Laser Hair Removal

Are medical laser hair removal treatments better than laser devices for at-home use?

Compared to medical-grade laser devices, at-home treatments are much more time-consuming and uncomfortable. While personal laser hair removal devices will provide some degree of results, they are far less effective and do not provide lasting results.

Commonly reported experiences find that most hair removed with a home device grew back within 12 weeks of the last application.

Which hair colors does laser hair removal work for?

Laser hair removal works for a variety of hair colors, though it works best on darker hair tones like brown and black. This is because laser hair removal depends on the pigment in the hair within the hair follicle to absorb the laser energy in order to be effective.

However, Dr. Erickson is also able to successfully treat red hair and lighter hair colors, as long as the hair is not bleached and there is enough pigment for the laser to capture. For gray hair, a consultation is needed to determine if there is enough pigment remaining in the hair for laser removal to be effective.

Do I need a consultation for laser hair removal?

A consultation for laser hair removal with Dr. Erickson is needed before treatment. The doctor will examine the proposed treatment areas and assess your health history, including current medications. The doctor will confirm through this consultation whether Splendor X or BBL/IPL is the best treatment for you.

How do I prepare for laser hair removal?

The most important aspect of preparing for laser hair removal is to shave before your treatment. The hair needs to be in the hair follicle but should not extend onto the skin. If you have not shaved prior to your treatment, we can shave the area for an additional fee.

You will want to avoid electrolysis, tweezing, epilation, and/or waxing hair for six weeks prior to treatment. These methods of hair removal extract the hair from the follicle, decreasing the efficacy of laser hair reduction treatments.

If you choose to pursue laser hair reduction, you will also need to avoid exposing the treatment area to sunlight for 4 to 6 weeks before treatment. If you have a dark skin type, a lightening cream or bleaching product may be started 4 to 6 weeks before treatment to optimize results.

What should I expect during laser hair removal?

Depending on the amount of hair treated, the procedure varies from patient to patient. With this device we can treat an entire body in as little as 30 minutes. You will be asked to wear safety eyewear as a small handpiece delivers the laser light. A refreshing flow of cold air will be felt on the skin as the treatment is being performed to maximize comfort. The degree of discomfort varies with each person, depending on his/her pain threshold, but most can agree that it is very comfortable and virtually painless.

A test area may be done prior to your treatment. The full treatment may then be done on the same day or up to two weeks later, depending on the skin reaction. Patients can choose to treat a single area or multiple areas during each session.

How much does laser hair removal cost?

The cost of laser hair reduction varies and is determined by factors like your goals and the type of laser treatment used. The number of sessions needed can also factor into the price. The cost associated with your personalized laser hair removal treatment plan will be reviewed with you during your consultation with Dr. Erickson.

What to expect after laser hair removal

The treated area may become pink or a little red within 30 minutes of treatment; this may last from a few hours to a few days and is usually relieved to by the application of ice or cooling gel. How many treatments you need will vary. Hair grows in cycles. The number of treatments required depends on your skin color, hair color and coarseness of the hair.

Everyone will require at least a minimum 3-6 treatments, as this process is only effective on hair during the early growing cycle. Repeat sessions will be necessary to treat these follicles when they reenter the early growth phase. Sometimes, this can mean more than 10 treatments, with “touchups “in the following months or years to maintain.

You should discuss your desired results and the improvements that you expect to achieve with your practitioner. Together you can decide if your expectations will be met and if this laser treatment is the best option for you. Please call our office for a consultation, we are always happy to answer your questions!