Laser Hair Removal is one of the top five noninvasive cosmetic treatments performed in the United States in 2016. This safe and effective technique uses concentrated light to prevent hair growth. It can reduce ingrown hairs, save time normally spent on shaving or waxing and improve skin tone by removing unwanted hair on the face and body.
Before your laser hair removal treatment, we will clean the area and apply a cool gel to protect your skin and reduce discomfort. You will wear eye goggles to protect your eyes from the laser. The practitioner will then shave or trim the area to remove any excess hair that might interfere with the treatment. Then the laser will pulse over the desired area, which can take a few minutes to an hour depending on the size of the treated area. During the procedure, you might feel a series of stings and some people compare it to the feeling of rubber bands snapping against the skin or sunburn. You might also notice the smell of burnt hair, which is normal and a result of the laser destroying the hair follicles.
The light emitted by the laser Nuskin Laser is absorbed by pigment and turned into heat, which destroys the hair follicle and prevents it from growing new hair. This can be done on any area of the body that has unwanted hair, but is most commonly used on the legs, armpits, bikini line and back. The number of treatments necessary varies by area and patient, but the results are long-lasting and permanent.
Compared to other hair removal methods, laser treatment is less painful. Some patients experience a slight burning sensation, but this typically lasts only a few seconds. You may experience redness and swelling after your treatment, but this usually subsides within a few hours. Some hairs might regrow after your treatment, but these should be finer and lighter in color than the original strands.
You can maintain your laser hair removal results by scheduling touch-up sessions yearly to maintain your smooth, hairless complexion. Depending on the area you want to treat, it may require between three and eight treatment sessions for a noticeable and permanent reduction in unwanted hair growth.
To increase the efficacy of your treatments, you should avoid plucking or waxing your hair for at least six weeks before your appointment. Additionally, you should avoid tanning and use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on the day of your laser hair removal appointment.
To learn more about the benefits of laser hair removal, book a consultation at Dr. Michele Green’s private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. She will review your goals and skin to recommend the most suitable laser treatment for you. She can also discuss how many treatments you will need for a hair-free, smooth complexion.
