How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
As a non-invasive laser treatment, laser hair removal is designed to permanently reduce unwanted and unsightly hair from your face and other body parts. While it may sound like science fiction, lasers can be used for this purpose.
The way it works is the laser beam passes through the skin and comes in contact with an individual hair follicle. The heat then damages the follicle and prevents it from forming new hairs. Usually, for hair growth to be completely stopped, the follicle needs to be in an active growth cycle. For this reason, it requires more than one treatment to destroy all of the hair follicles and prevent hair from growing in that treated area. The wavelength of light that is chosen to target the hair follicle is selected to have the maximum possible impact on the hair follicle while not impacting the surrounding skin.
Laser Hair Removal Treatments
This procedure is relatively painless as the laser energy is delivered through a handheld device that has a comfortable cooling tip that soothes the skin. With each pass of the laser, a very mild sensation will be felt that is not painful. This allows for the treatment to be done without any anesthesia required.
Most hair removal sessions should take 30 minutes or less and varies based on the size of the area that is being treated. Dr. Jacono recommends for most patients between 6 to 8 separate treatments in order to fully stop the hair growth permanently. Laser hair removal sessions should be done about every 4 to 6 weeks apart.
Laser Hair Removal Candidates
Men or women who are frustrated by the appearance of unsightly hair on their face, neck, or body, generally make excellent candidates for laser hair removal in Long Island. Patients should be in generally good health and have realistic expectations for their results.
Unfortunately, only those with brown or black hair are good candidates for permanent laser hair removal. Those with blonde hair have a different type of melanin that does not absorb the laser wavelength as readily, making it impossible for blonde hair to be removed using this method.
Prior to your laser hair removal in Long Island :
Refrain from waxing, plucking and tweezing for six weeks prior to your session – While it may seem counterintuitive, you need to have sufficient hair length in order for the laser to have something to grab onto during laser hair removal. The laser will need to latch onto the hair follicles. Shaving is acceptable, as this only affects the surface of the hairs and does not target the root follicles. Make sure to shave the target areas 24 hours in advance with only a new razor that is free from bacteria. Using an old razor can contaminate the treatment area, leading to complications after your session.- Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun – Stay away from direct sunlight for at least 72 hours prior to your laser hair removal session. The laser removal process will beam a large amount of heat energy at the skin, so adding a sunburn to this process can cause undue damage.
- Avoid makeup and topical products – On the day of your laser hair removal appointment, avoid using any makeup, moisturizers, lotions, perfumes or serums on the skin. These compounds can prevent the laser from properly accessing the hair follicles for removal. Instead, make sure the skin is clean and oil-free by using soap and water.
- Take oral painkillers – Laser hair removal is not too painful, but those clients who are anxious about feeling discomfort can take pain medications about 30 minutes prior to their session to help them feel more at ease. Be sure to discuss any medication you take with your laser hair removal specialist beforehand.
Recovery After Laser Hair Removal
Patients generally enjoy no downtime after laser hair removal sessions and should be able to return to work or school immediately. There may be a slight redness seen in the treated area but this will go away within an hour of the treatment. Results will begin to show in two to four weeks, as the hair begins to fall out.
Consultation
Contact J SPA Medical Spa today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Andrew Jacono to have a professional hair removal treatment performed that will ensure that most of the hairs do not grow back.
Page Topic: Long Island Laser Hair Removal Treatments – Laser Hair Removal New York – Unwanted Hair – Permanent Hair Removal
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What areas of the body are most popular for laser hair removal?
We have had a number of patients come to us to get laser hair removal for a number of reasons and address trouble areas that are unique to them. We have found over many years that the most popular areas include the underarms, women’s chins, and bikini area.
How long has laser technology been in use?
Laser hair removal has been available since the mid-1990s. Research still continues and advancement in technology has allowed this technology to produce more sophisticated and long-lasting results than ever.
How much does Laser Hair Removal in Long Island cost?
Every patient is unique in their own way when it comes to body hair. Therefore the cost of laser hair removal in Long Island can vary greatly between each patient. There are various factors the could affect the cost of a treatment which include the size of the area being treated and the number of treatments a specialist thinks is required for the best results. The cost of your treatments can be established with your specialist during a laser hair removal consultation.
What type of results can you expect from laser hair removal in Long Island?
You can expect to see soft, smooth skin, with permanent hair reduction in the targeted areas. We strive for the best results when you receive laser hair removal in Long Island at J Spa Medical Spa.
How is laser hair removal different from electrolysis hair removal?
Electrolysis uses needles to remove hair and can remove 100% of hair and works on all hair colors. Lasers are much faster, less painful, and are more reliable. Multiple sessions are required no matter which treatment you choose however laser treatment consists of fewer sessions to treat the area and each session itself is shorter than with electrolysis.
What are the risks of hair removal?
While the risks and side effects vary from person to person. There is a risk of pigment change, mild swelling, temporary irritation and slight redness in the skin. Any of these signs or symptoms will typically disappear after some hours.
How old should you be for laser hair removal?
The approved age to begin laser hair treatment can be as young as 14. However, it is advised for females that you should wait until one year after the onset of your period. It is also recommended that any teen must be able to deal with any physical discomfort during the procedure and be able to keep the schedule of the treatment itself.
Is it painful?
Pain tolerance is unique from person to person for this reason the discomfort felt during the treatments is not exact. It can be uncomfortable but the sessions are short and any pain can be likened to shark pricks on the skin.