Laser Hair Removal Q & A

What is laser hair removal?

Laser therapy is a fast, noninvasive procedure that uses light to destroy hair follicles, thus greatly reducing the speed with which hair regrows. Laser treatment is well-known for its long-term results and is much more effective than shaving or depilatory creams, especially on larger areas like the back or legs. Lasers do not permanently remove all unwanted hair since hair follicles can eventually heal after a laser treatment.

What happens before the procedure?

You’ll need a thorough physical examination and detailed discussion with Dr. Ali and his team before undergoing laser hair removal. During your visit, Dr. Ali will consider your skin type, your expectations regarding results of the procedure, your previous history of laser hair removal, and any chronic conditions that may affect laser hair removal. Among other preoperative instructions, patients must typically avoid sun exposure for six weeks prior to the procedure and avoid plucking, waxing, or electrolysis of hair in the planned treatment areas. Dr. Ali might also prescribe antibiotics or antiviral medications during the preoperative period.

What’s the procedure like?

Patients report varying degrees of discomfort during the procedure, but topical anesthetics applied preoperatively can help alleviate that concern. The actual procedure is relatively fast since it’s, well, moving at the speed of light as the physician guides the laser over the pertinent areas. The patient, physician performing the procedure, and clinic staff assisting the doctor will wear protective eye coverings throughout.

What’s recovery like?

Recovery time is generally fast and fairly painless in most cases. Patients can typically expect slight swelling and redness of the area immediately following the procedure. Ice packs or analgesics taken as directed help reduce postoperative discomfort. To prevent painful sunburns to treated areas following the procedure, Dr. Ali will likely recommend you avoid sun exposure for a time and use sunscreen. Scratching, rubbing, or other otherwise traumatizing the treated areas may increase recovery time.

*Individual results may vary

Permanent Hair Removal