What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is an effective and noninvasive laser treatment solution for unwanted hair. This treatment uses laser heat to target and destroy cells that contain high levels of pigment (a process known as selective photothermolysis). Because dark hair contains high levels of pigment, it absorbs the most heat. The hair transfers heat into the hair follicles, effectively destroying them so hair cannot grow. This results in a permanent reduction of hair growth and effective hair removal.
During a laser hair removal treatment, a topical anesthetic may be offered to help reduce any discomfort during the session. Patients will be given eye protection to protect their eyes from the laser light. The machine will then be used to deliver laser pulses to the targeted areas. While treatment should not be painful, many describe the laser as feeling similar to the snapping of a rubber band.
Mild redness, swelling, or temporary discomfort may occur in the skin for a few hours after treatment. Cold compresses can assist with these effects. Makeup can be worn the next day if the face is treated. Avoid sun exposure when possible and wear SPF when outdoors for best results. It can take days to weeks for hair follicles to fully shed after treatment. Results will ultimately vary depending on many factors, such as hair density, thickness, location and underlying health issues. Maintenance laser treatments may be required for certain individuals.
Why Choose UnionDerm for Laser Hair Removal?
Effective laser hair removal is based on appropriately evaluating the cause of hair growth and planning treatments suitable to the patient’s skin type and hair color and thickness. At UnionDerm, our board-certified dermatologists choose from one of three devices that will best suit the patient and provide the most effective treatment. Our board-certified dermatologists, not a technician, perform all treatments to maximize patient safety. Additionally, UnionDerm physicians participated in a clinical trial to determine the most effective treatment protocols for the Splendor laser hair removal device to improve its efficacy in safety and results.
Who is a Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?
If you are bothered by the constant need for hair removal methods such as shaving, tweezing, or waxing, laser hair removal may be the right solution for you. Laser hair removal works most effectively for individuals with thicker, dark hair and on all skin tones. This is because the contrast between the lighter skin and dark hair color makes it easier for the hair to absorb the laser’s heat. Those with very light-colored hair or tanned skin in the treatment area may not be ideal candidates. To learn more about whether this treatment is right for you, please schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified dermatologists.
What Can I Expect with Laser Hair Removal
At UnionDerm, we are proud to offer three innovative laser hair removal devices to best optimize the experience for each patient. These laser hair removal treatments include:
GentleLASE Pro
GentleLase Pro is a premier laser and an ideal solution for hair removal on lighter skin. This laser targets the hair follicle at the root, delivering a burst of gentle energy and therapeutic heat to provide permanent hair reduction over the course of a few treatments. In addition, it offers super-fast treatment times, and gentle hair removal ensures additional comfort through its patented Dynamic Cooling DeviceTM, which uses cooling bursts of liquid cryogen.
GentleYAG Pro
GentleYAG Pro is the fastest and most powerful ND: YAG laser on the market. It offers a 1064nm wavelength and combines energy and power with variable pulse duration. GentleYAG is effective at reducing unwanted dark hair on darker skin.
Splendor X
Splendor X is a hair removal laser that provides patients of all skin tones with completely painless and highly effective laser hair removal. The two adjustable blended wavelengths, Nd: YAG and Alexandrite, allow our physicians to fit treatment requirements to each individual.
The Splendor X can be administered much more quickly than traditional laser hair removal units thanks to its rapid coverage rate combining high fluency, large spot size, and high repetition rate. The unique square spot shape eliminates overlap and hot spots, guaranteeing uniform skin coverage. Additionally, patients no longer need to numb, thanks to its cooling effect.
The length of your laser hair removal treatment session will ultimately depend on the number of areas being treated and the size of those treatment areas. Our team will discuss these details regarding your treatment during your consultation appointment.
What Areas Does Laser Hair Removal Treat?
- Full Body
- Upper Lip
- Jawline, neck, cheeks
- Armpits
- Arms
- Legs
- Abdomen
- Back
- Bikini line or Brazilian hair removal
- Chest
Schedule a Laser Hair Removal Consultation
Overall, laser hair removal is proven to be more effective than other hair removal methods in reducing unwanted hair. If you are interested in learning more about laser hair removal and how it can help you achieve your desired results, please contact UnionDerm today to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified dermatologists at our Union Square and Central Park locations in New York City.
