Are you tired of shaving, waxing or plucking to remove unwanted hair? Laser hair removal offers a permanent and effective solution.
Laser light targets melanin in hair follicles to inhibit their ability to grow more hair, inducing multiple treatment sessions for this procedure.
Laser hair removal is considered cosmetic surgery and typically not covered by private insurance plans; however, you can use an FSA or HSA account to pay for the procedure.
What is a Dermatologist?
No one understands your skin, hair and nails better than a board-certified dermatologist. Dermatologists are medical doctors who specialize in studying, researching and diagnosing conditions affecting skin, fat, hair, nails and oral/genital membranes – including cancers, rashes, acne, psoriasis warts and even wrinkles. Their expertise allows them to treat various health issues such as cancers rashes acne psoriasis warts wrinkles as well as cancerous cancerous growths.
Since your skin is the largest organ, it acts as the first line of defense against disease and infection. Additionally, it shields your internal organs, regulates temperature regulation, keeps you comfortable or cool depending on season, and communicates information to others about how healthy you are – acting as an indicator for overall wellness and should therefore be treated accordingly.
Dermatologists are skilled medical professionals that understand the delicate balance between health and appearance. They can assist with a range of conditions – from an infant’s birthmark that threatens his eyesight to women diagnosed with life-threatening melanoma at its earliest and most treatable stage – as well as cosmetic concerns like surgical scars or aging skin.
Dermatologists possess extensive training, with over 3,000 diseases that impact skin, hair and nails being diagnosed by them. Dermatologists also perform minor surgical procedures like wart removal or mole removal; take biopsies from skin tissue for microscope analysis; perform minor cosmetic treatments like laser hair removal – it’s best to visit a licensed dermatologist as they specialize in safety and effectiveness; recommend how many treatments will be needed as well as schedule them to produce optimal results.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal performed by an experienced medical aesthetician is safe and effective; eliminating the need for painful waxing or shaving while producing long-term results. The laser emits wavelengths of light energy which penetrate the skin to be absorbed by pigment in hair follicles during their growth phase; its cooling technology protects surface skin while it destroys unwanted hair follicles and surrounding tissue – eventually rendering them permanently inactive and no longer producing new hair in that area. After several treatment sessions, hair follicles become permanently damaged so no new hair will grow from that area again – meaning no new hair will produce new hairs in that area ever again.
The American Academy of Dermatology advises laser treatments be conducted only by trained medical professionals such as board-certified dermatologists like Dr. Michele Green in NYC. Med spas may provide laser services, but without the expertise to ensure it is performed safely and appropriately for each skin tone, untrained personnel may cause blistering, hyperpigmentation, scarring and other unwanted side effects from laser treatments performed incorrectly.
For optimal results, it is best to avoid exposure to sun both before and after receiving laser therapy treatments. Applying broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen will help prevent pigmentation issues from emerging; additionally it’s wise to avoid plucking or waxing hair as this may compromise its ability to absorb laser energy effectively. Shaving may be done prior to appointments if done so in sufficient amounts; just make sure that enough hair follicles can absorb its light energy from laser treatment sessions.
Laser hair removal can be used by both men and women to eliminate unwanted facial and body hair. It’s particularly useful for reducing coarser forms like those on the neck, as well as ingrown hairs associated with pseudo-folliculitis or other uncomfortable skin conditions.
What Are the Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal works by targeting and destroying hair follicles that produce unwanted hair, leading to temporary redness or swelling of your skin that should subside quickly; in some cases it may leave spots darker or lighter than its surroundings, though this effect usually subsides quickly as well.
Your treatment will start by donning protective goggles and an assistant may trim or shave the area being treated. Expect this procedure to last anywhere between a few minutes to an hour depending on its size and complexity. When your laser vaporizes hair follicles, you might smell smoke and experience a mild burning sensation similar to what a razor burn would feel like; some patients might find this uncomfortable; it won’t feel quite so painful, however.
After your treatment, it is wise to avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds as you could potentially develop sunburn or blisters. Applying cold compresses directly over the treated areas can also help minimize discomfort; consult your dermatologist regarding how best to look after your skin during this period.
Your laser hair removal results may take multiple sessions before they reach their full potential, as laser light only works when hair follicles are in their anagen stage. While this method may be slower than others, once complete you will enjoy long-term and permanent reduction.
How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost?
Laser hair removal costs can depend on the size and nature of the treatment area as well as your skin and hair tone. Blond or fine hair may not respond as effectively due to lacking melanin pigment which absorbs laser energy efficiently; thus, more sessions may be required than with darker or coarse hair to reach desired results.
When selecting a laser hair removal clinic, make sure a doctor or dermatologist supervises and is present during treatments. Steer clear of spas or salons which use nonmedical personnel as laser technicians since these individuals might lack sufficient training and experience to ensure your safety. Also avoid plucking or waxing prior to laser sessions so as to allow laser light to target roots rather than surface hair; sun protection must also be considered prior and post treatments – using broad spectrum sunscreen is recommended if outdoors during treatment sessions.
Your dermatologist will assess the treatment area and determine how many laser hair removal sessions will be necessary to attain desired results. In most instances, at least six sessions should suffice in reducing or eliminating unwanted hair permanently.
Laser hair removal is usually not covered by private insurance; however, if the procedure is necessary to treat gender dysphoria or another medical condition it might. You can pay for laser hair removal with funds from either your flexible spending account or health savings account, though prior approval from both providers should be sought to make sure it’s eligible expense.
Where Can I Get Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is an exceptionally safe and effective treatment, but to maximize safety it should be performed by trained medical professionals in an ideal sanitary environment such as a dermatology office or medical practice, rather than at a spa. This will significantly lower the risk of complications during treatments.
Before your laser treatment begins, your doctor will instruct you to refrain from waxing, electrolysis and plucking to allow the laser to more accurately locate and target hair follicles. Furthermore, it is advised to limit sun exposure on treated areas and use high SPF sunscreen. In addition, taking bleaching medications or skin lighteners a week prior could darken melanin levels within hair follicles, preventing it from being targeted effectively by laser.
Your technician will place the device on your body and administer pulses of light therapy to target areas. A cooling agent may also be applied for added comfort; most patients require four or six treatments at four-to-6-week intervals to achieve optimal results.
After each session, targeted hair follicles are destroyed and future growth significantly reduced. The number of treatments required depends on both the area being treated and its hair growth cycle.
If you are tired of shaving unwanted body hair with razors or tweezers, contact us immediately and arrange your consultation in one of our NYC offices in SOHO, Tribeca or Uptown. Our cosmetic dermatologists offer safe procedures designed to give you silky-smooth skin – no more shaving bumps or ingrown hairs! Call now or book online.
