Our laser center utilizes two types of devices, the Candela Gentlelase and the Lyri I laserscope. After your assessment, the correct laser will be chosen depending on your skin type and hair color and thickness. The best candidates have light skin and dark hair. Hair removal for white, red, pale blond or gray hair isn’t generally effective.

Why it’s done?

Laser hair removal is used to remove unwanted or excess hair. The common treatment areas are the upper lip, chin, under arms, legs, bikini line and lower arms; however it is possible to treat unwanted hair in nearly any area.

How it works?

During the procedure, a laser beam passes through the skin to an individual hair follicle. The laser light targets the melanin in the hair follicle and is able to damage the hair when it is in the “growing phase”. 

How long does it take?

The treatment itself can take as little as 15 minutes or up to an hour or two depending on the area to be treated. In our experience, to get the best results, 5 to 7 treatments are performed 5-6 weeks apart to reduce growth up to about 90%. Approximately 10 to 14 days after the procedure, the hair will begin to fall out. Using a mild scrub on the 10^th day can help facilitate the process.

Are the results guaranteed?

Laser hair removal doesn’t guarantee permanent hair removal. Some hair may be resistant to the treatment or may grow again after treatment. If it does regrow, it may be lighter and thinner. Laser hair removal works better on some people than others. Maintenance treatments every 6 months to a year for a couple of years help to increase success.

How do you prepare?

Avoid plucking, waxing, bleaching or electrolysis. The area to be treated should be shaven a day or two before the procedure.

Stay out of the sun and tanning beds several weeks before the treatment. Any tan… even from sunless tanning products can cause unwanted risks and pigmentation problems. Wait until the tan fades completely before undergoing laser hair removal.

Do not take blood thinners or antibiotics that cause you to be sun-sensitive a week before or after the procedure.

Does it hurt?

Most people describe the procedure as feeling like a rubber band popping against your skin. A sprayed coolant or a cooled laser tip helps to minimize the sting and protect your skin. Each person’s pain tolerance is different and some sensitive areas seem to sting more than others.

Are there any risks?

The most common side effects of laser hair removal are skin irritation, mild swelling and redness for several hours after the procedure. Laser hair removal may darken or lighten the treated skin. This is uncommon if the treated skin is not suntanned. Rarely, laser hair removal may cause blistering or scarring.

What do I have to do afterwards?

Avoid picking at or vigorously scrubbing the treated skin. It is important to avoid the sun and tanning beds for at least one week after treatment. After this period, use at least 30 SPF sunscreen on the area for 6 weeks.

Does it matter where I get it done?

Be sure to choose a doctor that is board certified in a related field such as cosmetic surgery like Dr. Ben Light. If a licensed professional will do the procedure, make sure that the physician is on-site during the treatment. Be cautious about spas, salons or facilities that allow non-medical personnel to do their laser treatment.

Dr. Light has organized information on the various surgical procedures and skin care services that Renaissance Facial Plastic Surgery provides from rhinoplasty, facelift, blepharoplasty and browlift to microdermabrasion, chemical peels and all of our non-surgical services.  If you are interested in learning more about facial plastic surgery our website has been designed to provide the information you need.