If you're tired of repeatedly shaving, waxing, or tweezing unwanted hair, laser hair removal offers a longer-term approach to hair reduction.
Laser hair removal uses controlled light energy to target pigment associated with the hair. That energy is converted into heat, which damages the hair follicle and helps reduce future hair growth.
Unlike temporary methods that simply cut or remove existing hair, laser treatment is designed to produce significant long-term hair reduction.
The laser delivers light energy that is absorbed by pigment in the hair. The resulting heat affects the hair follicle while treatment settings are selected according to factors such as skin type, hair characteristics, and treatment area.
Hair grows in different cycles. Because individual hairs are not all in the same growth stage at the same time, a series of treatments is generally needed.
There is no single number of sessions that applies to everyone. Your treatment schedule should be based on your individual characteristics and response.
Laser hair removal is best described as providing long-term hair reduction, rather than guaranteeing that every treated hair will permanently disappear.
Many patients experience substantial reduction following a treatment series, but results vary from person to person.
Some hair may eventually regrow, and occasional maintenance treatments may be appropriate for certain patients. The need and timing of maintenance vary depending on the individual.
Hair regrowth can occur for several reasons.
Individual hairs respond differently depending on their growth stage. Hormonal changes, age, treatment area, hair characteristics, and individual response can also influence future hair growth.
Regrowth does not necessarily mean that treatment failed. Some patients experience substantial long-term reduction while still developing occasional or finer hairs later.
There isn't a universal treatment number.
Your treatment plan can depend on:
Your provider can evaluate your progress during the treatment series and recommend appropriate timing for subsequent sessions.
Laser hair removal can be used to reduce unwanted hair on many areas of the face and body.
Common treatment areas include:
Treatment suitability depends on the particular area as well as individual skin and hair characteristics.
Modern laser technology allows treatment parameters to be customized for a range of skin types.
At Park Slope Laser Aesthetic Center, the Cynosure Elite+® platform combines Alexandrite and Nd:YAG laser technology. Having different wavelengths allows treatment settings to be selected according to individual skin and hair characteristics.
An individualized assessment remains important because appropriate treatment parameters vary from patient to patient.
Hair color matters because laser hair removal relies on pigment in the hair to absorb laser energy.
Very light blonde, gray, white, or red hair may respond less effectively because it contains less pigment for the laser to target.
Hair thickness, density, treatment area, and individual response can also influence results.
For appropriate candidates, potential benefits include:
Results vary, and no treatment should be presented as guaranteeing completely hair-free skin.
Frequent shaving and waxing can contribute to ingrown hairs or razor bumps in some people.
By reducing unwanted hair growth and decreasing the need for frequent shaving or waxing, laser hair removal may help reduce the occurrence of ingrown hairs in treated areas.
Individual results vary, and laser treatment is not a guaranteed solution for every case of ingrown hair or skin irritation.
Follow the instructions provided by your laser technician.
Depending on your treatment plan, you may be advised to:
Proper preparation helps your provider plan treatment appropriately for your skin and hair characteristics.
Temporary redness, warmth, mild swelling, or sensitivity can occur after treatment.
Follow your provider's specific aftercare instructions and protect recently treated skin from unnecessary sun exposure.
Your individual skin response and treatment area can affect the aftercare recommendations you receive.
Laser hair removal can be performed during different seasons, but sun exposure and tanning are important considerations.
Fall and winter can be convenient times to begin because many people experience less sun exposure. Starting several months before summer may also provide time for multiple treatments.
Treatment can also be performed during other times of year when appropriate precautions are followed.
Whether laser hair removal is right for you depends on your goals.
If you want significant long-term reduction of unwanted hair and would like to decrease your dependence on shaving or waxing, laser treatment may be worth considering.
A consultation can help determine whether your skin type, hair characteristics, treatment areas, and expectations make you an appropriate candidate.
If you're considering laser hair removal in Brooklyn, Park Slope Laser Aesthetic Center offers individualized treatment planning using Cynosure Elite+ technology.
A consultation allows your skin type, hair characteristics, treatment areas, and goals to be evaluated so an appropriate treatment plan can be developed.
