Laser hair removal is a procedure performed by a trained professional. The process removes hair from the body using a laser. This procedure has been FDA approved for hair reduction and in use since 1997. It works best on trimmed or shaved skin, as there must be a hair in the follicle as a ‘target’ for the laser. Laser heat disables follicles from producing hair. Regardless of what some clinics and spas claim, laser hair removal is not permanent hair removal! However, the treatments produce very significant and long-lasting reduction in coarse body hair.

Lasers produce light energy at certain wavelengths that target dark pigment molecules in the hair. Therefore, it works best on dark, coarse hair. The lighter the skin and the darker and more coarse the hair, the better the treatment works. Since the laser targets pigmentation, it is recommended that the skin in the area to be treated with laser NOT be tanned during the time of treatment. If the skin is pigmented (dark, tanned), there is a risk of PERMANENT DISCOLORATION OF THE SKIN in the treated area. Sun avoidance after treatment is also recommended.

Hair on the body grows in cycles, and various hairs go through their growth cycle at different times. Different areas of the body cycle at different speeds, but generally, each area can be re-treated every 4-6 weeks, and approximately 6 treatments are necessary to achieve acceptable results, with maintenance treatments needed 2-3 times per year thereafter.

If you have dark, coarse hair, do not pluck or wax the area you want treated with laser, are committed to regular treatments, and understand that maintenance treatments will likely be needed in the future, then laser hair removal may be for you! Commonly treated areas include: underarm, pubic area, legs, abdomen, lip, chin, back, buttocks, thighs, face, neck, chest, arms, and toes.

The laser treatment is very tolerable, many patients describe it as a ‘hot rubber band snap.’ Your provider will choose a test site on your body to determine the appropriate laser settings to use. These settings can be adjusted according to your response as treatment progresses.

An ice pack can be applied before and after the treatment for comfort if needed. Following treatment, shedding of treated hair can take up to three weeks to occur. After this, a hair-free period can last for up to six weeks, at which time resting hair follicles become active and it is time for the next laser treatment.

You will notice how successful the treatments have been after waiting 6 months from your last treatment. New hair growth after this period may be attributable to factors such as hormonal changes, dietary factors, or medical conditions. Maintenance treatments may be needed 2-3 times annually.

Treatment with intense pulsed light (IPL), electrolysis, waxing, dermaplaning, and prescription topical medication (Vaniqa cream) are all options for removal of unwanted fine, light “peach fuzz” hair.