Laser Hair Removal

What is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is one of the most common laser procedures performed today. Most of us have unwanted hair on our underarms, arms, and other parts of our body. With so many of us always on the go, who wants to deal with shaving, waxing, or tweezing? Laser hair removing is a cosmetic procedure that uses pulsed laser energy to remove unwanted hair from a targeted area while leaving the surrounding skin unharmed.

There are temporary treatments to remove unwanted hair, but patients seeking more permanent and less irritating methods are frequently good candidates for laser hair removing treatment. Through what is a safe and usually painless procedure, hair can be removed from nearly any area of the body at Skin & Laser Surgery Center of New England.

Who is a candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

While any individual with excess hair is a candidate, certain colors and types of hair benefit more. Treatment is most effective on people with coarse and dark hair as well as a fair complexion. People with lighter and less coarse hair can still benefit from hair removal.

What areas of the body can Laser Hair Removal treat?

Laser hair removing can be used on nearly any external part of the part with excess hair. Common areas on which we perform hair removing include the following:

• Chin
• Upper lip
• Chest
• Underarms
• Back
• Bikini line
• Legs

Benefits of Laser Hair Treatment

There are many benefits to having unwanted hair removed through the use of laser therapy. When you shave or wax your own hair, the results are less precise since your lighting is not as good as a clinical office. With medical professionals performing the treatment, your unwanted hair will be better targeted and removed. The benefits include the following:

• Hair is precisely targeted
• Procedure is quick
• Results are permanent (for 90 percent of patients) or long-lasting
• Minimal discomfort

How to Prepare For laser hair treatment

Before having treatment done, you should schedule a consultation to discuss it first. This involves the doctor reviewing your medical history and the medications you have taken. Any history of having skin reactions or disorders could help decide what is right for you. Once you are approved for the procedure, your doctor will give you specific instructions to prepare for laser hair removal. These instructions may include:

• Avoid other hair removal treatments
• Avoid blood-thinning medications
• Avoid aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs
• Avoid sun exposure

Laser hair removal Procedure

At Skin & Laser Surgery Center of New England, the target area is first numbed with a topical anesthetic. A handheld device that emits intense laser pulses moves across the area, focusing on individual hair follicles. There are several different methods of laser hair removal. Dr. Khatri will decide the appropriate method for you during your consultation.

Hair growth takes place cyclically, in three stages. The most effective removal takes place during the full growth stage because the hair follicles in this stage are susceptible to laser energy. But, because all hair is not in the same stage of growth at any time, several laser treatments may be necessary. To some extent, the length of treatment depends on the texture of the patient’s hair and the treatment area.

Are there any side effects of Laser Hair Removal?

Redness, soreness, or swelling may occur immediately after treatment but typically disappear within a few days. Cold compresses or ice packs, moisturizers, and anti-inflammatory creams may minimize discomfort. Dr. Khatri recommends avoiding sun exposure as much as possible for some period of time. This will allow your skin to recover from treatment.