Best Laser Hair Removal Langley removes unwanted hair by targeting and destroying the hair follicle. It is permanent when the entire hair growth cycle has been eliminated, which means people can stop shaving or plucking stray strands.
The procedure is relatively fast, with most people able to have treatments done on their lunch break. Most people need several treatment sessions to see results, and the hair that does grow back is usually finer and lighter in color.
Millions of people struggle with unwanted hair growth. They spend a lot of time shaving, waxing and using depilatory creams. However, the hair is always back and it’s a constant grooming challenge to remove it. This can be frustrating, not to mention time consuming and irritating. Laser Hair Removal is an excellent alternative to traditional methods and can offer long-lasting results with very little upkeep.
During the procedure, your doctor will press a laser instrument against your skin. The tip of the instrument might have a cooling device to protect your skin. The light emitted from the laser is absorbed by the pigment in your hair and converted into heat that damages the hair follicle, which prevents it from growing new hair. The process typically requires two to six treatments.
Before you undergo your first session, we recommend shaving the area. You need a little bit of stubble so the laser can target the hair. However, it’s important not to shave the entire area as this could cause damage to the surrounding skin. It’s also important to avoid sun exposure or tanning in the days before and after your treatment.
You’ll likely experience some redness and swelling after your laser hair removal treatment. Some patients might also experience a blister or small scar, but these are extremely rare complications. For the first few hours after your treatment, we encourage you to apply ice to the treated area to help reduce any pain or discomfort. We also recommend applying a sunscreen with a high SPF to protect the skin.
It might take months or even years before the hair re-grows again, but when it does, it’ll be much less noticeable. The hair that regrows will be finer and lighter in color than the original hair.
It’s important to set realistic expectations for your results. While most individuals see a 70-90% reduction in hair growth after a full series of sessions, this doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be 100% hair-free forever. Periodic maintenance treatments might be needed to maintain the results.
Side Effects
The procedure works by delivering high-energy light to the hair follicles. The energy disrupts the follicles so that they can no longer produce new hair. The process is safe and effective when performed by an experienced dermatologist or laser technician. However, like any treatment, there are side effects.
Most patients experience mild to moderate redness, swelling and changes in skin pigmentation after a session. These symptoms are temporary and fade within a few hours. If your practitioner uses a cooling device on the tip of the laser instrument or applies a cool gel to your skin before beginning the treatment, it is less likely that you will experience any discomfort or pain.
Your doctor will give you protective goggles to wear during your treatment. Depending on your skin type, you may be able to have a topical anesthetic applied before the procedure.
You should avoid tanning beds or using sunless tanners in the days before your treatment, as these will prevent the laser from being effective. You should also avoid waxing or plucking the area. You can shave the day of your appointment, but make sure to shave lightly so that you do not damage the surface of your skin.
Because hair grows in cycles, and not all follicles are active at one time, you will need multiple treatments. Most people require between four and six sessions spaced about a month apart to get the best results. Hair that regrows will usually be finer and lighter in color than the original hair.
While a few rare side effects can occur when the procedure is not performed by an experienced practitioner, they are uncommon. For example, if the laser beam passes through the body of the person receiving the treatment and damages skin cells instead of targeting pigmented hairs, it could lead to scarring. This side effect is very rare and usually only occurs if the person receiving the laser treatment has a tan or darker skin tone.
Other rare side effects can include pigment changes (skin darkening or lightening), cold sore outbreaks, blistering and scarring. These complications are more common when the equipment is not properly calibrated or if the practitioner is inexperienced with the technique.
Cost
The cost of laser hair removal depends on the geographic location and the experience level of your provider, the size of the treatment area, and the total number of treatments required to achieve your ideal results. However, it is important to understand that the initial investment in laser hair removal will save you money in the long run due to lower maintenance costs and decreased time spent on hair removal.
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective non-invasive option for patients who want to eliminate unwanted facial and body hair for cosmetic and health reasons. In addition, it can be used to help transitioning transgender and gender-expansive individuals feel comfortable with their body image by removing any unwanted body hair that might have contributed to feelings of dysphoria or discomfort.
Choosing a board-certified dermatologist for laser hair removal ensures that your procedure will be performed safely and properly. This eliminates the risk of unwanted side effects such as blistering, hyperpigmentation, and hypopigmentation, which can occur when the incorrect laser setting is used for a specific skin tone or type. While med spas may offer laser hair removal treatments, they do not have the medical training or experience needed to guarantee optimal cosmetic results for every patient.
When you schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Green at her private dermatology practice in the Upper East Side, she will work with you to develop a customized plan for laser hair removal and skin rejuvenation that aligns with your unique aesthetic goals and concerns. She will then provide you with a comprehensive treatment estimate for your desired outcomes, including the cost of laser hair removal.
Dr. Green uses two state-of-the-art lasers in her office to perform laser hair removal, the GentleLase and GentleYAG. Both lasers use Dynamic Cooling Devices to keep your skin safe and comfortable during the treatment. The GentleLase is best for treating patients with light skin and dark hair, while the GentleYAG laser works well for all darker skin tones and can be used on tanned skin. Both lasers are suitable for men and women.
Schedule Your Consultation
A consultation is an important part of the laser hair removal process. It allows your laser therapist to get acquainted with you and your skin, and it also gives you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. During your consultation, you’ll also discuss the areas of your body that need treatment and how often you will be scheduling treatments.
The first step in the process is to find a licensed and certified expert who can provide you with laser treatment services. It’s a good idea to ask friends and neighbors for recommendations, and then make sure that the clinic you choose offers free consultations. This is the best way to determine if laser hair removal is right for you.
During your consultation, your specialist will pay close attention to your needs and goals. They will then work with you to create a customized treatment plan that suits your specific concerns and ideal aesthetic goals. The amount that you will be charged for your treatment will be determined at this time as well.
It’s important to follow your specialist’s orders in the lead up to your session. This includes not taning or waxing the area, as laser treatment will be more effective if the hair follicles are intact. You’ll also be instructed on how to prepare for your treatment and what to expect during the procedure.