Recent advances in laser technology have allowed for lasers to remove unwanted hair faster and more comfortably than electrolysis. Hair can be removed from practically any area you desire, including the face, legs, back, arms, and even underarms. The only areas untreatable by laser hair removal are those adjacent to the eyes.

Fair skinned patients with dark hair are the ideal laser hair removal candidates, although patients with darker complexions can be treated after a successful test patch. Blonde hair does not respond to laser treatment. If you have a tan, wait until your tan subsides before receiving treatment. Results vary even with the best lasers available.

Laser Hair Removal Procedure
Patients can expect the laser hair removal procedure to last from a few minutes to more than one hour depending on how large the treated area is. To begin, a gel will be applied and the hair will be treated with a beam of concentrated laser light. This light selectively absorbs the melanin in the hair shaft as well as the surrounding hair follicles. Laser hair removal procedures can treat hundreds of follicles at a time, unlike electrolysis which kills one hair follicle at a time.

Lasers tend to treat hair follicles that are in an active growth phase; therefore more than one laser hair removal treatment is generally required to disable hair follicles that are still growing. For best results, four to six laser hair removal treatments are performed approximately four to six weeks apart. A schedule will be discussed and planned before treatment so that you can achieve your desired results.

After Laser Hair Removal
After the laser hair removal procedure, the treated area may look and feel slightly sun burnt. Blisters and burns are extremely rare but do occur, particularly to patients with dark skin. Be sure to avoid sun exposure during your treatment schedule. Wash the treated areas twice a day with cold water and mild soap. Repeat the process for three to five days or until healing is complete. Although some hair may still be present, do not shave. You will notice less and less hair over the course of your laser hair removal treatments.