Buena Vista Regional Medical Center: Laser Hair Removal.

Laser Hair Removal

Facial and body hair removal has become quite popular in the last two years. Hair removal was never a very complicated procedure. Options other than laser hair removal include shaving, waxing, plucking, electrolysis, and applied depilatory creams. Other than electrolysis, these methods have to be repeated often. While electrolysis is a more long-term form of hair removal, it is tedious and expensive. Now, both men and women can achieve permanent hair reduction through laser hair removal.

With laser hair removal, most people can successfully get rid of 80% or more of unwanted hair and be very happy with their new, smoother look. You can expect that you will need several treatments to get the best results. The number of treatments will vary with the areas treated and the type of hair to be removed. Women most often treat the lip and chin, bikini line, legs, underarms, and around the navel. Men usually treat the neck, back, shoulders, and upper arms.

Q. What does it feel like?
Most patients feel a mild sting for a fraction of a second. We recommend use of a topical anesthetic cream, to reduce or eliminate any discomfort.

Q. How long do the treatments take?
We can treat some areas in only a few minutes. Others, such as the back or legs, require 20-45 minutes. For example, the lip & chin, underarms or bikini lines take only fifteen minutes.

Q. How many treatments are necessary?
Hair goes through three stages of development. Only in the active stage will the laser affect hair removal. At any given time, not all hairs are in the active stage. For this reason, it is necessary to treat an area at least three times to see the best and longest lasting results. Most areas need to be treated 4-6 times.

Q. Can you treat darker skin colors?
We have the newest lasers that have been specifically designed to treat all skin colors. These lasers were developed at Harvard University School of Medicine specifically for the treatment of people of color. They are safe and can achieve the same permanent hair reduction as seen in lighter skin types.

Q. Is laser hair removal safe?
Lasers have been in existence for more than thirty-five years and are used by a wide range of medical specialist. Since only light is used to remove hair, it is totally noninvasive. Your eyes will be shielded during the treatment. While there is a slight chance of skin irritation or pigment change, these complications are extremely rare.