WHAT IS LASER HAIR REMOVAL?

Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses an intense, pulsating beam of light, or laser, to remove unwanted hair from any area of the body. Laser hair removal involves the use of an extremely precise laser beam that is passed through the skin to an individual hair follicle. The intense pulsating heat of the laser beam damages the hair follicle, inhibiting future hair growth in that area.

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IS LASER HAIR REMOVAL RIGHT FOR ME?

Laser hair removal can be used on nearly every area of the body. Popular treatment areas include the legs, bikini lines, armpits, and chest. This treatment can also be safely used on the upper lip or facial hair. Laser treatments use a wavelength of light that is absorbed by the dark pigment in the hair. As a result, this technique works best on patients who have dark, coarse hair and light skin. It is not effective against very light, fine “peach fuzz” hair. Most adults who are in good overall health are medically able to undergo laser hair removal.

HOW INVOLVED IS THE LASER HAIR REMOVAL PROCEDURE?

Laser hair removal, known medically as photo epilation, requires no incisions or anesthesia, making it a minimally invasive technique. You should shave the area to be treated the day before the treatment but should not wax or pluck the hair for three to four weeks.

During the procedure, you will be asked to wear protective eyewear. A handheld laser device is held up against the skin. Pulses of laser energy are directed into the targeted area. These pulses may feel like the snap of a rubber band. Once absorbed by the skin, this laser energy turns into heat that disables the hair follicle. Depending on the size of the treatment area, this process may take a few minutes to an hour.

It is important to note that laser energy is only effective against hair that is actively growing. Hair naturally grows in phases, with some follicles inactive while others are active. Because of this, hair removal requires several sessions to catch each of the follicles during their active growth phase. Most patients undergo four to eight treatments, each spaced about six to eight weeks apart, for long-term hair reduction.

HOW LONG IS THE RECOVERY AFTER LASER HAIR REMOVAL?

After undergoing laser treatments, your skin will be slightly red and swollen. The existing hairs will begin to fall out over the next few weeks. In about six weeks, plan to undergo another treatment session to catch another group of hair follicles during their active growth stage. Following each session, the amount of hair noticed in the treatment area will be further reduced.

HOW MUCH DOES LASER HAIR REMOVAL COST?

Laser hair removal sessions vary significantly in cost depending on the size of the body area being treated. Most patients undergo between four to eight treatments for optimum long-term results. Financing is available.

WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT?

Are you a Fort Lauderdale or Broward County resident who is looking for a comfortable, long-term way to rid your body of unwanted hair? Laser hair removal can help you get ready for bikini season or stop unwanted hair growth on your back. Contact the Weston Center for Plastic Surgery today for your consultation.