particular skin tone.
