Laser hair removal is a safe and effective way to permanently reduce unwanted body hair. It is a non-invasive procedure that uses laser energy to target and destroy individual hair follicles without damaging the surrounding skin. The treatment can be used on almost any area of the body, including the face, legs, arms, underarms, back, and bikini line. At New York Liposuction Center, our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arnold Breitbart and his team are experts in laser hair removal treatments.

Definition and Benefits

Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in the hair follicle with a specific wavelength of light. This light is absorbed by the melanin in the follicle and converted into heat which destroys the follicle while leaving the surrounding skin unharmed. This process is repeated until all unwanted hair has been removed from the area being treated. Benefits of laser hair removal include permanent reduction of unwanted body hair, minimal discomfort during treatment, quick treatment sessions (usually around 10 minutes) with no downtime afterwards, and improved self-confidence after successful treatments.

Preparation

Before undergoing laser hair removal treatments it is important to consult with a certified provider who can evaluate your medical history and determine if you are an ideal candidate for this procedure. During your consultation you should discuss any medications or supplements you may be taking as these may interfere with treatment results. Additionally, it is important to avoid waxing or plucking before treatment as this can affect how well the laser targets the follicles. Lastly, you should also use sunscreen when going out in the sun before and after treatment as this can protect your skin from damage caused by UV radiation.

What to Expect During the Procedure

At New York Liposuction Center, we understand that laser hair removal can be a daunting process. That's why we strive to make the procedure as comfortable and stress-free as possible. We offer several anesthetic options to reduce any associated pain or discomfort, and our experienced team of plastic surgeons are available to answer any questions you may have before, during, and after the procedure.

Anesthetic Options

At New York Liposuction Center, we offer several anesthetic options for laser hair removal procedures. Depending on the area being treated and your individual preferences, you may be offered topical numbing cream or local anesthesia. Topical numbing cream is applied to the treatment area prior to the procedure in order to reduce any discomfort associated with the laser. Local anesthesia is used for larger areas being treated and involves injecting a small amount of medication into the treatment area in order to numb it before beginning the procedure.

Laser Settings Adjustment

Once you are comfortable and ready for your laser hair removal procedure, our team of plastic surgeons will adjust the settings on the laser based on your skin type, color, and hair type. The settings will be adjusted in order to ensure that the laser is targeting only the unwanted hairs while leaving surrounding tissue unharmed.

Cooling Devices

In addition to adjusting the settings on our lasers for optimal results, we also use cooling devices during laser hair removal procedures at New York Liposuction Center. These devices help keep your skin cool throughout the procedure so that you remain comfortable and relaxed during treatment.

At New York Liposuction Center, we offer anesthetic options and cooling devices to make laser hair removal comfortable and stress-free. Our experienced team of plastic surgeons adjust the laser settings for optimal results.

Results

Laser hair removal is a safe and effective procedure for permanently reducing unwanted hair growth. Although the results of laser hair removal vary from person to person, most patients can expect significant reduction in their unwanted hair growth after several treatments.

Shedding of Follicles

In the days following treatment, you may experience shedding of the treated follicles. This is normal and should not cause alarm; your body is simply expelling the treated hairs. You may also notice some redness and swelling around the treated area, but this should subside within a few hours or days.

Permanent Hair Removal

After several treatments, you can expect permanent hair removal in the treated areas. The number of treatments required depends on the individual, but it typically takes between four to six treatments to achieve optimal results. As each session progresses, you will notice less and less hair growth in the treated area.

Maintenance Sessions Needed

Even after achieving permanent hair reduction, maintenance sessions are still recommended every one to three years to ensure that all unwanted hairs have been removed. Maintenance sessions are shorter than initial treatments and require fewer pulses from the laser device. At New York Liposuction Center, our experienced team can help you determine how many maintenance sessions you need based on your individual needs.

Effect	Description
Shedding of Follicles	In the days following treatment, you may experience shedding of the treated follicles. This is normal and should not cause alarm; your body is simply expelling the treated hairs. You may also notice some redness and swelling around the treated area, but this should subside within a few hours or days.
Permanent Hair Removal	After several treatments, you can expect permanent hair removal in the treated areas. The number of treatments required depends on the individual, but it typically takes between four to six treatments to achieve optimal results. As each session progresses, you will notice less and less hair growth in the treated area.
Maintenance Sessions Needed	Even after achieving permanent hair reduction, maintenance sessions are still recommended every one to three years to ensure that all unwanted hairs have been removed. Maintenance sessions are shorter than initial treatments and require fewer pulses from the laser device. At New York Liposuction Center, our experienced team can help you determine how many maintenance sessions you need based on your individual needs.

Patient Resources

At New York Liposuction Center, our team is dedicated to providing each patient with the best possible care and results from laser hair removal. We understand that it can be confusing and intimidating to research and prepare for a procedure, so we have compiled the following resources to help patients through the process.

Researching Clinics and Providers

When researching laser hair removal clinics, it is important to look for a provider that has experience in performing the procedure. Patients should also ensure that their provider has the necessary certifications and qualifications to perform laser hair removal safely and effectively. Additionally, patients should inquire about any additional safety measures taken by the clinic such as using protective eyewear or conducting skin tests before treatment. At New York Liposuction Center, our team of experienced professionals are all board-certified plastic surgeons who specialize in liposuction and other cosmetic procedures. We take extra precautions when performing laser hair removal, such as requiring all patients to wear protective eyewear during treatment and conducting skin tests before beginning treatment.

Preparing for Your Appointment

Before your appointment, there are several steps you can take to ensure that your experience goes smoothly. First, you should discuss any medications or supplements you are taking with your provider as some may need to be stopped prior to treatment. You should also avoid waxing or plucking the area being treated for at least 6 weeks before your appointment. Finally, wear loose clothing on the day of your appointment so that it will be easy to access the area being treated during the procedure.

Aftercare Instructions

After your laser hair removal appointment, there are certain aftercare instructions that must be followed in order to ensure optimal results. These include avoiding direct sun exposure for at least two weeks after treatment, avoiding hot tubs or saunas for at least one week after treatment, avoiding exercise or strenuous activity for at least one day after treatment, and applying sunscreen regularly after treatment as well as avoiding tanning beds altogether. Additionally, patients should keep their skin moisturized with a gentle moisturizer throughout their recovery period in order to reduce itching or irritation caused by shedding follicles. At New York Liposuction Center we strive to provide our patients with comprehensive information regarding all aspects of their care including pre-treatment preparation and post-treatment care instructions. Our team is here to answer any questions or concerns you may have throughout the entire process so that you can feel confident in achieving your desired results from laser hair removal.