Laser hair removal, LHR, uses a selective laser wavelength that is penetrated down into the dermal layer of the skin where the hair follicle grows. The laser beam targets the color, or melanin, present in the hair, and safely heats up the hair follicle to damage it. In return, this noninvasive laser treatment inhibits future hair growth where the hair follicle was damaged. It does require a series of treatments for desired results, but is the safest and most effective/permanent form of hair reduction on the market. 

• With the correct settings and updated laser technology, it is usually pain-free
• Most people are a good candidate for LHR
• Helps to smooth the skin for an even tone and texture
• Can prevent painful, reoccurring ingrown hairs
• LHR provides a long-term solution to unwanted hair compared to waxing, shaving, or sugaring hair removal methods
• LHR treatments can be done on almost any part of the body
• It is precise and customized to your skin type to ensure safety
• LHR is quick and effective, making your appointments easy and predictable 

This is completely individualized based on your skin type and hair color. In general, larger body parts such as full back, full legs, brazillian, and arms it is recommended to have 6-12 treatments. For smaller body parts such as axilla, lip, chin, and bikini line, 3-6 treatments is recommended. Sometimes, there will be a need for touch-up’s to maintain your results. 

At Elite Medical & Aesthetics, almost anyone who has unwanted hair is a good candidate! Our clinic, and our RN and NP providers, differentiate from other locations because of the knowledge and technology we use that allows us to treat any skin type and most hair types. However, it is best to have thicker hair with pigment in it versus very thin blonde hair.

• We always recommend scheduling a consult with one of our providers to ensure you are a candidate and to get a personalized treatment plan.

The best laser for laser hair removal depends on your skin-tone and the color of your hair. That is why it is important to be assessed by a medical professional that can determine which laser is best for you. The good news is that at Elite Medical & Aesthetics we have a laser with all 3 of the best laser wavelengths for all skin-tones year round! These include:

• 1064nm Yag Laser- for darker skin tones or tan skin
• 810nm Diode Laser- for light to medium skin tones

In general, candidates that may not be best suited for LHR include:

• Gray or light blonde hair in the desired area of treatment
• Fine hair, peach fuzz, or vellus hair in the desired area of treatment
• Pregnant or nursing women (simply because it has not been studied)
• If you are on any medications that cause photosensitivity (sensitivity to light)
• If you are prone to Keloid or Hypertrophic scarring 
• If you have (or have a family history) of Vitiligo
• If you have a tattoo in the desired area of treatment

Preparing for an LHR treatment is simple. Most clinics will have a specialized protocol for you to follow before treatments, but in general:

• Ensure that you have NOT waxed or plucked any of the hair in the area you are wanting to treat for at least 4 weeks
•  It is best to not have any self tanner or makeup on in the area before the appointment
•  Shave the hair in the treatment are 24 hours before appointment
• Avoid certain medications prior to treatment or talk to your provider about any medical treatments/medications you are on 
• Do not bleach your hair 4 weeks before your appointments 

Your provider will have a aftercare protocol for you to follow, but in general LHR aftercare looks like:

• No extreme exercise or sports 24 hours after
• No hot tubs, swimming pools, sauna, or baths for 24-48 hours after 
• Avoid harsh chemicals or exfoliants in the treated area for 24-48 hours after
• Wear SPF 30 or above on treated area after (and always) 🙂 
• Apply a cool compress if treated area feels warm or irritated
• Wear loose/soft clothing if skin feels irritated
• You may shave during treatment sessions but refrain from tweezing or waxing the hair
• Light exfoliation 24-48 hours after treatments, and the weeks in between sessions,  helps to prevent ingrown hair
• Always contact your provider if you notice anything uncomfortable or painful post treatments

It is not uncommon to need more laser hair removal treatments after your package is complete. LHR is permanent hair reduction but nothing can permanently remove ALL hair. Especially with hormone fluctuations and other factors that could increase hair production on the body throughout life. Typically, after someone reaches their goal, they get a touch up yearly afterwards.

In most cases, results of LHR are long-lasting and/or permanent. Some body parts such as the face (lip/chin) may have regrowth sooner, simply because the hair growth is due to hormonal changes within the body. There may be a need for tough-up’s in some areas, but most people report that after completing their treatment sessions hair that may grow back is sporadic and finer.

Even though everyone’s pain tolerances are different, LHR has little to no discomfort. Specifically with the technology we use, there is a chilled sapphire tip that ensures the skin is cooled before, during, and after treatment for patient comfort. Our technology also has in motion setting that allows for quick, easy treatments. 

It is important to know the risks involved with any aesthetic procedure, in which your provider should discuss with you at a consultation appointment. LHR comes with little to no risks when operated by an experienced, knowledgeable provider. However, some potential risks may include: 

• Blistering of the skin
• Burns
• Scarring caused form a burn
• Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin)
• Herpes break out