What is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is a convenient, noninvasive method for permanently reducing or removing unwanted facial or body hair. It leaves the skin looking smoother and silkier than waxing, electrolysis or razors and is a gentle technique that can treat larger areas effectively with minimal discomfort and with no downtime. Today, laser hair removal is one of the most common aesthetic procedures performed in the United States.

When should I Consider Laser Hair Removal?

When the procedure is completed, you may be given ice packs to soothe the treated areas and diminish any discomfort.

Multiple sessions are required for optimal results. Usually 10 to 14 treatments to achieve about a 95% reduction in hair in the treated areas. We recommend a 6 week treatment protocol for several treatments then move to a 10-12 week protocol.  However, treatment protocols vary depending on ethnicity, areas being treated, your hair type and hair growth pattern.

Am I a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

Darker hairs will absorb more of the laser light and lighter skin allows more transmission of the laser light into the hair follicle. Age, ethnicity, medication, hormone levels and body area affect the length, coarseness and color of body hair, which in turn will influence the results of any cosmetic laser treatment.  Laser hair removal is safe for all parts of the body, including the face, but a protective eye cover is usually used.  Permanently removing or reducing hair on the body can save time, money and aggravation associated with shaving and waxing.

How is Laser Hair Removal Performed?

Before your laser hair removal treatment, protective eye shields will be placed over your eyes to prevent injury to your corneas or retinas. The hair that will be undergoing treatment will be trimmed to a few millimeters above the skin surface.

At Elite Laser Centers, we trust only the Lumenis Light Sheer Infinity – State-of-the-Art and the GOLD standard in laser hair removal.  This high speed laser delivers beautiful results in a fraction of the time that other lasers take.  This means less treatments and better results!  Light Sheer Duet also eliminates the need for topical anesthetics, so no more sitting around for an additional hour waiting for the “numbing cream” to take effect. 

You can read more about that technology here.

A test treatment will first be done by directing a test pulse light to the treatment area. A high speed, low energy laser beam will pass through your skin and be absorbed by the pigment of a percentage of the active-growth hair follicles. This area will be observed to make sure that the settings are correct and to check for any adverse reactions to treatment.

If the test proves successful, the laser beam is then systematically directed spot-by-spot to the areas to be treated, instantly and permanently disabling the active-growth hair follicles with each treatment. Hair follicles in the dormant phase are not affected by the treatment.

When the procedure is completed, you may be given ice packs, cold water or anti-inflammatory creams or lotions to soothe the treated areas and diminish any discomfort.

Multiple sessions are required for optimal laser hair removal results. Usually three to eight are needed initially, but additional treatments at later dates should be expected. Most clinicians recommend treatment intervals of four to eight weeks depending on variables such as the body region being treated, your gender, age, hair type and hair growth pattern.

What Will My Consultation Be Like?

Understanding your goals and medical condition, both alternative and additional treatments may be considered.  You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your complete medical history. This will include information about previous surgeries, any past and present medical conditions, allergies and any current medications you are now taking.

How Do I Prepare for My Laser Hair Removal Treatment?

We will answer any questions that you may have prior to treatments beginning.  Avoid any pretreatment plucking or waxing, stop smoking to promote better healing, avoid taking certain medications that can cause increased bleeding or sun sensitivity and make sure to stay hydrated before and after the procedure for the safest possible results.What Will My Aftercare and Recovery Be Like?

In most cases you may return to work and other daily activities immediately following your treatment. After the laser hair removal procedure, you will receive detailed instructions about your post-treatment care, including information about skin care, normal symptoms you may experience and any potential signs of complications.  It is important that you follow all patient care instructions provided by our staff.

Immediately after treatment you will have smoother skin and a reduction in the number of hairs in the treated area. You may notice redness or minor skin irritation after the treatment, but this usually resolves quickly. You may need to use specially formulated skin care products and/or a prescribed skin care regimen. Sunscreen is a ‘must’ on any treated areas that are exposed. You should contact the Nurse if your skin develops redness and irritation persists to see if there is a problem that needs to be treated.  In the weeks that follow, you may notice an increase in hair growth in the treated area as dormant hair follicles that were not affected by the earlier laser treatment enter their active growing phase. Elite recommends follow-up treatment intervals of approximately 6 to 12 weeks, depending on where you are in your treatment protocol.

How Long Will My Results Last?

Hair removal is permanent but it will take 10 to 16 sessions to ensure that all active-growth hair follicles have been satisfactorily removed.   For safety, as well as the most beautiful and healthy outcome, it’s important to return to Elite Laser Center for follow-up appointments at prescribed times and whenever you notice any changes in the treatment areas call us. Do not hesitate to contact us when you have any questions or concerns.