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.

Who is a Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

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.

What is Recovery Like 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