Laser hair removal has come a long way since Albert Einstein kicked off the field by theorizing the foundation of laser technology in 1953. Today, laser hair removal technology is a sophisticated and extremely effective way of removing unwanted hair on many parts of the body.
Ready to say goodbye to prickly stubble, ingrown hairs and shaving rashes? Here’s what you need to know:
Laser hair removal technology is the safest it’s ever been, but it can still be risky in inexperienced hands. Burns, permanent changes to your skin color, and scars can occur.
As an experienced dermatologist, Dr. Kuzel understands the nuances of different skin types and hair textures and can ensure a safe treatment for exceptional, long-lasting results.
Laser hair removal works by targeting the hair follicles with intense light energy. During the treatment, a handheld laser device is passed over the skin, emitting pulses of light that are absorbed by the pigment in the hair. This light energy converts to heat, damaging the hair follicle and preventing hair regrowth.
Because hair grows in cycles, we typically require multiple sessions of laser hair removal to achieve long-lasting results. The laser can only target hair in the active growth phase, and not all hairs are in this phase at the same time. Treatments must be spaced at least four to six-weeks apart to coincide with the hair growth cycle. Typically, patients need six to eight treatments for optimal results, depending on the treatment area and patient hair characteristics.
Before the treatment begins, you’ll be provided protective eyewear to be worn throughout the procedure. An experienced laser technician will cleanse and prepare the treatment area.
The technician will use a handheld device over the treatment area. It will emit pulses of light that penetrate the skin and target the hair follicles, heating them up and destroying them. Some patients experience mild discomfort during the treatment, which is often described as a rubber band snapping against the skin.
The procedure can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the treatment area. Afterwards, you may experience redness or swelling (like a mild sunburn) in the treated area, but this should subside within a few hours. We’ll send you home with information about what to watch for and contact information in case you need to follow up.
Everyone is different, but we typically recommend on average six treatments in order to see the reduction of hair growth on all areas of the body. If regrowth does occur, we can easily treat this with a once a year touch up.