Laser Hair Removal

Laser Hair Removal Q & A

How do lasers safely remove hair?

Lasers safely eliminate hair using a wavelength absorbed only by the pigment in a particular hair follicle. This allows your provider to point a laser at your hair and destroy only the targeted follicles without harming the surrounding skin.

Your provider uses a laser to permanently remove hair from your face and other body parts. Their laser is safe for sensitive skin and all skin colors.

Why would I need several laser hair removal treatments?

Lasers can only destroy the follicle while it’s actively growing hair. But follicles don’t always grow hair but continuously cycle through three stages: growth, transitional, and dormant.

During the dormant stage, all hair growth stops, and the hair in the hair follicle falls out. That’s why you naturally lose some hair every day.

On any given day, about 10-15% of all your hair follicles are dormant, so they’re not affected by your laser treatment. And each follicle follows its own timeline, becoming dormant and then returning to the growth stage at times different from those of the surrounding follicles.

These variables mean you need to have several hair removal sessions spaced 6-8 weeks apart before you’ll catch all the hairs in their growth phase. The number of sessions you’ll need depends on where the unwanted hair is and how much of it needs to be eliminated.

What should I expect during laser hair removal sessions?

The length of each session depends on the area being treated. Your upper lip will take just a few minutes, while your back or legs could take a half-hour or longer.

Most people tolerate laser hair removal, describing the laser pulses as feeling like the snap of a rubber band. But the team understands that each person has a different pain tolerance. They explain what to expect and offer a topical anesthetic if needed to ensure your comfort.

After a laser hair removal session, your skin might be slightly swollen and red, but that doesn’t last long. When your treatment is done, you can return to your daily routine.

Call Dr. Malouf Dermatology or book an appointment online to schedule a laser hair removal appointment.