Laser Hair Removal

Many women (and men too!) are eager to eliminate unsightly hair quasi-permanently. And the fastest and most efficient way of doing this is through a course of laser hair removal sessions. Among the top non-surgical procedures for more than two decades, laser hair removal devices target melanin pigment, heating and damaging the follicles at the roots of each shaft.

Familiar with the latest technology, depilation experts at Dr. Marc Parnes use the Cutera excel HR. Developed specifically for hair removal, this handheld device ensures comfort through cooling, while eliminating unwanted hair by targeting follicle pigmentation. As a result, hair growth weakens steadily with every treatment, particularly for people with paler skins and darker hair.

Before making an appointment, ask your physician if there are any constraints on laser hair removal treatment for you (particularly if you are pregnant or have epilepsy), or if you are taking medications (like Roaccutane).

Once you’re cleared for  a laser hair removal course of treatments, here are a few simple steps that make sure you get the best results from each session:

• don’t wax, pluck or bleach for a month before treatment, because darker roots absorb laser beams better;
• shave the day before treatment, so the laser light penetrates deep into hair follicles;
• avoid sunbathing and spray-tanning for a week or two, as laser hair removal devices work better on paler skins;
• sip or nibble on something sweet just before your appointment, for added comfort.

Once protective eye pads are in place, a soothing gel is spread over the area to be treated, with optional sedation available, after a professional evaluation. The wand is then moved gently over the area being treated, with flashes of light and tingling feelings, like rubber bands popping on the skin.

Because some parts of the body are more sensitive than others, reactions to laser hair removal treatment vary. For areas with thicker skin and fewer pain receptors – like the back and legs – many people barely feel the laser treatment. However, for more sensitive skin on the face, neck, and armpits, these sensations may feel like prickly heat.

For the best results after every laser hair removal treatment, try to stay out of the sun for a couple of weeks and always apply sunscreen generously. Avoid cosmetics, deodorants, body washes, hot tubs, saunas, and hot showers for at least 48 hours as the skin heals.

Within a month, the destroyed hair follicles begin to shed. This is when a gentle exfoliation (using a soft cloth and mild scrub wash) speeds up this elimination process, getting ready for the next laser depilation session. For optimum results, anywhere from six to ten laser hair removal sessions may be needed. And as hair grows in cycles, most people need at least a couple of top-up laser depilation appointments a year.