What is Laser Hair Removal?

Excess body hair can be unsightly and embarrassing. Shaving, plucking and waxing provide temporary fixes that are inconvenient, irritating, messy, time consuming and painful.

Excess and unwanted hair is a common problem. Women frequently experience this condition on the face, especially the upper lip and chin, bikini area, under arms and legs. Men often wish to rid themselves of hair on their back and chest and between their eyebrows.

Laser hair removal uses various wavelengths of light to target hair follicles and impair their ability to grow. It can be used on most skin types and hair color. It is fast and there is minimal discomfort.

How it works

Lasers are used to remove and reduce unwanted hair through a process called selective Photothermolysis. The laser is pulsed or turned on for a millisecond and emits a high energy flash of light that passes safely through the skin to the hair follicle. The follicle absorbs the light and converts it into heat. This disables the follicle and impairs the hair’s ability to grow.

Many people do not consider this treatment uncomfortable, especially when compared to many other other hair removal techniques. The feeling is often described as a tingling or stinging sensation or like the snap of a small rubber band. Some areas of your body are more sensitive than others and, if necessary, a topical anesthetic can be applied to lessen the discomfort. Almost any area of the body that has excess hair can be treated, including your face, ears, nose, underarms, chest, back, bikini and legs.

After the treatment your skin might turn pink or red. Most people find that this effect subsides with a day. Many people return to work after having laser hair removal.

The results and effectiveness of this treatment do vary, especially depending on skin type and hair color. In the early days of this treatment, lasers seemed to work best on those with dark hair and light skin. Now, new lasers are being created that can treat all skin types. Plucking, bleaching and waxing are to be discontinued 4-6 weeks prior to treatment. Shaving is fine before and between treatments. Generally hair on the head and neck is treated in 4-6 week cycles. Hair below the neck is treated in 6-8 week cycles.

Request a Consult or call 306-652-0553 and one of our friendly client care coordinators will assist you to begin your journey to smoother more radiant skin.