Laser Hair Removal

How does laser hair removal work?

The laser targets melanin, the pigment that gives hair its color. Laser energy is absorbed by the pigment and converted into heat, damaging the follicle and reducing its ability to produce new hair.

Hair grows in repeating cycles and laser treatment is most effective during the active growth phase. Because not every follicle is active at the same time, a series of treatments is needed to target additional hairs as they enter this stage.

The Dermatology Clinic offers multiple laser technologies, allowing treatment to be customized according to your skin tone, hair color, hair thickness and treatment area.

What areas can be treated?

Laser hair removal can be performed on most areas of the face and body, including the:

• Upper lip
• Chin and jawline
• Neck
• Underarms
• Arms
• Chest
• Abdomen
• Back and shoulders
• Bikini line
• Brazilian area
• Legs
• Ears

Laser treatment cannot be performed directly on the eyelids or over tattoos. Your provider will evaluate areas near the eyes, eyebrows, permanent makeup or pigmented skin growths before treatment.

What happens during treatment?

Before your procedure, the treatment area will be examined and cleansed. Your provider will select laser settings based on your natural skin tone, hair characteristics and the area being treated.

You will wear protective eyewear while the laser handpiece delivers brief pulses of energy to the hair follicles. Small areas, such as the upper lip, may take only a few minutes. Larger areas or multiple treatment zones may require up to an hour.

Is laser hair removal painful?

Most patients describe the treatment as mildly uncomfortable. Each laser pulse may feel like a quick snap, sting or burst of warmth against the skin.

Cooling technology is used to protect the skin and improve comfort. Many patients find laser treatment more comfortable than waxing, threading or electrolysis.

How many treatments will I need?

A series of approximately six treatments spaced four to six weeks apart is generally recommended. Some patients may require additional sessions depending on the treatment area and the characteristics of their hair.

The number of treatments needed may be influenced by:

• Hair color and thickness
• Hair density
• Natural skin tone
• The area being treated
• Hormonal changes or medical conditions
• Your response to each session
• How consistently treatments are completed

Facial hair and hormonally influenced growth may require more sessions than coarse body hair.

When will I see results?

You may begin noticing a reduction in growth after your first appointment. Treated hairs typically shed over the following one to three weeks.

As your treatment series continues, you may notice:

• Slower hair growth
• Fewer hairs returning
• Finer or lighter regrowth
• Less frequent shaving
• Fewer ingrown hairs
• Reduced razor irritation

Results become more noticeable as additional hair-growth cycles are treated.

Are the results permanent?

Laser hair removal is more accurately described as permanent hair reduction. Many successfully treated follicles stop producing hair, while others may eventually produce finer or lighter growth.

Hormonal changes, pregnancy, menopause, hormone replacement therapy, polycystic ovary syndrome, certain medications and other medical factors can stimulate new hair growth. Occasional maintenance treatments may be recommended to preserve your results.

Is there any downtime?

Laser hair removal typically requires little to no downtime. Most patients can return to work and resume their usual activities immediately after treatment.

Temporary effects may include:

• Mild redness
• Warmth or sensitivity
• Slight itching or tenderness
• Small areas of swelling around the follicles

Swelling around individual follicles, known as perifollicular edema, is a normal treatment response and usually improves shortly afterward.

How should I prepare for treatment?

Proper preparation helps the laser safely and effectively reach the hair follicles.

Before your appointment:

• Shave the treatment area the day or evening before your visit
• Use a clean razor to reduce irritation
• Do not wax, tweeze, thread or use an epilator between appointments
• Avoid tanning and excessive sun exposure
• Do not apply spray tan or self-tanning products
• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed treatment areas
• Tell your provider about all medications and supplements you take
• Report any medication that increases sensitivity to light
• Arrive with clean skin free of makeup, deodorant, lotion and oil when possible

Avoid leaving the hair long above the skin. Surface hair can absorb laser energy, increase discomfort and reduce the effectiveness of treatment.

Why should I avoid waxing and tweezing?

Waxing, tweezing, threading and epilating remove hair from the follicle. Because the laser needs pigmented hair inside the follicle to work, these methods can make treatment less effective.

Shaving is allowed between appointments because it removes only the visible hair while leaving the follicle intact.

How should I care for my skin afterward?

Most patients require minimal aftercare. You may use a cool compress if the treated skin feels warm or sensitive.

After treatment:

• Cleanse the area gently
• Avoid scratching or rubbing the skin
• Avoid very hot showers, saunas, steam rooms and hot tubs until sensitivity improves
• Limit strenuous exercise if heat or sweating irritates the area
• Avoid tanning and unnecessary sun exposure
• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to exposed areas
• Allow treated hairs to shed naturally
• Follow all personalized instructions from your treatment team

You may resume shaving once the skin is no longer irritated, but do not wax or tweeze between sessions.

Who is a good candidate for laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal may be appropriate for anyone who wants to reduce unwanted pigmented hair. It can be particularly helpful for patients who experience:

• Razor burn
• Painful or recurring ingrown hairs
• Folliculitis
• Irritation from shaving or waxing
• Excessive or unwanted hair growth
• Hidradenitis suppurativa in hair-bearing areas

Dark, coarse hair generally responds most effectively because it contains more pigment. Finer hair may also respond when sufficient pigment is present, although additional treatments may be needed.

What hair colors cannot be treated effectively?

Laser hair removal depends on pigment within the hair to absorb the laser energy. White, gray and very light blonde hair generally do not contain enough melanin to respond effectively.

Fine, light-colored peach fuzz is also unlikely to respond. Red and light brown hair may have variable results depending on the amount and type of pigment present.

Your provider can examine the hair and discuss whether meaningful reduction is likely.

Who may need to postpone treatment?

Treatment may need to be delayed or modified if you:

• Have actively tanned or sunburned skin
• Recently used a self-tanning product
• Have an active rash, infection, wound or significant irritation
• Take medication that increases sensitivity to light
• Recently underwent another procedure in the treatment area
• Are pregnant
• Have a condition that affects healing
• Have a suspicious or unevaluated skin growth in the area

Provide a complete medical and medication history so your treatment can be performed safely.

Why choose The Dermatology Clinic for laser hair removal?

The Dermatology Clinic’s experienced laser technicians have performed thousands of laser hair removal procedures and work under the supervision of board-certified dermatologists.

Access to multiple laser technologies allows the treatment team to customize the procedure for each patient’s natural skin tone, hair type, treatment area and goals.

Schedule a laser hair removal consultation

Laser hair removal offers a convenient, long-lasting alternative to shaving, waxing and other temporary hair-removal methods. The Dermatology Clinic can evaluate your skin and hair and develop a personalized treatment plan designed to safely reduce unwanted growth. Contact us today to get scheduled.