Laser Hair Reduction

Imagine having smooth, hair free skin without having to shave, wax, pluck or bleach your unwanted hair. Dermatology & Plastic Surgery of Arizona offers the latest laser technology for safe, fast and effective hair removal for both men and women. Although most of our clients choose to treat the entire body, most popular treatment areas are face, bikini, legs, underarms, and chest.

Candidates

Not everybody is a candidate for laser hair removal. Laser hair removal is best accomplished in patients with light colored skin and dark colored hair. The laser is attracted to the melanin in the hair, so the treated hair must have color in order for the follicle to be treated by the laser. Individuals with lighter colored or gray hair usually need more treatments and may have a less effective treatment. Patients with very dark brown or black skin usually are not good candidates for laser hair removal due to the risk of bleaching of the skin.

How does the laser work to remove hair?

A concentrated beam of light is aimed at the hair. The laser targets pigment in the hair to disrupt hair follicles, so individuals with lighter hair such as blond, gray or white might be a bit more difficult to treat. The light is absorbed by the pigment, which damages the follicle enough to stop future growth.

Is laser hair reduction permanent?

Laser hair removal treats most of the hair with color and the hair that is in an active growth phase. But let’s say you have 100 hairs in an area that is being treated. Each treatment, anywhere from 25-50% of the hair follicles that in the active growing phase can be broken down. It is impossible to get this number to 0, but you will see a significant reduction in hair after each treatment.

Is laser hair reduction safe?

Laser hair reduction can be risky if the procedure is performed incorrectly. The most common side effects of laser hair reduction include skin irritation and pigment changes. Irritated skin may include temporary discomfort, redness, and swelling. These signs and symptoms typically disappear within several hours. Laser hair reductions may darken or lighten the affected skin, usually temporarily. This usually affects those who have darker skin.

Does it hurt?

During the treatments, the area will be iced for comfort. The laser feels like a hot rubber band snap that is very brief. After the treatment, patients may experience slight redness. This typically subsides within a few minutes to a day after treatment. It is safe to resume normal daily activity.

How many laser treatments will I need?

There are several factors that help determine the number of treatments needed to achieve the best laser hair reduction results. These factors include genetics, hair color, and skin related factors. To get rid of unwanted hair you will most likely need 4-6 treatments. Hair grows in cycles, and the only follicles that are in an active growth state at the time of treatment, are removed. The next stage of active hair growth usually occurs 4-8 weeks later which is a good time for your next treatment.

How long does treatment usually take?

A number of factors determine the length of time for a treatment. The size of the area treated factors into the time required, as does the amount of preparation. Generally, legs and backs take an hour, while an upper lip may require five minutes. The face or underarms can take as little as ten minutes.

What areas can be treated?

Treatments areas include but are not limited to:

  • Upper Lip
  • Chin
  • Sides of Face
  • Cheeks
  • Full Face
  • Man’s Beard
  • Neck
  • Under Arms
  • Arms
  • Chest
  • Abdomen
  • Back
  • Bikini
  • Upper torso, lower extremity

Pre Laser Hair Reduction Treatment Care

Before your laser hair reduction treatment, it is best to avoid tanning or using sunless tanners for at least a month. The skin should be as light as possible at the time of treatment. For this reason, many people choose to undergo laser hair reduction during the winter.

To learn more about our laser hair reduction treatment, or to schedule your consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Moenster or Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Weyer, please fill out the form on this page. You can call our Tucson location at 520-207-3100 or our Sierra Vista location at 520-458-1787. We look forward to seeing you soon!