Laser Hair Removal
Most people have some body hair that bothers them. Unfortunately, it can cost a lot of time and money to regularly maintain it. It can also be painful and laborious. Fortunately, laser hair removal can eliminate the pain and hassle of tweezing, waxing, and shaving to remove unwanted body hair, meaning you can be confident showing off your favorite wardrobe items. Laser hair removal is a common cosmetic procedure performed by board certified dermatologists. We offer customized laser hair removal for men and women looking for long-term results at our Jupiter office.
WHAT IS LASER HAIR REMOVAL?
Laser hair removal, or laser hair reduction, is FDA-approved for the removal of unwanted body hair. Laser hair removal uses targeted light energy to destroy individual hair follicles. The pigment in the hair shaft absorbs the light and the hair follicle is damaged. This usually occurs over the course of a package of treatments. Laser hair removal can be used to remove unwanted hair anywhere on the body, the most common areas being:
- Face
- Upper Lip
- Underarms
- Neck
- Chest
- Back
- Legs
- Bikini Area
Our specialized laser platforms are able to target coarse, unwanted hair while leaving the skin unharmed. Our laser hair removal specialists can plan the right treatment package for you depending on your treatment areas and unique anatomy.
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR LASER HAIR REMOVAL?
Anyone who has areas of unwanted hair that they wish to permanently remove may benefit from laser hair removal. Although there are a wide variety of laser platforms available, patients that have dark hair and fair skin tend to respond best to treatment. This is because the hair has more pigment to absorb laser energy. For this reason, hair that is very light or white may not respond well. For best results, you must refrain from plucking or waxing the area for six weeks before treatment and limit sun exposure for at least 2 weeks.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING LASER HAIR REMOVAL
Before your laser hair removal procedure, it is best to shave completely. A topical numbing cream can be applied prior to the procedure to maximize comfort. A cool gel will then be applied to protect the skin and allow the laser light to penetrate the skin to attack the deeper hair follicle root. You’ll also be given protective eye shields to protect your vision during the procedure. Next, the laser treatment process can begin. The length of your laser hair removal treatment session can depend on factors like the size of your treatment area and how much hair is present.
LASER HAIR REMOVAL RESULTS AND RECOVERY
After treatment, you might experience some mild swelling, redness, and discomfort similar to a sunburn. These side effects can be managed with an ice pack and anti-inflammatory creams. Over the course of the next several weeks, the hair will begin to fall out. Although some hair will continue to grow, it will be finer and less thick. Repeated treatments will make this process eventually slow and allow for much easier removal. After each treatment session, you should be sure to avoid sunlight.
Schedule a Consultation
Unwanted body hair can have a large impact on confidence and showing off your favorite areas. Laser hair removal is an excellent option for saving time and money on plucking, waxing, or shaving. If you have unwanted hair that you would like permanently removed, contact Jupiter Dermatology to begin planning your treatment package. We invite you to call or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation.
FAQs
How many treatments do I need?
Your unique package of laser hair removal treatments will depend on factors like the size of your treatment area, the laser platforms required, and your intended results. Laser hair removal also works best in a package of treatments because of the nature of your hair growth cycles. We usually recommend a minimum of six treatment sessions for optimal results, although you can still return for touch-up appointments as needed. Treatment sessions are commonly spaced one or two months apart in order to give your body time to adjust and go through its hair growth stages so we can fully treat the area.
Who can perform laser hair removal?
Because laser hair removal is an extremely popular procedure, it’s important to use judgment and avoid practices that offer prices that seem too good to be true. Chances are, in this case, your technician is not licensed or skilled in performing the procedure and can cause harm or unsatisfactory results. Laser hair removal in Florida should only be performed by a licensed physician, practitioner, or physician assistant under the guidance of a board certified dermatologist.
Does laser hair removal hurt?
Most patients report that the process of laser hair removal feels more like being snapped with a rubber band rather than being painful. However, everyone’s threshold is different so we can supply a topical numbing cream so that you’re relaxed and comfortable.
How much does laser hair removal cost?
The cost of your laser hair removal package can depend on a lot of factors. These can include:
- Treatment area
- Session length
- Laser platforms used
- Number of sessions
During your consultation with our expert technicians, you’ll receive a full estimate of your laser hair removal cost.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
Because of the way hair growth cycles work, it’s difficult to say that hair will be completely, permanently removed with laser hair removal. However, laser hair removal is the most effective and advanced method of hair removal available. Many patients at least benefit from reduced hair growth which makes removal much easier and less laborious. Be sure to discuss your expectations with laser hair removal during your consultation so we can create the appropriate treatment plan for you.
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal uses specialized lasers that work with the principles of light absorption. Using a laser platform, the laser energy can be adjusted to a specific wavelength that will be absorbed by the pigment in your hair shaft. This laser energy travels down the hair shaft to the individual follicle, where it damages the mechanisms that cause the hair to grow. Over the course of treatment, this can cause the hair follicles to no longer produce hair. Because hair that is white or extremely light has little pigment that can absorb the laser energy, patients with these hair colors may not respond well to laser hair removal.
Is laser hair removal safe?
We perform unwanted hair removal by laser with a selection of FDA-approved laser hair removal technology platforms known for their safety and effectiveness. To minimize risk and achieve your intended results, you should always seek out laser hair removal from a practice under the guidance of a board certified dermatologist. Laser hair removal has been performed for many years and has a safe record when performed by a skilled and experienced technician. You should never try laser hair removal at home.
