An increasing number of our patients at Burt & Will Plastic Surgery and Dermatology have chosen to permanently remove unsightly hair safely and permanently through laser treatment. Common treatment areas include the chest and back for men, and the face, legs and bikini area for women. Treatment usually involves four to five separate sessions, spaced out every four to six weeks. We can perform laser hair removal on Caucasian, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, Indian and Black skin because of our emphasis on ethnic skin. Our Coolglide lasers allow safe and effective hair removal for all skin types.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
During a laser hair removal session, the laser beam essentially disables the hair follicles, preventing them from growing hair. Hair grows at different rates and the laser only works on hair follicles in the active growth phase; it will not affect hair follicles in the dormant phase. Therefore, several treatments are necessary to target all of the hair follicles.
Laser hair removal works best on dark, coarse hair and light skin; it is less effective on blonde or gray/white hair. However, we do work with all skin types, and if you do not fit this description, the procedure can still provide benefits. If you tan regularly, we recommend waiting until your tan has faded before starting treatment.
What to Expect
Laser hair removal is a quick, in-office procedure. The length of the session will depend on several factors, most notably what area of the body is being treated. Laser hair removal is neither invasive nor painful and anesthesia is not required. Our Coolglide lasers have built in cooling laser tips that allow the skin to cooled at the beginning and end of each pulse. Topical ice packs or numbing ointment can be provided for sensitive areas.
During a laser hair removal session, a low energy laser beam is directed at the treatment area. The laser beam passes through the skin, where it is attracted to the pigment of the hair. It heats and is absorbed by hair follicles in the active growth phase. The laser carefully preserves the surrounding skin, and is easily able to scan a wide treatment area.
As previously mentioned, laser hair removal usually requires several sessions to target all hair follicles. Our team will recommend the number and frequency of treatments after meeting with you and discussing your needs and goals.
Laser hair removal does not require downtime. Patients can resume normal activities immediately after treatment, but should refrain from exercise, tanning and using Jacuzzis for at least 24 hours. It is also not a good idea to wax or use depilatory creams after a laser hair removal session. The treatment area should be gently cleansed following treatment, and we may provide a special lotion or ointment to use for certain skin types.
Side effects are rare but include redness, mild swelling, hyperpigmentation, blisters, burns, infection and allergic reaction.
Learn More about Laser Hair Removal
If you would like to get rid of unwanted hair with laser hair removal, please email or call our practice at 815-267-8830 to schedule a consultation. We would be happy to meet with you and explain the benefits of laser hair removal in greater detail.