Laser Hair Removal Treatments
Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that uses pulsed laser energy to remove unwanted hair from a targeted area, while leaving surrounding skin unharmed. Common areas on which laser hair removal treatments is performed are the chin, upper lip, chest, underarms, back, bikini line and legs.
Although there are many temporary treatments, including tweezing, shaving, using depilatory creams and waxing, to remove unwanted hair, patients seeking more permanent and less irritating/painful methods are frequently good candidates for laser hair removal. Through what is a safe and usually painless procedure, hair can be removed from nearly any area of the body (the eye area is an exception because of the possibility of serious eye damage).
Candidates For Laser Hair Removal
Because the laser beams used to remove hair target its melanin (pigment), the best candidates have dark hair and light skin. Conversely, those with blond, red, gray or white hair are usually not good candidates. Recent technological advances have made laser hair removal for those with dark skin more successful, while techniques for using lasers to effectively remove light-colored hair are being investigated. We offer laser hair removal for all skin tones.
Benefits Of Laser Hair Removal
There are many benefits to having unwanted hair removed through the use of laser therapy. They include the following:
- Hair is precisely targeted
- Procedure is quick
- Results are semi-permanent (for 90 percent of patients) or long-lasting
For many patients, laser hair removal is painless, although some experience minor discomfort, usually described as something like a rubber band’s snapping against the skin.
Laser Hair Removal Procedure
Laser hair removal is performed while the target area is numbed by a topical anesthetic. A handheld device that emits intense laser pulses is moved across the area, focusing on individual hair follicles. There are several different methods of laser hair removal treatment, some of which combine laser impulses with radiofrequency. The appropriate method for each patient is decided in consultation with the laser technician administering treatment.
Hair growth takes place cyclically, in three stages. The most effective laser hair removal takes place during the andogen (full-growth) stage, because the hair follicles in this stage are susceptible to laser energy. But, because all hair is not in the same stage of growth at any given time, several laser treatments, usually between three and five, spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart, are necessary. To some extent, the length of treatment depends on the texture of the patient’s hair, and the location from which it is being removed.
Recovery From Laser Hair Removal
Some redness, soreness or swelling may occur immediately after laser hair removal, but they almost always disappear within a few days. Cold compresses or ice packs, moisturizers, and anti-inflammatory creams may minimize discomfort. Sun exposure should be avoided as much as possible for some period of time.
Complications Of Laser Hair Removal
The most common complication of laser hair removal is the regrowth of the unwanted hair. Frequently, however, the hair that regrows is finer and lighter than the hair that was removed. Usually, regrowth can be addressed with a few additional treatment sessions. Other complications that may arise after laser hair treatment include skin irritation such as blistering and crusting; changes in pigmentation or texture of the skin; and scarring at the removal site.
We have the best prices in Columbia and are happy to serve you. We recommend having a minimum of 9-12 treatments on any area. Once you purchase 9 treatments of one area with us, receive 3 free follow-up treatments of the same area!
To schedule your appointment, give us a call at 803.851.3459 during business hours: Monday 9-6, Tuesday through Thursday 9-6, Friday 9-2.
To order online and view our prices, visit our Online Store!
Large Area
A large body part is considered the following:
- Full chest and abdomen
- Full back and shoulders
- Full legs with Toes & Feet
- Full arms with Hands & Fingers
Medium Area
A medium body part is considered the following:
- Full brazilian
- 1/2 Arms
- 1/2 Legs
- Front and back of neck
- Upper chest
- Lower abdomen
- Shoulders
- Full face
- Beard
- Buttocks
- Head
Modified Small Area
A modified small body part is considered the following:
- Under Arms
- Front of Neck
- Back of Neck
- Moderate Bikini
- Lip/Chin (half face)
- Small of Back
Small Area
A small body part is considered the following:
- Upper lip
- Chin
- Bikini Line
- Ears
- Sideburns
- Fingers
- Top of hands
- Toes
- Tops of feet
- Belly button (“happy trail”)
- Middle of eyebrow
- Areolas
- Cheeks
- Jawline