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  • Laser Hair Removal
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Laser Hair Removal

*Offered in NY and NJ Only

Unwanted hair growth can be embarrassing, and is time-consuming to remove on a regular basis. For individuals with excess hair, or hair growth in an abnormal pattern, laser hair removal can be a tremendous relief.

At your consultation, your doctor will give you a thorough examination and work with you to develop a treatment plan. Among other factors, your doctor will assess your skin type, hair color and type, and your medical history. Laser hair removal is least effective on white or very light hair.

The hair on your body exists in three stages: growing, resting, and shedding. At any given time, about 80-90% of your hair is in the growth stage, 2-3% of your hair is in the resting stage, and 10-15% of your hair is in the shedding stage. Laser hair removal usually only affects the hair that is in the "growing" stage, and this is why multiple treatments are necessary. It is important to have an open discussion with your doctor about your expectations regarding the need for multiple treatments. Treatments are usually scheduled about 4-8 weeks apart, to allow time for the skin to recover, and the hair to shift phases. Laser hair removal is rarely 100% permanent. The best cases often require occasional maintenance visits every year or so. Your doctor may do a "test spot" on a small, non-visible patch of skin to see how you react to the laser.

Improper use of laser hair removal equipment can result in burns, scarring, and skin darkening, which is why it is important to have the procedure performed by a trained medical practitioner. These treatments are not meant to be performed at a salon, spa or clinic by non-medical personnel. If your procedure is not performed by a physician, your doctor should supervise and be immediately available during the treatment.

Before your laser hair removal treatment

Laser hair removal is most effective and least uncomfortable on skin with no sun exposure, or "tan". Because of this, many people choose to start a treatment regimen in November or December. Before your treatment, be sure to avoid the sun and indoor tanning, and use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. There must be hair in the follicle at the time of treatment, so any waxing, plucking, or electrolysis must be stopped at least 4-6 weeks prior to your procedure. If you have a history of herpes (cold sores or fever blisters), it is important that you discuss this with your doctor as well, because it may be necessary for you to take antibiotics prior to the procedure in order to avoid an outbreak.

During your laser hair removal treatment

Immediately before your treatment, your skin must be cleansed of any cosmetics. The procedure itself is slightly uncomfortable - it is often compared to being snapped on the skin by a rubber band. If it is too uncomfortable for you, your doctor may give you a topical anesthetic to apply before the procedure. You will be required to wear protective eyewear, along with anyone else in the room during the procedure.

After your laser hair removal procedure

There may be some redness and swelling of the hair follicle, similar in appearance to razor burn, which can last 1-3 days. Your doctor may give you topical medication to help it go away, but this is not always necessary. You must continue to protect your skin with sunscreen, and if the skin is not inflamed, cosmetics can be used within a few minutes.