How is Lser Hair Removal performed?

Laser hair removal is a time-consuming but relatively straightforward process. You may be given a prescription for topical anesthetic cream and may also be instructed how to apply this cream (BLT) at home. We can also apply the cream in the office if desired. This cream greatly reduces the discomfort associated with the laser hair removal process. Prior to treatment the hairs will be shaved and the laser treatment will proceed. Treatment times vary from a few minutes for areas such as the chin and neck to a few hours for extensive areas of the legs, back and chest.

After the procedure cool compresses and soothing gels are applied to the treated area and patients spend time relaxing before being discharged. Patients are asked to return in one week for a follow-up visit and then are examined monthly in order to determine when it is best to re-treat the involved areas.



Risks Associated with Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal has proven to be a very safe procedure when performed in physicians offices, not at spas and strip malls. Since laser pulses are a constant energy, there is little chance of scarring associated with this process. In certain instances temporary increased or decreased pigmentation will be noted within the lasered sites, especially in more darkly pigmented patients. In certain cases there may be some degree of crusting during the postoperative period which is treated by the use of bland emollients or topical antibiotics.

Hair Laser Removal Virginia

Are you tired of spending endless hours shaving, waxing, tweezing, and covering unwanted hair? Now there is an FDA Approved alternative: Laser Hair Removal.

When you look in the mirror are you constantly pulling and tugging on loose skin? Tired of seeing large pores, dark spots, acne scars and irregularities on your skin? Now there is something that you can do to help turn back the clocks of time: Laser Skin Care.

At the present time four laser wavelengths are available for the treatment of unwanted body hair. In essence, these wavelengths target pigment granules in the hair (melanin) in an effort to destroy hair follicles. Hair follicles are capable of producing hairs of various thickness and colors. Dark hair contains the pigment melanin which serves as the target for energy at these wavelengths. Four wavelengths, 694nm. produced by the Ruby laser, 755nm. produced by the Alexandrite laser, 800nm. produced by the Diode laser, and 1064nm. produced by the Neodymium-YAG laser, have been shown to be effective in the removal of pigmented hair. The pulsed laser energy is absorbed by the pigmented hair shaft and transferred to the surrounding follicle. The heat build-up caused by the absorption of energy by the hair itself is capable of creating follicular damage and retard or prevent future hair production by that follicle.

Laser Hair Removal is the second most popular cosmetic procedure in the United States and continues to grow in popularity. Laser Hair Removal removes unwanted hair by emitting a low energy laser that gently that passes through the skin, is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle and gently removes the hair. Laser hair removal treatments can last a from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the size and area to be treated. The most popular areas selected by men and women for laser hair removal include: face, upper lip, neck, chest, breast area, underarms, back, abdomen, bikini line and legs.

Laser hair removal does not require needles or creams like other hair removal treatment methods and is a non-evasive procedure. Laser hair removal is best performed by a licensed and trained medical professional such as dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

According the Food and Drug Administration, laser hair removal is not permanent. However, it can SIGNIFICANTLY reduce unwanted hair growth for up to seven years, according to your body's natural hair growth cycle. The hair that does grow back after treatment is usually "finer" and "lighter" in color. Because hair growth occurs in 3 stages (this is the normal hair growth cycle), not all of the hair can be removed at one time. Therefore, three to seven treatments for up to six months could be required.