Common questions and answers for men interested in laser hair removal.
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Male patient, prior to treatment. This patient commonly experienced painful ingrown hairs in the neck area as a result of shaving. (Actual patient.)
Prior to the laser hair removal treatment, a topical anesthetic can be applied to the area being treated. This minimizes discomfort. (Actual patient)
Picture of the actual laser hair removal treatment. (Actual patient)
Male patient immediately after second treatment. Some temporary redness and bumps occur in the treated areas, which typically disappear in a few days. (Actual Patient)
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About the male patient
Some men want to remove hair due to pain involved with ingrown hairs, foliculitis, and razor cuts.
Firefighters, military personel, policemen, and athletes must adhere to strict grooming standards. These men often look to laser hair removal in order to reduce the time spent on shaving and constant neck trims.
Other men have just have so much hair that they can be embarassed removing clothing or being seen in a swimsuit.
While all men are different, typical grooming areas that are ideal for laser hair removal include the back, face, neck (front and back), chest, the pubic region, as well as other areas. (Click on any of the links in this paragraph to learn more about each treatment area.)
About the treatment
Most men are surprised at how simple the laser hair removal procedure is.
To minimize pain or discomfort, most treatments begin with the application of a topical anesthetic cream to the area being treated.
Next, the patient is given protective eyewear, since the eyes are sensitive to the laser.
The technician then introduces the patient to the laser device. The device is then applied to the areas of the skin being treated, and the laser is turned on. At this point, much of the hair immediately "pops out". The procedure is repeated to cover the entire treatment area.
Is it painful? What does laser hair removal feel like?
Since pain is most often reduced by topical anesthesia prior to treatment, most men typically describe the pain involved with laser hair removal as mild. Most men agree that the pain is much less than that associated with other hair removal methods.
In general, areas with more hair, or thicker hair, are "felt" more. These areas typically give a small "popping" sensation when the laser is applied to them. In areas of low hair growth, some men report this sensation as "tickling".
Is it safe?
Laser hair removal is typically safe. However, as with any medical procedure, there are always exceptions and every individual should consult with a licensed physician prior to treatment.
How many treatments are necessary?
A common misconception about laser hair removal is that one treatment will remove all hair. This is simply not true.
The reality is that hair grows in cycles. A course of 3-6 treatments (one each month) is typically necessary for effective, relatively permanent laser hair removal.
Even after multiple treatments, the potential for a limited amount of hair follicles to re-awaken is always there. Typically, a patient who has gone through the initial course of treatments will still have to come in 2-3 times a year thereafter, to treat the new hair growth.
How does laser hair removal compare to waxing, shaving, and electrolysis?
There are many options for hair removal, and each has benefits and drawbacks - including laser hair removal.
See our laser Hair Removal Comparison page to quickly compare and contrast your hair removal options.
After the treatment
After the treatment, patients can immediately leave the office as there is no recovery time involved. Over the next week, some patients may experience mild or light burns, discoloration, or bruising in the treated area.
In rare, extreme cases, small blisters may temporarily form. As many of the treated hairs tend to work themselves out of the skin over the course of a week, there is the potential for these hairs to temporarily appear as small bumps.
Actual before and after photos
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Chin area, before. (Patient)
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Chin area, after.(Patient)
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Consult a qualified New York doctor to find out if laser hair removal is right for you.
More information and free consultations
If you have more questions about hair removal, arrange for a free consultation with a qualified New York laser hair doctor.
If you are interested in learning more about the technical/scientific aspects of laser hair removal, please see the laser hair removal wikipedia entry.
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