Laser hair removal is a procedure that reduces hair from the body by utilizing a long pulse laser. Laser heat disables follicles from producing hair. Since hair grows in cycles, and various hairs will enter their growth cycle at different times, about 6-8 treatments at intervals of 4-8 weeks are necessary to disable most of the follicles in a given area. The timeline for noticing any permanent results is a minimum of 6 months (or 6 sessions with 4 weeks between each session) Results are not immediate. Since most people grow hair at a rate of 2,000 hairs per square inch of skin you will never completely remove ALL hair, but laser can permanently reduce hair growth. Vellus hair, or “peach fuzz” cannot be removed by laser hair removal.

 Laser hair removal is faster. Electrolysis hair removal requires more time because it’s a process that treats only one hair at a time, whereas laser hair removal treats many hairs with every laser pulse. Electrolysis may also be better for those with very light or white hair as the laser targets color.

These lasers do not remove skin, so the risks are very low. There is no recovery time; patients can return to normal activity immediately. As with any procedure, we have an informed consent that explains all the possible risks. Most people undergoing laser hair removal will notice a “sunburn” sensation after each treatment. This may mean redness, a slight difference in pigmentation, or slight swelling. All of these should resolve within a few hours.

There can be some discomfort involved in laser hair removal, but this will depend on each individual’s pain tolerance. Some have compared it to a rubber band snapping against the skin repeatedly. We use cooling rollers or ice packs to help calm the skin. If a patient requests a numbing cream, we can call it into a pharmacy, and they can bring it to their appointment.

It will probably take close to a year, or after at least 6-8 treatments. Patients may need to do annual treatments if they notice any regrowth.  HOWEVER, most patients will notice a change in their hair growth after the first treatment such that hair may be noticeably thinner or grow back more slowly.  Please keep in mind that all patients are different, and this may not be the result for each person.

People with certain health conditions are not candidates for laser hair removal.

• PCOS, Hirsutism, or Hypertrichosis: patients may have laser hair removal but only for maintenance. Because these conditions cause excessive hair growth there will be no permanent reduction.
• History of skin cancer(s)
• Pregnant/nursing
• Active or Chronic Herpes- laser services may activate an outbreak.
• Epilepsy
• History of keloid scarring
• Regularly take photosensitive medications
• Dermatitis/rash/infection/open lesion in area to be treated
• Accutane within 6 months
• Sun exposure (like tanning beds) within 2-4 weeks
• Spray tan

This can vary depending on where you go and also which body part you want to treat. Small areas like underarms or toes can be relatively inexpensive while large areas like legs or bikini are more costly. Allentown Women’s Center offers packages of 6 sessions that can be paid in full at the first visit OR payment per each individual session. We also offer a free consultation with our Laser Tech if you are not sure if you are ready to move forward. You will need to check with the scheduling staff for more specific cost details.

This again can vary depending on where you go. Many spas or aesthetic offices have nurses that perform laser services. The Allentown Women’s Center has a Certified Laser Technician that works under the supervision of the physician. In some instances, your insurance may cover laser hair removal if performed by a licensed medical professional, but not by a certified Laser Tech. You may want to check with your insurance before you schedule.