Laser Hair Removal

Laser Hair Removal

Need a quick, easy, permanent solution to unwanted hair?

  • Embarrassed by unwanted facial hair?
  • Want to be rid of razor bumps and stubble?
  • Do dark hair follicles show even after you shave your legs?
  • Tired of shaving, tweezing, waxing, electrolysis or chemical depilatories?

You owe it to yourself to see what laser hair removal can do for you.

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What is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is a lunchtime procedure that can free you of unwanted hair virtually anywhere on your body. Unlike electrolysis, laser hair removal quickly treats large areas of the body at a time.

Which areas of the body can laser hair removal treat?

Laser hair removal is safe for any part of the body, except areas adjacent to the eyes. The most popular laser hair removal treatment areas are:

  • Face
  • Upper lip
  • Neck
  • Chest
  • Periareolar (the area surrounding the nipples)
  • Underarms
  • Back
  • Abdomen
  • Bikini line
  • Legs

How does laser hair removal work?

The Lumenis One LightSheer Diode Laser System emits pulses of near-infrared laser light.
Laser light is attracted to and absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle.
The hair’s pigment absorbs the laser energy and transmits it down to the root and bulb of the hair shaft.
Laser light energy removes hair at the follicle level and impairs its regrowth.
Who is a good candidate for laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal works most quickly on women and men with:

  • Hair darker than the surrounding skin
  • Coarse or dark hair
  • Who is not a good candidate for laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal does not work as well if you have:

  • Blonde hair
  • Grey hair
  • “Peach fuzz”

Reason: Hair needs to have pigment to absorb the laser light energy. Thus, lighter hair does not absorb energy as well as darker hair.

Does laser hair removal work on all skin colors?

Yes, but laser hair removal works fastest on patients with lighter skin tones. Because darker skin absorbs more of the laser light energy, we need to turn the energy down to avoid burning patients with deeper skin tones. This more-conservative approach, however, requires more treatments than someone with a lighter skin tone would need.

What benefits does laser hair removal have over electrolysis?

Laser hair removal:

  • Is non-invasive—unlike electrolysis, no needles penetrate the skin.
  • Works quickly—treats hundreds of hair follicles in just a few minutes.
  • Causes minimal skin irritation.
  • How long does a laser hair removal treatment take?
  • Average time: 30-40 minutes.
  • Small areas (bikini line, underarms): 15 minutes.
  • Lower legs: 1 hour
  • Lower and upper legs: 1-1/2 hours

How many laser hair removal treatments are needed?

Because hair grows in stages, several laser hair removal treatments are necessary for maximum results. Most patients require four treatments.

The timing of when hair returns varies by the body part and the individual. And the darker the skin tone, the more treatments will be needed. We will advise you on how many treatments you will need for best results.

How often should you have laser hair removal treatments?

It’s best to do laser hair removal treatments when new hair becomes visible. In most cases, we do treatments six to eight weeks apart.

How long does it take to recover from a laser hair removal treatment?

You can go right back to work or your normal activities after a laser hair removal treatment. However, it is very important to avoid sun exposure after a treatment, as your skin will be more sensitive. Be sure to wear a sunscreen.

What happens in the days after a laser hair

removal treatment?
The first few days after a laser hair removal treatment, it may look like the hair is actually growing, but it’s being extruded out of the pore. And once it’s gone, the hair follicle will be gone as well.

Dr. Rappaport answers questions about laser hair removal

Can laser hair removal get rid of all my unwanted hair?
“Usually with four treatments, most of the hair is gone. Sometimes there is an occasional breakthrough if a hair is missed during treatments. This happens if a particular hair follicle was in the resting stage of hair growth during the laser hair removal treatments.”

Is the laser safe for all skin types?

“Yes. Laser hair removal is safe for skin of every color. However, the success of laser hair removal depends on the color of the hair itself. Light-colored hair will not absorb the heat of the laser as well as darker hair will. Generally speaking, the darker your hair and the lighter your skin, the better laser hair removal will work for you.”

Does laser hair removal hurt?

“Most patients say that laser hair removal produces a mild sting or pinch, like a rubber band snapping against the skin. People who have had electrolysis tell me that laser hair removal is a lot more comfortable.”

Why is the timing of laser hair removal treatments important?

“There are three stages of hair growth. Laser hair removal works just in the hair’s growth, or anagen phase. But only a portion of your hair follicles will be at this stage at a given time. That’s why, for best results, your laser hair treatments should be timed to coincide with the growth phase of your hair.”

Even after I shave, I can see dark follicles on my legs. Will laser hair removal help?

“Yes. Because laser hair removal eliminates the root and bulb of the hair shaft, you will no longer see any dark follicles on your legs.”

Do I have to let my unwanted hair grow before a laser hair removal treatment?

“No. Unlike other hair-removal methods such as waxing, it is not necessary to let your unwanted hair grow before a laser hair removal treatment. In fact, we advise you to shave either the night before having laser hair removal or the morning of your treatment.

“Why?

The hair absorbs the heat of the laser during a laser hair removal treatment. If the unwanted hair is long and is lying against the skin, it can make the treatment uncomfortable when the hair becomes heated.”

Houston Center For Plastic Surgery

6560 Fannin Street, #1812
Houston, Texas 77030

Phone: (713) 790-4500
Fax: (713) 793-1299
Email: info@hcps.cc