Laser Hair Removal New York

Home Skin Care Services Laser Hair Removal procedures explained by Dr. Sterry in New York

Dr. Sterry explains Laser Hair Removal

What is laser hair removal?

“Laser hair removal is a treatment method that uses light at a specific wavelength to remove unwanted hair at the follicle level and impair its regrowth. This method works very well on large areas of unwanted hair, such as the back or legs. It's safe to use virtually anywhere on the body, except near the eyes.”

How does laser hair reduction work?

“Light energy from the laser unit is attracted to and absorbed by the pigment of the hair follicle. The laser energy slightly damages the bulb of the hair follicle, preventing hair regrowth while sparing the surrounding tissues.”

Does laser hair reduction work better on some patients than on others?

“Yes. Laser hair reduction works best when there is a strong contrast between your hair color and the color of the surrounding skin. For this reason, the lighter your skin and the darker your hair, the better a candidate you are for laser hair reduction.”

How long does a laser hair reduction treatment take?

“The time required for each treatment depends on the size of the area we're tending to. An upper lip or chin can be done in about two minutes—if it takes that long. On the other hand, it can easily be half an hour to treat a man's entire back. Because laser hair reduction treats hundreds of hair follicles at a time, it takes only a short time to treat areas that would take more than an hour with electrolysis.”

How many laser hair reduction treatments are needed to see results?

“That depends on a number of factors. It could take six, eight or even 10 treatments, depending on the color of the hair, the color of the skin and how thick the skin is in the area. We normally leave about a month, or sometimes two, between treatments.”

Does laser hair reduction hurt?

“That depends on the area being treated, as well as the patient. There is some level of discomfort. For some people, it's not much different that a rubber band snapping gently at your skin. But for other people, it really gets their attention. The groin and the flank area seem to be two of the most sensitive.”

What can you expect after laser hair reduction treatment?

“You can go back to work right after a laser hair reduction treatment. The truly amazing thing is that even for patients who find the treatments uncomfortable, once it's finished, so is the pain. This is not like a sunburn where you'll be unhappy all night. The discomfort disappears as soon as the laser finishes.

“Many patients have told me that the laser is much less painful than waxing. There is rarely some red spotting in the treated areas following a treatment. When this happens, it typically is gone by the next day. Patients need to avoid sun exposure for about two weeks after treatments.”

What results can you expect from laser hair reduction?

“Basically, all of the hair in the treated region will be removed for at least a month or so. There will be some regrowth, but it will be very fine at first. Most people notice a nice reduction after only one treatment. However, over time the hair does seem to return and we need to treat again. Eventually people end up with a tremendous and permanent reduction of the hair in treated areas.”