Laser Hair Removal

Unwanted hair is a real problem for many people. It can make you self-conscious and limit the choice of clothes you wear. It can also be a pain to deal with endless tweezing and shaving, and still the problem keeps on coming back. Even electrolysis proves to be time-consuming, expensive and uncomfortable. Thank goodness for laser hair removal treatments. When the laser hair removal treatments are complete, skin is clear and hair growth is greatly reduced.

Laser hair removal is widely regarded as the safest and most effective form of permanent hair reduction on the market today. Laser hair removal treatments consist of a simple beam of light that passes through the skin to the hair follicle, disabling the follicle without affecting the surrounding skin. It is highly effective, safe and fast.

How does it work?

The process works on the principle that dark colors absorb energy from light. You experience this if you wear dark colored clothing on a sunny day. The dark clothing will absorb more of the sun’s heat energy than light colored clothing and will feel warmer. Lasers are concentrated light beams at very specific wavelengths – or points in the color spectrum. Hair follicles contain melanin – a dark pigment found in hair and skin. The pigment absorbs energy from laser. As heat energy builds up in the melanin, the follicle is disabled and no longer produces hair.

Each hair goes through three growth stages – anagen (the growing phase), catagen (the regressive phase) and telogen (the resting phase). Hair follicles only produce pigment during the anagen stage. Laser hair removal treatments work more quickly on hairs during this stage because they contain the most melanin during this time. After the series of laser hair removal treatments is complete, a maintenance session is required once or twice a year to keep the hair growth at bay and eliminate the need for shaving and waxing.

How much does it cost?

Laser hair removal costs vary by the area to be treated and the laser hair removal equipment used. Overall, laser hair removal costs are lower than the costs of electrolysis and can be comparable but less time consuming than waxing and shaving. Because Dr. Tsai performs all of our treatments herself, our practice prices may be higher than laser med-spas. If you do not have medical conditions which necessitates a physician, any reputable med-spa should suffice!

Which areas are most commonly treated?

Bikini area, underarms, legs, chin and upper lip. As well as back and shoulders and neck area, where shaving can cause rashes and razor burns.

Oftentimes laser hair removal meets more than just cosmetic needs. Underarm, neck and bikini laser hair removal treatments not only eliminate irritation caused by razors, it can reduce folliculitis – infection and swelling of the hair follicles.

Folliculitis can result in hyperpigmentation and darkening of the skin around the affected area. People who receive laser hair removal enjoy body parts free of hair, irritation and discoloration.

What can I expect?

For most treatments, Dr. Tsai prescribes a topical lidocaine numbing cream in order to make your procedure as comfortable as possible. Most patients report that the treatment is more comfortable than waxing. Once you begin laser hair removal, it is required that you discontinue waxing, plucking and depilatories because the hair follicle must be present in order for the laser to be effective. Instead, you may shave the hair. Avoiding a sun tan in the areas you are receiving treatment is also important. In the beginning, the treatments are usually spaced 8 to 12 weeks apart. After every treatment more time will elapse before you need another session. After the last hair removal treatment in the series, maintenance is required, but usually only once or twice a year.

How many treatments are required?

A minimum of six treatments over the course of one year’s time is usually required with the procedure to attain results suitable for men and women and all areas of the body. This is due in part because hair follicles are each in different stages of the growth cycle.

Which laser do you use?

Dr. Tsai chooses from four different lasers to determine the best treatment for your skin color and hair. She uses the following hair removal lasers: Cutera Coolglide for darker skin tones and Lumenis Lightsheer Duet for lighter skin tones. Dr. Tsai is an expert in treating black and poc patients’ skin in safe and effective laser hair removal. In addition, we welcome transgender patients.