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How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal is an advanced cosmetic procedure that makes use of lasers to remove excess hair. to penetrate into the hair follicle and destroy the hair within the follicle. The laser light creates an intense beam that is attracted by the dark hair in the hair follicle. The light destroys the darker hair while leaving the surrounding skin safe from harm.
A high percentage of the hair in the treatment area will be removed completely, however, multiple treatment sessions will be required to achieve the desired results. There’s no anesthesia necessary when performing laser hair removal and patients can return to their normal daily activities immediately.
For people with lighter colored hair or gray hair, lasers generally do not work. The hair just doesn’t have enough pigment to be affected by the laser.
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Which Areas Can be Improved With Laser Hair Removal?
At Schlessinger MD, we treat patients with laser hair removal on just about anywhere on the body where hair grows. Most often, we assist with hair removal on the upper lip and chin for women. Other areas include the bikini area, legs, underarms, face, and back (many men find this helpful).
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What You Need to Know Before The Procedure? And How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last?
Most patients require a series of 5 to 7 laser hair removal treatments spaced out over time with about 8 to 12 weeks in between sessions to catch the growth cycle of unwanted hair. Hair grows at different rates on different parts of the body, so it is important that we are thorough and address the hair during its growth phase. Some regrowth may occur, so periodic touch-ups may be needed after a series of laser hair removal procedures.
Certain medications can affect the outcome of laser hair removal, so it is important that we discuss your full medical history during your consultation. It’s important that you are open about any pre-existing conditions and prescription medications you’re taking.
You should refrain from plucking or waxing for a few weeks leading to the treatment. You want your hair to be growing in the shaft, where it will be zapped by the laser. Shaving is permissible because it does not remove hair below the skin’s surface.
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What to Expect During Your Laser Hair Removal Procedure
You will recline comfortably in an examination chair. Depending on the area to be treated, you may need to change into a gown. You will need to wear goggles or glasses during the treatments to ensure the safety of your eyes.
Dr. Schlessinger’s PAs or his nursing staff will apply the laser head to your skin during the procedure. The laser device delivers quick pulses of energy that target dark hair follicles. You may even smell a slight burning odor, which is the hair actually being zapped. They will then move the laser device over the area to be treated.
Everyone has a different comfort level with pain, and some patients feel some discomfort during the laser hair removal process. Many people describe the sensation as a feeling of a rubber band snapping the skin. You may feel different sensations depending on the area you are having treated as well. Certainly, some parts of the body are more sensitive than others.
Any discomfort that occurs from laser hair removal is temporary and will subside quickly. If necessary, we’ll also provide medication to help manage the discomfort and ensure that you feel comfortable throughout the procedure.
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What Happens After The Procedure?
After your laser hair removal treatment, the area treated may have slight redness or feel irritated for a day or two. Many patients liken this experience to a slight sunburn. Some people develop small bumps around the hair follicles, but these heal relatively quickly. The treated area may be soothed with aloe vera gel in the office before you leave. At home, you might reapply a soothing gel or a cool ice pack for relief. Remember to always wear sunscreen as your skin will be much more sensitive to light for some time after undergoing the laser hair removal procedure. In time, you’ll eventually see hair fall out and more of your smooth skin revealed.
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How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost?
Laser hair removal is an individualized procedure that varies from patient to patient depending on their unique needs. The cost of laser hair removal can vary from $100 to several hundred dollars a treatment, but it depends on the size of the area being treated and the number of sessions required to remove the hair completely. Different areas may be treated during one session.
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