Common questions and answers for women interested in laser hair removal.
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Laser hair is often popular with women who wish to maintain an attractive bikini line. (Model)
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About the female patient
Many women like a smooth, hairless bodily appearance and feel. To achieve this end, many women choose to remove hair through traditional means - waxing, plucking, electrolysis, and/or shaving.
As compared to the more traditional hair removal methods, laser hair removal is relatively permanent. As such, a simple reduction in the amount of hair via laser hair removal saves women a good amount of time on their daily grooming tasks.
While all women are different, typical grooming areas that are ideal for laser hair removal include the face, legs, bikini line, the underarms and arms, 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 women 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 women typically describe the pain involved with laser hair removal as mild. Most women 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 women 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.
For reasons of liability, many laser hair removal practices do not treat pregnant women.
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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