Why is Laser Hair Removal so popular?
Laser hair removal is an effective way to easily remove or reduce pigmented hair from any area of the body, and this hair may be eliminated permanently in many cases. The most popular treatment areas are the legs, bikini, underarms, back, and chest. Laser hair removal may also be used to effectively eliminate facial hair in men and women.
How do Laser Hair Removal treatments work?
Laser hair removal is performed using a minimally invasive technique that requires no incisions or anesthesia. Both the patient and provider must wear protective eyewear during the procedure while a handheld device is used to direct pulsating laser beams directly into the treatment area, causing heat that collapses hair follicles. The treatment usually takes less than an hour, depending on the size of the treatment area.
How many Laser Hair Removal treatments will I need?
It is important to note that laser hair removal is only effective against hair follicles that are actively growing. Because hair growth naturally occurs in phases, some follicles remain inactive while others are actively growing, so it is possible that you may require several treatments to eliminate all of the hair follicles in the target area. As many as four to eight treatments spaced six to eight weeks apart are usually required to obtain optimal hair-free results.
Is Laser Hair Removal suitable for everyone?
Laser hair removal is safe for almost any healthy adult. However, the beam of light that the laser device emits is absorbed best by dark pigment in the hair, so the treatment is most efficient on patients who have dark, coarse hair and contrasting lighter skin. Laser hair removal does not eliminate “peach fuzz” or very light, fine hair.
Do I have to prepare for Laser Hair Removal?
We recommend that you shave the treatment area the day prior to your scheduled treatment, but avoid waxing or plucking the hair for three to four weeks prior to treatment. Avoid extreme sun exposure or tanning beds, as the skin may become too tender or inflamed to withstand laser treatment.
Is Laser Hair Removal painful?
Laser hair removal is not considered a painful procedure, however, the laser pulses have been described as an irritation much like the sensation of a rubber band snapping against your skin.
What Can I Expect After Laser Hair Removal?
You may initially experience redness and swelling in the skin of the treatment area immediately after the procedure, but this will subside naturally in a day or two. You will notice that, over the next few weeks, you will begin to shed dead hairs from the treated area. After six to eight weeks, plan to have another laser treatment to catch the next group of hair follicles during their active growth stage, and so on. You will notice that the amount of hair growth in the treatment area will be reduced further and further after each treatment.
Give yourself the gift of ultimate convenience with permanent laser hair removal treatments provided at Keller Plastic Surgery. Led by Dr. Gregory S. Keller, a board-certified plastic surgeon, this cosmetic treatment center provides laser hair removal services for residents of Santa Barbara and nearby communities. Contact our office today to schedule your free consultation!