Lasers can provide a safe, fast and extremely effective method for long-term reduction of unwanted hair.  Traditional hair removal techniques, such as shaving, plucking, waxing and dipilatory creams are only temporary. Until recently, the only recognized way to remove hair permanently has been by electrolysis-which can be tedious, time-consuming and painful.

If you are bothered by in-grown hairs, razor burn, folliculitis or just tired of short-term results, you should consider laser treatment. Following is a list of facts to help you decide.

• Everyone will require at least 4-6 treatments but it may take more due to hair growth cycles.
• Effective on black and dark brown hair.
• Hormonal changes, certain medications or extreme stress can possibly stimulate previously unproductive follicles to produce completely "new growth",  not to be confused with "regrowth".
• For the most effective results, electrolysis, plucking or waxing must be avoided for 6 weeks prior to treatment. Shaving or clipping may be done right up until time of treatment.
• The degree of discomfort varies with each person. A topical numbing cream will be given if needed.  
• Following treatment, the area may have some redness and the hair follicles may look like goose bumps. Usually , this lasts for 1-2 hours, in rare cases, it can last for 1 to 2 days.
• With the exception of eyelashes and shaping of the eye brows, any area of the body may be treated.
• Possible side effects are very rare but can be blistering, light or dark skin discolorations. Risks of these are minimized if treatment instructions are closely followed by the patient.
• If using the laser which treats light skin types, sun exposure must be avoided for 4-6 weeks before and after treatments
• If using the laser which treats tanned and darker skin types, sun exposure must be avoided for 7 to 14 days before and after treatments.

If you would like to learn more about laser hair removal, please call our office to schedule a complimentary consultation and test spot treatment.  You may just decide to make shaving and waxing a thing of the past.