What is Laser Hair Reduction?
Laser Hair Reduction is a medical procedure that uses concentrated light (laser) technology to reduce unwanted hair from various body areas. The laser emits a specific wavelength that is absorbed by the melanin (pigment) in the hair follicles, converting to heat energy that damages the follicles and inhibits future hair growth. Unlike traditional hair removal methods that provide temporary results, laser treatment offers a long-term reduction in hair growth after a series of sessions. This FDA-approved procedure is safe, effective, and can be performed on most body areas including face, underarms, legs, bikini area, back, and chest.
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Watch Dr. Shikha talk about specific details, recovery information, and patient experiences through these informative videos
The Laser Hair Reduction Procedure
Before treatment, the target area is cleaned and may be shaved to prevent surface hair from absorbing laser energy. Protective eyewear is provided to shield your eyes from the laser light. During the procedure, a handheld laser device is pressed against your skin, delivering precise pulses of light to the hair follicles. The device’s cooling technology protects the surrounding skin while the laser targets the follicles. You may feel a mild snapping or warming sensation during treatment. Sessions vary in length depending on the treatment area—from just minutes for small areas like the upper lip to an hour for larger areas like legs or back. Most patients require 6-8 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart for optimal results, as the laser can only target hairs in the active growth phase.
Results and Maintenance
After completing a full series of treatments, most patients experience an 80-90% reduction in hair growth in the treated areas. The remaining hairs are typically finer and lighter in color. While laser hair reduction is permanent for many hair follicles, hormonal changes, genetics, and aging may activate new follicles over time. Maintenance sessions once or twice a year may be recommended to manage any new growth. Results are most dramatic for individuals with light skin and dark hair, as the contrast allows the laser to target the hair more effectively. However, advanced laser technologies now make treatment possible for a wider range of skin tones and hair types. For long-lasting results, it’s essential to complete the full recommended treatment series and any maintenance sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
The sensation during laser hair reduction is commonly described as a mild snapping or warm pinching feeling, similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin. Most patients find the discomfort minimal and easily tolerable. Modern laser devices include cooling technology that soothes the skin before and after each laser pulse, significantly enhancing comfort. For more sensitive areas or patients with lower pain thresholds, a topical numbing cream can be applied before treatment. The discomfort is brief and subsides immediately after the procedure, with no lingering pain. Most patients report that the mild discomfort is far outweighed by the long-term benefits of being free from regular shaving or waxing.
Most patients require 6-8 sessions for optimal hair reduction, though this can vary based on individual factors. The number of sessions needed depends on several factors including hair color, thickness, and the body area being treated. Facial areas might require more sessions due to hormonal influences on hair growth. Sessions are typically scheduled 4-6 weeks apart for body areas and 4-5 weeks apart for facial areas, aligning with the hair growth cycle to ensure the laser targets as many active follicles as possible. After completing the initial series, occasional maintenance sessions (usually once or twice a year) may be recommended to address any new hair growth. During your consultation, we’ll develop a customized treatment plan based on your specific characteristics and goals.
Laser hair reduction provides long-term hair reduction rather than permanent hair removal. After a complete treatment series, most patients experience an 80-90% reduction in hair growth in the treated areas. The FDA refers to this as ‘permanent hair reduction’ because the treatment permanently disables hair follicles that are in the active growth phase during treatment. However, not all hair follicles can be affected in a single session due to the hair growth cycle, which is why multiple sessions are required. Additionally, hormonal changes, genetics, and aging may activate new follicles over time. Occasional maintenance treatments can effectively manage any new growth. Many patients consider the significant reduction in hair growth effectively ‘permanent’ as it dramatically reduces or eliminates the need for regular hair removal methods.
Laser hair reduction can be performed on virtually any area of the body where unwanted hair grows, with the exception of the area immediately around the eyes. Common treatment areas include: Upper lip and chin, Neck and jawline, Underarms, Arms and hands, Chest and abdomen, Back and shoulders, Bikini area and Brazilian, Legs and feet. The face, underarms, and bikini areas are among the most popular treatment areas. Each area has specific considerations regarding hair density, thickness, and sensitivity, which will be discussed during your consultation. We can treat multiple areas in a single appointment, depending on your needs and time constraints. Our treatment plans are customized for each patient, targeting your specific concerns and priorities.
Modern laser hair reduction technologies have made treatment safer and more effective for a wider range of skin types than ever before. Advanced lasers with adjustable wavelengths and cooling systems allow us to safely treat various skin tones. Traditionally, patients with light skin and dark hair experienced the best results because the greater contrast allowed the laser to target the hair more effectively. However, newer technologies like Nd:YAG lasers are specifically designed for darker skin tones, delivering effective results while minimizing risk of skin discoloration. During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your skin type and hair color to determine the most appropriate laser technology for your needs. For all patients, we take precautions to ensure treatment is performed safely, including adjusting laser settings based on individual characteristics and providing comprehensive after-care instructions.