LASER HAIR REMOVAL
Laser hair removal is used to reduce unwanted hair. Common treatment locations include legs, armpits, upper lip, chin and the bikini line. However, it’s possible to treat unwanted hair in nearly any area, except the eyelid or surrounding area. Skin with tattoos should not be treated either. During laser hair removal, a laser emits a light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair. The light energy is converted to heat, which affects the tube-shaped sacs within the skin (hair follicles) that produce hairs. This heat transfer inhibits or delays future hair growth.
Although laser hair removal effectively delays hair growth for long periods, it usually doesn’t result in permanent hair removal. Multiple laser hair removal treatments are needed for initial hair removal, and maintenance treatments might be needed as well. Hair color and skin type influence the success of laser hair removal. The basic principle is that the pigment of the hair, but not the pigment of the skin, should absorb the light. The laser should affect only the hair follicle while avoiding damage to the skin.
DO YOU HAVE ___________?
- Unwanted hairs that you are tired of shaving, plucking, or waxing?
- Razor bumps or acne-like breakouts when you get rid of unwanted hair?
- Back hair that you want removed?
- Hair on your upper lip or chin that you want removed without having to shave regularly?
- Hair you want removed in your “bikini area”?
- Hair in your arm pits that you want removed?
HOW DOES LASER HAIR REMOVAL WORK?
By providing two different wavelengths, the Elite laser can be used to treat patients with all types of skin. The addition of the YAG laser allows us to treat patients of darker skin types for excessive hair growth, especially of the face, arm pits and bikini lines. Patients with pseudofolliculitis (razor bumps) on the beard, face or neck now have this option to consider.
When used for hair removal, the Elite laser affects only hair follicles which are currently active or growing (anagen), thus subsequent treatments may be required to eliminate the previously exhausted (catagen) or resting (telogen) follicles as they resume production. Hair removal treatments are relatively painless and leave no textural skin changes or the scarring commonly seen with needle electrolysis.
The Elite laser also incorporates the use of the Smart Cool system by Cynosure. This system utilizes a “double cooling” technique which uses the body’s natural cooling process in conjunction with a specifically engineered external cooling system. The Smart Cool system is used with the laser to minimize patient discomfort during treatment.
WHEN WILL I SEE RESULTS FROM LASER HAIR REMOVAL?
You will likely see the results immediately after treatment. The results vary from patient to patient. The color and thickness of your hair, area treated, type of laser used, and color of your skin all affect the results. You can expect a 10% to 25% reduction in hair after the first treatment. To remove the hair, most patients need 2 to 6 laser treatments. After finishing the treatments, most patients do not see any hair on the treated skin for several months or even years. When the hair regrows, there tends to be less of it. The hairs also tend to be finer and lighter in color.
IS THERE ANY DOWN TIME AFTER A LASER HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENT?
No, laser hair removal generally does not require any real downtime. Immediately after having laser hair removal, your treated skin will be red and swollen. Despite this, most people return to their everyday activities.
To avoid possible side effects, all patients need to protect their skin from the sun. After laser hair removal, you should:
- Avoid direct sunlight from hitting your treated skin.
- Not use a tanning bed, sun lamp, or any other indoor tanning equipment.
- Follow your dermatologist’s after-care instructions.
You will see some redness and swelling after treatment. This often looks like a mild sunburn. Applying a cool compress can help reduce your discomfort.
HOW LONG WILL LASER HAIR REMOVAL LAST?
Most patients remain hair free for months or even years. When some of the hair regrows, it will likely be less noticeable. To keep the area free of hair, a patient may need maintenance laser treatments.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY
ADDRESS
711 E Lamar Blvd # 200
Arlington, TX 76011
moreinfo@acderm.com
PHONE
817-795-SKIN (7546)
HOURS
Mon – Thur | 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fri | 07:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Closed on Weekends
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