Laser Hair Removal
What areas of the body can you treat?
Laser Hair Removal is most effective for darker, coarser hair in areas such as:
- Ankles
- Arm Pits (axilla)
- Arms
- Bikini
- Chin
- Eyebrows
- Hands
- Legs
- Nipples
- Upper Lip
You may be surprised to learn that hair grows on just about every inch of your entire. Because most of this hair is fine and pale, it usually isn't visible to the naked eye. In fact, you may be surprised to learn that the largest number of hair follicles is actually on your forehead.
What is laser hair removal
In the past, usual remedies for unwanted hair were plucking, shaving, waxing, or chemical depilatories. Some, painful, some, messy, and all only temporary!
For long-term hair removal, electrolysis was popular and effective but can be painful and slow. Hair by hair, an electric current passes through a needle to destroy the hair root's ability to grow. It typically takes months or even years of regular visits – even for small areas, like the upper lip.
The laser produces a beam of highly concentrated light absorbed by the hair follicle. Different types of lasers produce different colors of light and it is the color of the light produced that is key to its maximum effect on hair follicles. At Associated Plastic Surgeons & Consultants, PC we use the Lumenis LightShear Diode Laser – the most effect Laser on the market at hair removal.
The pigment located in the hair follicles selectively absorbs the light emitted by the LightSheer Diode Laser. The laser pulses for a fraction of a second, just long enough to vaporize the pigment, disabling several follicles at a time to eliminate or significantly impede hair re-growth.
Importantly, LightSheer's special contact-cooling hand-piece is perfect for a woman's sensitive skin directing the laser energy to the hair root while protecting and cooling the surrounding skin.
What Can I expect during treatment?
The length of a laser session may be a few minutes to an hour or more, depending upon the size of the area being treated. Because the laser tends to treat hair follicles that are in an active growth phase, more than one treatment may be required to disable hair follicles that subsequently enter this growth phase.
Will I experience any pain?
Laser treatment itself may cause a slight tingling sensation. Most patients tolerate the procedure well. But because some areas of the body are more sensitive than others, topical anesthesia is always available.
What can I expect after my laser treatment?
The appearance of the treated area immediately after a laser session will vary from patient to patient depending upon the area treated, extent of treatment, and skin type. Immediate after-effects, if any, are minor which may include transient redness and swelling and which disappear in a short time. Most people return to normal activity right away. We will be happy to tell you more about your treatment and what you can expect during your consultation.
Schedule a consultation
If you would like more information on laser hair removal, contact our Long Island office today! Call (631) 423-1000 to schedule a consultation with Long Island plastic surgeon Dr. Elliot Duboys.