Unlike shaving, waxing or depilatory creams, laser hair reduction results in permanent hair reduction*.
It is relatively safe, quick and comfortable. The latest fourth generation CoolGlide lasers are less likely to cause prolonged irritation or pigment changes than older devices.
Frequently, people will start noticing shedding of their unwanted hairs days after their treatment. This is perfectly normal and actually a good sign!
How it works
Laser hair reduction is a safe and effective way to reduce unwanted hair on the face or body. It is an ideal solution for those who are tired of shaving, waxing or spending time and money on depilatory creams.
A neodymium-YAG laser emits light energy that passes through the skin to the hair follicles, where it is absorbed by the endogenous dye melanin. The heat generated by the laser is transferred to the follicles and sustainably damages them, preventing new hair growth.
The process of laser hair removal is much faster than electrolysis, which removes each individual hair one at a time. However, the results of laser treatments are not instantaneous. This is because not all hairs are in the active growth phase at the same time, and additional treatment sessions are needed to destroy hair follicles that are in the “dormant” cycle. As a result, treated hairs sometimes appear to grow back, but this is only temporary and much less noticeable than it would be after waxing or shaving.
What to expect
Unlike traditional hair removal methods such as shaving, plucking and waxing, laser hair reduction permanently reduces unwanted hair. It is an ideal solution for people with excess hair on their bodies that grows too thick to manage by other means.
During treatment, the provider moves a handheld device over the skin’s surface. You might feel a slight tingling sensation as the light is emitted. The device also has a cooling mechanism that protects your skin from the heat of the laser.
You may experience a scab-like appearance as the skin heals, which can be managed by applying ointments such as Vaseline or a moisturizing cream like Cerave PM to the areas for two to five days after treatment. After this, you should apply a daily broad-spectrum sunscreen to prevent sun damage to the newly resurfaced skin. Repeated treatments are required to achieve long-term results.
Preparation
Unwanted hair growth can be a source of discomfort, embarrassment, and even insecurity. The good news is that there are a variety of salon and at-home devices as well as light-based treatments that can permanently reduce unwanted hair.
Your Licensed Professional will help you determine what the best option is for your unique skin type. You may need to prepare for your treatment by avoiding certain herbs and medications or by shaving the area. You will also need to avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for a few weeks before your laser session.
It is important to be serious about your treatment schedule to achieve the results you want. The growth of new hair is dependent on the cycle it is in, so treating the area at the right time ensures you’re getting the full benefit of your treatment.
Common areas of the body that are treated include the underarms, bikini line, legs, and back and chest.
Post-care
Using light or laser, it is possible to permanently* remove unwanted hair. For many women, this can be a life-changer. It is a safe and effective procedure with a wide variety of treatment areas. It is fast – 15 minutes for a small area, 1 hour for a large area. It is comfortable – We use a cooling tip that helps decrease patient discomfort.
Unlike other hair removal methods such as waxing or sugaring, which remove the pigmented part of the hair, lasers heat up and KILL the hair follicle. Because of this, it is important to shave (or use a depilatory cream) on the day of and during your treatments.
It is also important to avoid sun exposure before and during the series of treatments. This is because the light or laser looks for pigment and a sun-tan will interfere with this. It is also important to refrain from plucking or waxing the area as this will cause hairs to grow back thicker and darker.