How does LASER remove hair?
The laser emits a powerful beam of invisible light which passes harmlessly through the skin of the treated area where the laser energy is selectively absorbed by dark pigment in hair-filled follicles lying below the surface of the skin. Absorbed laser energy heats the hair, which damages or destroys the re-growth potential of the follicle impairing hundreds of hairs at a time. The result is successful hair removal without damaging the surrounding tissue. The proper selection of the optimal laser, depending upon hair and skin type is imperative.

Who is a candidate for laser hair removal?
If you are concerned about unwanted hair, you are probably a good candidate for laser hair removal.

Is laser hair removal safe for all skin types? Can all hair be treated?
We have different lasers for hair removal available at our center at all times. So, we are able to treat all skin types from very white to very black; and even tanned skin. Any hair with at least some pigment in it (black, brown, red and even blond) can be treated effectively.

What happens during a laser hair removal treatment?
It begins by trimming away the hair above the skin. The laser hand piece is then applied to your skin and pulses of laser begin disabling your unwanted hair. At the end of the session most of the hair is wiped off. The remaining hair in the treated area falls out over the next week or two.

Does laser hair removal hurt? What does the treatment feel like?
Each pulse of laser feels like a slight sting or pinch. No local anesthesia is required and most people tolerate the treatment well. The effective cooling system helps to alleviate pain.

How long is the recovery time from a laser hair removal session?
Usually no down time, though some patients can have some mild swelling for a few hours. Following the treatment, you can generally return to work and resume all regular activities immediately.

What kind of results should I expect?
Laser technology has been proven to create a permanent reduction in the number of re-growing hairs following each treatment in most skin types. Patients will require multiple sessions; however the number of treatments needed is dependent on the laser energy setting, and the patient's skin and hair type. Not all of individuals' hair follicles are producing hair at the same time, but actually go through three different phases: growth, regression and resting. Since other hairs will eventually enter into the active growth phase at different times, additional treatments may be necessary to inactivate other hair follicles in a given area. A customized laser hair removal treatment program will be designed for you along with an estimate of how many treatments you may need in order to meet your expectations.

Are there any possible side effects for laser hair removal?
Side effects are rare. You may experience some slight reddening or local swelling at the site of hair removal, but this typically goes away within hours. On rare occasions, some blistering may occur, but typically resolves quickly. It is important to perform test spots with increasing energy settings on every individual considering laser hair removal at the time of the initial consultation. In this way, we can start the treatments at the highest energy to destroy the greatest number of hair follicles, while knowing that the overlying skin will not be injured. Test spots will thus allow the patient to undergo the fewest number of sessions possible. Limiting sun exposure before and after each treatment will minimize the risk of complications.