What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a procedure that removes hair using a concentrated beam of light. During the treatment, the laser energy converts to heat–damaging the follicles that produce hair.
Laser hair removal is typically done on legs, armpits, bikini, upper lip, and chin. But it can treat any area of your body other than the eyelids or skin with tattoos. It’s most effective when used on hair that contrasts with skin, so the combination of light skin and dark hair typically yield an optimal outcome.
However, there are also laser hair removal treatments for the combination of dark hair and dark skin: the YAG or diode laser hair removal lasers can bypass the melanin in your skin, resulting in a safe treatment for medium to dark skin.
If you want to learn more about laser hair removal–or schedule a consultation with a laser hair removal provider–then contact St. Luke’s Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.
Overview
Laser hair removal is for anyone who wants to remove unwanted body hair. Candidates include adults who have the following characteristics:
- Dark, coarse hair
- Groupings of hair that need to be permanently removed
- Acne-like breakouts from waxing or shaving
This cosmetic procedure typically takes six or more sessions to remove all targeted hair. While most treatments are permanent, laser hair removal on your face will need to be repeated.
To determine if laser hair removal is right for you, schedule a consultation with a St. Luke’s laser hair removal provider.
Getting laser hair removal can positively impact your wellbeing and self-confidence. The following list includes some of the most commonly reported benefits:
- Minimal pain (compared to other forms of hair removal)
- Time saved
- Effective hair removal solution
- Prevention of ingrown hairs
- Minimized hair regrowth
Laser hair removal can dramatically improve your body image and give you a more youthful appearance.
Laser hair removal is safe. However, as with all cosmetic procedures, it has risks. Some of them include the following:
- Blisters
- Burns
- Infections
- Scars
- Skin discoloration
Your laser hair removal provider will review a complete list of risks before getting your consent.
Before the procedure
Before laser hair removal at St. Luke’s Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, your physician will answer your questions and address your expectations. Additionally, they may review your overall health–including the following:
- General health
- Risk factors
- Medical conditions
- Drug allergies
- Current medications
- Herbal supplements
- Drug or tobacco use
- Past treatments with injectable fillers
One to three days before your treatment, you should shave any hair growing in the target area to minimize pain.
During the procedure
Laser hair removal for chin
Laser hair removal for your chin is a permanent solution to dark, unwanted chin hair. Because the treatment area is small, laser hair removal services for your chin should only take several minutes.Laser hair removal for upper lip
Upper lip laser hair removal is a permanent solution to dark, unwanted lip hair. Because the treatment area is small, laser hair removal services for your lip should only take several minutes.Laser hair removal for legs
Laser hair removal for your legs is a permanent solution to dark, unwanted leg hair. Because this treatment area is large, laser hair removal services for your legs should only take between 30 minutes and an hour.Laser hair removal for pubic area
Laser hair removal for your pubic area (Brazilian laser hair removal or bikini laser hair removal) is a permanent solution to dark, unwanted pubic hair. Because this treatment area is a medium size, Brazilian laser hair removal (bikini laser hair removal) services should only take between 20 and 30 minutes.Laser hair removal for underarms
Laser hair removal for your underarms is a permanent solution to dark, unwanted underarm hair. Because the treatment area is small, armpit laser hair removal services should only take several minutes.Laser hair removal for full face
Laser hair removal for your full face is a permanent solution to dark, unwanted hair on multiple areas of your face—including your lip, chin, and cheeks. Because the facial laser hair removal treatment area is a medium size, laser hair removal services for your face should take less than an hour.Laser hair removal for full body
Laser hair removal for your full body is a permanent solution to dark, unwanted hair on multiple areas of your body—including your legs, arms, and stomach. Because this is the largest treatment area, laser hair removal services for your face may take over an hour.Laser hair removal for men
Laser hair removal for men treats unwanted body hair on your back, chest, arms, and more. This cosmetic procedure can treat the same areas on men as it can on women.After the procedure
With each treatment, you should notice a decreasing amount of hair regrowth. Depending on your target area and other individual factors, you’ll need between two and six laser treatments.
When hair does grow back between treatments, you may notice it falling out of the damaged follicles. By the end of your treatment plan, you shouldn’t notice hair growing back.
While most laser hair removal procedures are permanent, certain areas of your body—including your face—may require future treatments.
Though laser hair removal is minimally invasive, the following tips will minimize your recovery time and maximize your results:
- Apply prescription creams
- Apply cool compresses
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Avoid shaving (until skin readiness has subsided)
Additionally, you’ll need to massage the skin for a consistent finish.