Laser Hair Removal

While laser treatment sessions may require an upfront cost that is higher than other hair removal methods—such as shaving or plucking—they are a much more economical solution in the long run, as the extent of reduction achieved translates into substantial savings on razors, wax appointments or at-home kits, and other hair removal tools. When it comes to long-term hair reduction, laser hair removal is highly effective.

Additionally, the return on investment from laser hair removal treatments extends beyond monetary value. All the time and mental energy you put into hair-related grooming can now be spent on more meaningful experiences. Shaving razors and wax strips out of your routine will also reduce your carbon footprint over time. Another advantage of laser hair removal is that it helps hairs to grow straight, which may relieve inflammation and irritation to the skin while getting rid of ingrown hairs.

Laser hair removal at South Jersey Skin Care & Laser Center consists of a laser light of a specific wavelength, which is used to target melanin in the hair follicle. The laser passes through the skin and attacks each hair follicle with an intense but extremely focused heat, which is absorbed by the pigment there.

Laser hair removal is designed so that the energy only targets the hair follicle and leaves the surrounding skin unscathed. The destruction of the melanin, which is found naturally in the hair follicle, causes the hair to fall out, but avoids the irritation and nicks caused by other hair removal techniques.

Since the goal of laser hair removal is to stop the follicle from growing hair permanently, the best candidates for this treatment are individuals with dark hair and light skin. The treatment’s effectiveness is limited for light blonde or red hair colors.

Patients with certain hormonal imbalances are also advised to complete successful treatment for such conditions before moving forward with laser hair removal, as the imbalance could negatively impact results. Speak to a member of our team for more information.

Typical treatment areas include:

Laser hair removal is not recommended for eyelids or the immediate areas surrounding the eyes.

For patients of any skin type looking to reduce unwanted hair of any color, sweat, and odor simultaneously (in the underarm area only), we offer the miraDry^®/miraSmooth™ system.

The energy-efficient Excel HR™ laser hair removal system from Cutera combines a high-powered Alexandrite laser with a long-pulse Nd:YAG laser, making it a dual-wavelength system that can be used on all Fitzpatrick skin phototypes.

The Fitzpatrick scale, ranging from I to VI, is a classification system for skin based on the amount of naturally occurring skin color and sun-tanning ability. While both Excel HR™ lasers are safe to use on any skin type, the Alexandrite laser offers more effective hair reduction for skin types I through IV, while the Nd:YAG laser is more suitable for types V and VI.

As each patient is unique, a consultation with an experienced laser hair removal provider is necessary to determine realistic patient goals, the number of sessions required, laser settings, and other treatment details.

The best way to achieve ideal results from laser hair removal is by first consulting a board-certified practitioner who is highly experienced in administering these treatments. Your laser hair removal provider will help you determine whether you are a good candidate for the procedure by reviewing your overall medical history, including any skin conditions you’ve had, and determining your hair-reduction goals. The next step involves putting together a laser hair removal plan that fits your individual situation and needs.

Before the big day, there may be a number of steps you’ll need to take in order to maximize the results of your laser hair removal treatment. Up to six weeks prior the treatment, you may be asked to keep out of the sun and steer clear of other methods of hair removal, such as electrolysis, waxing, tweezing, bleaching, and plucking. Basically, stay away from anything that pulls hair strands out of their follicles, as this can cause trauma to the follicle and weaken the laser’s effect.

It’s important to leave the roots of the hair undamaged and unaltered. Since the laser targets this specific part of the hair, it must be fully intact at the time of the treatment. However, shaving to remove the hair above the surface of the skin won’t pose any problem.

Maintaining the contrast between hair and skin color is very important. The laser hair removal technology is pigment-based, so light-skinned people should avoid tanning in the days leading up to a treatment. Patients may be instructed to maintain their natural skin tone by avoiding self-tanners and tanning beds because of their darkening effect on the complexion. You may also be advised to avoid blood thinners and any medications that could cause skin to be more sensitive to light. Anyone who tans—deliberately or not—before a laser hair removal session is at higher risk of burns and blisters, since the darker-pigmented cells will absorb more heat from the laser.

In addition, you should clean your skin to remove any makeup, oil, and bacteria before a laser hair removal appointment. Dr. Levin and her team can go over all of this with you prior to the session.

During the laser hair removal procedure, a numbing gel can be placed on the treated area to help with any potential discomfort. The Excel HR™ system at our practice is equipped with sapphire contact cooling, has adjustable temperature settings and dual wavelengths (due to the dual-laser combination), and emits no CFCs (chloroflurocarbons)—all of this is to maximize patient comfort and safety. Laser hair removal generally causes only minor discomfort, which is more intense on thinner-skinned treatment areas.

Several laser hair removal sessions may be necessary due to the fact that this treatment destroys only follicles containing hairs that are actively growing. Unfortunately, not all of your hairs are actively growing at the same time. Some are in a phase of preparation known as catagen, which shrinks the follicle to eject the existing hair. Some are in a resting phase known as telogen, which gives the follicle time to recharge. And some are in the process of actually ejecting the hair, which is known as exogen.

The anagen phase, when a hair is actively growing—potentially up to half an inch in a single month, depending on where the follicle is located—is the only time it is susceptible to laser hair removal.

Since about 85 percent of follicles are in anagen at any given time, the majority will be impacted by the laser energy. You will need to catch all of the unwanted hair follicles in a particular area at their own right time in order to inhibit future growth, so you may need anywhere between three to 10 laser hair removal treatment sessions spaced several weeks apart in order to get the best results.

With the Excel HR™ laser hair removal system, most patients tend to achieve their treatment goals in four to five sessions. The laser pulses can treat up to a quarter-size area every second. The duration of your laser hair removal procedure at our New Jersey practice will depend on the size of the area of unwanted hair.

Remember: A laser is a powerful precision instrument, so it is important to come to appropriately licensed providers trained in its use and knowledgeable about a variety of skin and hair types. Laser hair removal should always be handled by a thoroughly educated professional who can gauge the appropriate settings and skillfully operate the device for the best possible results.

Not only does laser hair removal provide a more convenient and confidence-inspiring solution to unwanted body hair, but it will save you a great deal of time and money in the long run on various shaving and trimming applications. Best of all, laser hair removal can be performed on virtually any part of the body, making it a simple and versatile treatment.

Hair reduction results are often immediately noticeable after the first session, but it is important to attend all recommended sessions in a timely manner to ensure the best possible results. The full effects are seen within a few weeks after laser hair removal. While a few small wisps of hair may persist after all sessions are complete, these tend to be few and far between, much finer, inconspicuous, and slower growing than before.*

Click here to view before and after images in our gallery.

South Jersey Skin Care & Laser Center offers a range of laser-based cosmetic dermatology treatments that can complement laser hair removal or be performed on their own. The heat energy of a laser can trigger skin tightening, skin resurfacing, and wrinkle reduction. With miraDry^®, patients can enjoy reduced underarm odor and hair reduction since the treatment damages moisture- and odor-producing glands. The results are permanent.

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is not a laser, but can be used in a similar way to clear sun/age spots and facial redness.

Patients seeking hair removal for fine vellus hairs can choose dermaplaning, which makes use of a surgical blade to remove peach fuzz along with dead skin cells.

If you are ready to learn more about laser hair removal at South Jersey Skin Care & Laser Center, click here to schedule an appointment or consultation. If you prefer, you may also contact us directly at (856) 810-9888.