How does laser hair removal work?
The laser system emits a gentle beam of light that is selectively absorbed by melanin, the hair pigment in the follicle lying below the surface of the skin. The laser energy is then transformed into heat that disables the follicles, preventing them from growing back again. Because the laser beam used in laser hair removal selectively targets the hair follicle, the surrounding tissue is not damaged. Consult with the cosmetic dermatologists at Hollywood Dermatology if you're interested in our laser hair removal treatments.
Is Laser Hair Removal Right for Me?
If you're tired of shaving, waxing, or otherwise removing unwanted hair from one or more parts of your body, you may be a great candidate for laser hair removal. It is important to thoroughly vet your provider and choose one who has extensive training and experience using proven laser devices. Your provider should perform a careful evaluation of your skin type, hair type and color, and be able to answer your questions about the process. If, after your consultation, you understand that laser hair removal can achieve long-lasting, but not permanent, results and your skin is healthy, we can get you scheduled as soon as you'd like!
What Areas Does Laser Hair Removal Treat?
With the many advances that have occurred over time, laser hair removal is a treatment you can have done on nearly any part of your body. Some of the most common areas include:
- Face
- Shoulders
- Back
- Underarms
- Arms
- Hands/fingers
- Bikini area
- Legs
How Long Does a Laser Hair Removal Session Take?
We'll let you know how to plan accordingly for your laser hair removal appointment based on the size and number of areas you want to treat. A smaller area like the upper lip may take less than 15 minutes. Treating the back or full legs can take about half an hour.
When Will I Start to See Results?
You can expect to start seeing results after your very first session. During your treatment, the laser light travels through the length of hair that is in the follicle. Picked up by pigment in your hair, the laser light vaporizes each strand before transferring to the walls of the follicle. You get smoother skin right away and will likely have your next session before new hair growth starts to be seen. If new hair does grow in before your subsequent treatment, you can shave without compromising future results.
What Are the Risks of Laser Hair Removal?
The laser hair removal process is generally very safe. Performed by a trained professional, this treatment is unlikely to cause significant symptoms. Usually, the mild inflammation that results from treatment causes a little bit of redness. Your skin might look a little puffy but not noticeably swollen. Your provider will carefully evaluate your skin tone and hair color during your consultation for laser hair removal. Doing so can help determine the level of risk you have for exaggerated side effects, such as burns or pigment changes.
Is Laser Hair Removal Painful?
The laser hair removal treatment is not painful but it can be mildly uncomfortable. Because laser energy travels through the entire length of the hair that is present in the hair follicles, heat can build up. To minimize the warming and snapping sensation on your skin, we recommend that you shave the treatment area the night before your appointment. With that step, you can expect mild warming and a slight snap against your skin as the laser pulses occur. These sensations resolve quickly. After your treatment, your skin may feel warm and tender to the touch, as if you have a sunburn.
Can I Get Laser Hair Removal if I Have Darker Skin?
Some types of lasers emit wavelengths that are well-suited to darker skin, such as a 1064 wavelength. Studies suggest that people with medium to darker skin may be able to safely receive laser hair removal using alexandrite or Nd:YAG lasers. If your skin is on the darker side, we will carefully review the contrast between your skin and hair color and discuss the potential risks and benefits of laser hair removal specifically for you. When there is less contrast between the hair and the skin, we may need to perform more treatment sessions to achieve the longest-lasting results possible.
How many sessions do I need for laser hair removal?
The number of laser hair removal treatments needed to obtain a long-term effect depends on multiple variables. Hair density, hair color, hair growth cycle, and skin color, are all important factors. Treatments are repeated until the hair is gone. To obtain this, normally three treatments are necessary, but sometimes it might take up to 6 treatments.
What are the benefits of laser hair removal?
Different from other hair removal methods such as electrolysis, multiple hair follicles are treated at the same time. This means that larger areas may be treated in a single procedure. Laser hair removal will not produce the irritation of waxing, tweezing and shaving. By far, this is the treatment of choice for people with ingrown hairs and post shaving inflammation.
We now offer the SopranoXL Laser which is virtually pain free and it works on any skin color.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are interested in laser hair removal, please use the form on this page to schedule a consultation at Hollywood Dermatology or visit our contact page for information about our South Florida locations. Our talented medical team looks forward to serving you!