Laser hair removal is generally an efficient and painless procedure that produces long-term results, though some blond or grey regrowth is likely after receiving laser therapy treatments.
Laser hair removal and IPL work by stimulating pigment-filled follicles; any form of waxing or plucking that removes this pigment will completely halt any progress you might make toward laser hair removal.
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Laser hair removal is an extremely effective treatment to get rid of unwanted body hair, particularly for men and women with sensitive skin. It works using a laser device with a focused beam of light which absorbs melanin pigment from melanin-rich areas of skin to convert into heat energy, damaging hair follicles to prevent future hair growth and permanently diminish future hair growth. Safe and effective on all skin types and tones alike, usually taking six-8 treatments spaced four-8 weeks apart for permanent reduction.
An often-asked question we receive is if waxing should be performed between laser sessions. While waxing should generally not be recommended in areas receiving laser hair removal treatments, as waxing removes hair directly from its source; doing this would hinder laser’s ability to destroy follicles and inhibit hair growth. However, if there is very light regrowth of blond hair that doesn’t respond well to laser (like on arms or legs), regular waxing sessions could help.
Laser hair removal requires melanin pigment in hair follicles in order for laser energy to absorb it and destroy follicles, so waxing in these areas could ruin its effectiveness and even cause new hair growth. To minimize disruption and new growth, wait until all laser treatments have finished before waxing these areas again.
Most people find laser hair removal to be relatively painless and quick process; however, everyone’s sensitivity varies and therefore it is crucial that no additional methods such as waxing, tweezing and plucking be employed before your laser treatment has completed successfully. Any of these could prevent it from treating hair follicles properly.
IPL machines were one of the earliest laser devices designed specifically for permanent hair reduction, however since then more advanced lasers have become safer and more effective for all skin types and colors. Dr Michele Green from NYC uses Candela GentleLase and GentleYAG lasers which have proven their safety and efficacy over time in permanent hair reduction treatments.
Laser hair removal can be used on most parts of the body, including armpits, thighs, stomach, back, arms and face – especially popular amongst women for Brazilian bikini lines. Regular waxing can result in painful ingrown hairs and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, so laser hair removal may be a better choice. Laser treatments also prevent ingrown hairs and hyperpigmentation by directly targeting hair follicles to stop them from producing more hair growth. Laser hair removal takes several sessions over several weeks, but once complete will leave you with smooth skin for life. For more information and a consultation appointment contact our office now.
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IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) photofacial treatment uses high intensity flashlamps to deliver safe, gentle treatments for many dermatological diseases. Along with hair removal, it can treat pigmented lesions such as solar lentigines and ephelides as well as vascular lesions such as telangiectasias, port-wine stains, and hemangiomas as well as improving skin texture, decreasing pores size and decreasing fine lines and wrinkles.
After laser hair removal sessions, one of the more frequently asked questions is if waxing should be permitted post-session. While waxing might remove pigmented cells targeted by your laser treatment session, doing so could interfere with its effectiveness and possibly compromise results of treatment.
To achieve optimal results, it’s recommended that you wait six weeks after treatment before waxing or plucking any areas that were treated by laser. This allows the pigmented cells to return to their original state and absorb energy from laser treatment effectively maximizing results.
As part of your post-laser treatment care, it is strongly suggested that you forgoing sun beds or saunas and opting instead for broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ to protect the skin in the days following laser treatment. Also recommended: taking cool showers instead of hot ones since hot water may irritate skin conditions further.
Before your laser treatment, try to avoid applying lotions or creams to the area being treated, as this could prevent light from reaching its destination on skin’s surface. Also try to limit hot baths and showers as the extreme temperatures can irritate or burn skin and result in burns.
If laser hair removal is something you’re considering, most men and women require six to eight treatments spaced approximately four weeks apart in order to see results. After this initial series has concluded, occasional maintenance treatments may be required in order to identify new hair growth that wasn’t destroyed by the laser beams.
Avoid discomfort or side effects from laser hair removal treatments by applying topical numbing cream such as an ice pack, numbing gel, or over-the-counter product such as an ice pack prior to your appointment. Also helpful is avoiding tanning in the weeks prior as this could make skin too dark for effective laser treatment sessions.
LH Spa & Rejuvenation’s laser hair removal team can help you attain smooth, beautiful skin through our services! Get in touch with us now to explore all your options and arrange a consultation – we look forward to meeting with you!
