Laser Hair Removal

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Good candidates are those looking for a long-term solution to reduce unwanted hair. This technology is effective across various types of skin and hair colors, although it works best on those with contrasting hair and skin colors.

While laser hair removal is safe and effective for most people, some individuals may not be ideal candidates due to hair color, medical conditions, or lifestyle factors. Medical clearance may be required for certain conditions. Please consult with your healthcare provider if you are unsure. Precautions to consider: 

• Pregnancy - consult with your healthcare provider first.
• Patients who are undergoing treatment for skin cancer.
• Accutane - must wait at least 6 months.
• Compromised skin (dermatitis, sunburn, open wounds or sores, infection) in the treatment area.
• Autoimmune conditions that affect skin healing (like lupus or active vitiligo) - consult with your healthcare provider first.  
• History of keloids or poor wound healing.
• Patients with pacemakers, internal defibrillators, or a history of seizure disorders should avoid laser hair removal, depending on the area being treated.
• Tattoo in the treatment area - can cause significant color changes.
• Very light, gray, red, or white hair – laser hair removal works by targeting melanin (pigment) in the hair follicle. Lighter hair colors contain little to no melanin, making the laser ineffective.
• Please notify me if you have PCOS, hirsutism, or any other hormonal condition that causes persistent or new hair growth as this typically requires more sessions.

Treated hairs can take up to 7-14 days to exfoliate from the follicle and may appear to be “growing” during this time, however it is not new growth. Once the hair has fully shed, you may be hair free for a few days or weeks leading up to your next treatment. Permanent results require several treatments spaced out over several weeks to capture all hair growth phases. 

After completing the full treatment series (usually at least 6-8 sessions), most people experience an 80-90% reduction in hair growth. Results can last for months to years, depending on individual factors like hormones, genetics, and hair type. Some areas may remain hair-free indefinitely, while others may require occasional maintenance sessions (once or twice a year) to stay smooth. 

There is minimal downtime; most can resume daily activities immediately. After your treatment, there may be some slight redness, swelling around the hair follicles, and mild discomfort similar to a sunburn. These usually resolve within a few hours, however, cold compresses may be used to provide comfort during this time, as well as Vitamin E or Aloe Vera. 

Patients will wear protective eye wear during treatment. A hand-held laser device is used and adjusted according to the target hair’s color, thickness, and location. Most patients tolerate the procedure well and describe the sensation similar to that of a rubber band snapping against the skin or small bursts of heat. Most sessions last minutes to an hour, depending on the area treated.

• Avoid direct sun exposure, including tanning beds, and artificial tanning (spray tans, tanning lotions, etc.) for at least 2-4 weeks prior to treatment. Use SPF 30+ if sun exposure is unavoidable. Patients with any residual sun tan in the treatment area have a higher risk of pigmentation changes.
• Shave the entire treatment area within 24 hours of your appointment. Do not wax, thread, tweeze, etc. for at least 4-6 weeks prior and in between sessions (shaving or trimming of hair may be resumed normally during the duration of treatments.) If the area is not cleanly shaved in larger areas, you will not be able to get treated.
• Avoid skin irritants (products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, hydroquinone, AHAs/BHAs, astringents, depilatories etc.) or any other exfoliating products in the treatment area for at least 5 days prior to each treatment.
• Avoid photosensitizing drugs and certain antibiotics for at least 7 days prior to each treatment as these may increase the risk of irritation. Consult with your healthcare provider before discontinuing.
• Remove reflective or metallic items, like jewelry, in the treatment area as these may cause injury or damage. If piercings cannot be removed, they will simply be avoided during treatment.

• Most people can return to their normal activities immediately, however, strenuous exercise, sweating, excessive heat, swimming, and sauna use should be limited for at least 24-48 hours or until skin is fully healed.
• Avoid direct sun exposure, including tanning beds, for 1-2 weeks following each treatment. Keep the area covered or apply a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) SPF 30+ to prevent hyperpigmentation.
• Avoid artificial tanning (spray tans, tanning lotions, etc.), skin irritants (products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide or acne medications, vitamin C if strong or acidic, hydroquinone, AHAs, BHAs, astringents, depilatories, etc.) or any other exfoliating products in the treatment area for at least 24-72 hours or until skin is fully healed.
• Avoid putting on makeup immediately after.
• Electrolysis, waxing, threading, tweezing, or sugaring is to continue to be avoided between sessions. Shaving or trimming of hair may be resumed normally during the duration of treatment.