Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is fast becoming a preferred way to permanently eliminate unwanted hair growth on the face and body. Unlike electrolysis, the fuzz-free results of laser hair removal last. Another vast improvement over electrolysis is that laser hair removal can treat much larger areas at a time. Electrolysis could only treat small patches since each hair had to be individually treated to target the hair follicle. Though some people balk at the price of laser hair removal, in the long term it is actually cheaper than waxing. The only difference is that with laser hair removal you pay the price of permanent removal all at once, whereas with waxing you pay per session so the cost seems less. The biggest benefit of laser hair removal is undeniably the convenience of never having to worry about shaving and waxing on a regular basis. Taking vacations and throwing on a summer dress or shorts without worrying about unsightly stubble makes it easy to be carefree. Also, laser hair removal eliminates painful ingrown hairs and razor burn, which can leave scar marks on the skin.

For people interested in laser hair removal, finding a specialized laser hair removal clinic is the best way to guarantee successful results. Many laser hair removal clinics offer tempting low prices with poor results, which often results in patients having to get laser hair removal done all over again at a better clinic for the desired hair elimination. At the Renaissance Laser and Vein Clinic, the focus on lasers is a cornerstone of the practice.

Unwanted hair growth can be a constant frustration for both men and women. Shaving, plucking, using Nair®, and waxing can all cause irritation, and none of them give long term results. For some people, the hair can begin growing back the very day it is removed. Until recently, the only option people had for hair removal was electrolysis, which can be prohibitively expensive and incredibly painful.

With the advent of new laser technology, however, all of that has changed. Unwanted hair can be removed safely, quickly, and affordable, with little or no pain whatsoever.

How does laser hair removal work?

Hair growth is defined by three distinct cycles. Anagen, the first, is the cycle of growth, during which the follicle is active. Catagen is the intermediate cycle, in which growth ceases and the follicle regresses. The third cycle, Telogen, is the dormant cycle, in which hair will shed and fall out. Laser hair removal targets hair in the first cycle, anagen. During treatment, the laser light is absorbed by the hair follicle and converted into heat, damaging the follicle and preventing further growth.

Hair cells, even those in close proximity to each other, may not be in the same cycle concurrently. It is for this reason that several treatments are often needed for laser hair removal to completely remove all hair from an area; even though one single treatment may "zap" thousands of hairs, hair follicles that are in the catagen or telogen cycles will not be affected.

During the procedure, the laser will be held over the treatment area, and will pulse for a fraction of a second. Multiple pulses will be administered during each treatment; the number will depend on the area being treated. A small area such as the upper lip or underarm may take a few minutes, while a large area such as the back or legs may take up to an hour or more.

Most patients respond well to laser hair removal, with few or no side effects whatsoever. However, some patients report minor irritation and redness, though in most cases this disappears within a few hours.

If you would like more information on laser hair removal, or would like to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors, please contact our office today.

Please visit our other services at Renaissance Laser and Vein Institute; Pearl Treatment, Photofacial laser genesis, IPL Photofacial, laser genesis skin rejuvenation treatments, 3-D rejuvenation, Vein Treatments, and Laser Hair Removal