Laser Hair Removal
HELPING YOU LIVE LIFE MORE BEAUTIFULLYHeadingLaser hair removal provides long-lasting hair reduction, so you can spend less time shaving, waxing, and bleaching unwanted hair. At Erickson Cosmetic Dermatology & Lifestyle Medicine, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Quenby Erickson frequently performs laser hair removal treatments with the Splendor X™ laser device from Lumenis and with Broadband Light Therapy (BBL)/Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL). As a result of her customized treatment approach and vast experience, Dr. Erickson is considered a top provider of laser hair removal in Chicago.
How does Splendor X laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal involves the use of laser energy to damage targeted hair follicles, which works to slow and prevent hair regrowth. Splendor X has the power of both an Alexandrite laser and Nd:Yag 1064 nm laser. This feature sets it apart from other laser hair removal devices, which can only be used for patients with certain hair and skin tones. With Splendor X, Dr. Erickson can select the most effective laser wavelength for a patient’s skin and hair color, making laser hair removal an option for more patients.
Who is it good for?
Traditional hair removal techniques, such as shaving, tweezing, and waxing provide only very temporary relief from unwanted hair and can be tedious. Until laser hair reduction, the only recognized way to remove hair permanently has been electrolysis—which can also be tedious, time-consuming and uncomfortable. Laser hair reduction safely removes unwanted body hair without damaging the delicate pores and structures of the skin. The SPLENDOR X allows us to treat the entire body in about 30 minutes!
Note that you cannot undergo laser hair removal directly over a tattoo or where a tattoo has been removed. The laser can’t distinguish between ink pigment and hair pigment, so a burn could result as ink pigment moves through the skin.
How does BBL hair removal work?
BBL hair removal works similarly to laser hair removal; light energy emitted by the device is used to damage hair follicles in order to prevent hair regrowth for an extended period of time. The main difference between these two hair reduction treatment options comes down to the wavelengths of light energy involved and how that energy is delivered.
Laser hair removal devices deliver longer pulses of a single wavelength of light energy. The BBL device emits a broad spectrum of wavelengths in short, intense pulses.
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!
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If you are considering laser hair removal, reach out to our office today to schedule a consultation. Dr. Erickson strives to provide the best laser hair removal in Chicago and looks forward to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals. Our practice is easily accessible to patients throughout the greater Chicago area, including Streeterville, River North, Gold Coast, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Lake View, North Center, and the West Loop.