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Laser Hair Removal Dermatologist Located in Boston
Laser hair removallaser treatments
There are many myths out there about laser hair removal, so it’s always best to speak to a board-certified dermatologist to get the facts about this popular treatment.
Common Laser Hair Removal Treatment Areas
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Some patients want to do laser hair removal to help ease the burden of ingrown hairs. Other patients want to do laser hair removal to reduce the hassle of shaving or waxing. Some want to do laser hair removal because they believe that it gives a better appearance.
It is important to remember that we do not employ laser treatment to get rid of hair from the following areas: eyebrows, ears, and around the anus.
Is Laser Hair Removal Right for Me?
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At our Boston office, we have lasers and the expertise to treat patients with a wide range of needs. Laser hair removal works best on patients with dark hair (black and brown). It does not work on blonde, white or grey hair. Red hair may also be stubborn to get rid of with lasers. The lasers we have work well for both coarse and fine hairs. One of the most important things to know before going in for laser hair removal is that patients cannot undergo treatment if they have a suntan.
How Laser Hair Removal Works
Pulses of laser energy are used on hair follicles to destroy them, making it so they are no longer able to grow new hairs. This is a very safe hair-removal process and can be applied to sensitive parts of the body like the face.
Laser hair removal is also quite effective. In fact, thanks to technological advances, it is so effective that a particular chromophore can be targeted by the laser wavelength to impair the basal stem cells inside follicles.
Laser Hair Removal Treatment Process
During laser hair removal treatment, the laser can feel sensitive on the skin, and when treating areas such as the groin or upper lip, topical numbing cream can be used to minimize discomfort. Most patients describe the feeling as a slight snap against the skin. Treatment only takes a few minutes.
Important Things to Know About Laser Hair Removal:
- Though the process may seem painful, it is not bad. Many patients liken the feeling to a rubber band snaps.
- Treatments also are quick, often lasting just a few minutes.
- Please keep in mind that results are not instant. Most patients will require a number of treatments before optimal results are achieved. The number of treatments will vary depending on the patient
- In preparation for laser hair removal, shaving within 24 hours of treatment is typically required. Patients are advised not to wax or pluck the area. Make sure the area being treated is free from creams and lotions beforehand as well.
- Treatments can often result in additional benefits, such as smoother and clearer skin because it helps to prevent ingrown hairs.
After a Laser Hair Removal Treatment
After laser hair removal treatment, patients are able to go about their days as planned as they generally notice no symptoms. In some patients, there may be slight residual pinkness, but this often resolves within an hour.
Depending on the area of the body being treated, laser hair removal on average requires 4-6 treatments to achieve desired results. These treatments should be spaced apart 3 – 4 weeks to ensure a new round of hair growth. In between treatments, patients should not be waxing, threading, or plucking hairs in the areas being treated. Shaving is okay and actually recommended just prior to treatment.
After the treatment course is complete and desired results are achieved, the results are considered semi-permanent. This is because several years down the line, patients will report individual stray hairs in treated areas. Patients can then return to the office for 1-2 treatments to tackle these hairs that have grown back.
Learn More During a Dermatologist Consultation
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Laser Hair Removal FAQs
Does laser hair removal really work permanently?
What are the negatives of laser hair removal?
Is laser hair removal really worth it?
Do you shave before laser hair removal?
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