What Is Laser Hair Reduction?

Do you struggle with folliculitis, hirsutism, hidradenitis suppurativa, ingrown hairs, etc.? Are you tired of frequent shaving, waxing, or ineffective and painful at-home treatments to remove your unwanted hair? Consider laser hair removal – a popular procedure for anyone who wants a more permanent solution. We offer a wide variety of state-of-the-art lasers for hair removal, ensuring that people of all skin tones can take advantage of this effective system.

How It Works

Unlike shaving and waxing, which remove existing hair, laser energy targets the underlying hair follicles and destroys them to stop regrowth. Quick energy pulses are sent beneath the skin, directly into the hair follicles. As the hair follicles absorb the intense heat, they’re destroyed and the pigment is scattered into many tiny particles. The destroyed hair follicle won’t produce hair again, which means permanent hair removal.

 

Hair grows in cycles, so multiple laser treatments are needed to achieve full results. Each treatment is spaced apart to target the hair follicle at the correct time during the growth cycle. Your dermatology professional will let you know when you should come for treatments. Approximately six to ten treatment sessions are needed for optimal results.

woman with smooth, hairless underarm from laser hair removal

FAQs

Which areas can be treated & how long does it take?

Small areas, such as the upper lip, can be treated in minutes. Large areas, such as the legs or back, may take up to an hour.
Lasers can remove dark hair from almost any area of the body, such as:
  • Legs and Arms
  • Bikini Area
  • Underarms
  • Back, Chest, and Abdomen
  • Face and Neck
  • Ears and Toes

When are the results seen?

Most patients notice results after one treatment, but results vary from patient to patient. You can expect a 10%-25% reduction in hair after the first treatment.

Results are seen gradually, as hair removal is generally done in a series of 2-6 sessions. The number of sessions needed depends on several factors including the size of the treatment area, the patient’s skin tone, and the texture of the hair. Patients will notice a steady decrease in the total amount of body hair in the treated area, and when treatment is complete there generally won’t be any new hair growth at all. Hair removal treatment sessions are scheduled at least a few weeks apart to allow the next hair growth cycle to appear.

How long will the results last?

Most patients remain hair free for months or even years. When some of the hair regrows, it will likely be thinner and less noticeable.

How many treatments will I need?

Most patients experience hair loss after 4-6 treatments.

Does it hurt?

Many patients say the laser pulses feel like warm pinpricks or a rubber band snapped against the skin. Discuss numbing options with your provider.

What can I expect post-treatment?

It’s common for patients to have mild redness in the treatment area. This generally feels like a minor sunburn, but will usually resolve within a day. One of the major advantages of this type of hair removal is that it doesn’t require any downtime. Patients can resume their daily activities as soon as the treatment session is complete.

 

Following a laser hair removal session, staying out of the sun is essential, as treated skin will be sensitive to UV rays. To avoid sun damage to the area, patients should stay indoors as much as possible and protect the skin with strong sunscreen and protective clothing. Laser hair removal is most popular in non-summer months since you should not be tan when having it done.

What are the benefits of laser hair reduction?

  • Precision: lasers can selectively target dark, coarse hairs while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged.
  • Speed: Each laser pulse takes a fraction of a second and can treat many hairs simultaneously.
  • Predictability: most patients have permanent hair loss after 4-6 treatments.
Your Best Skin Awaits

Visit Anne Arundel Dermatology Group

Our team provides thoughtful, expert care for all your skin health needs. We are proud to offer the most advanced general, surgical, and cosmetic dermatological services in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions.

Find A Location Near You