During the warm-weather months here in Houston, the frequency of shaving can feel like a chore. Consider laser hair removal as your alternative to shaving, tweezing, and waxing. Dr. Kronberg uses the Gentlase® Laser. Gentlase is a 755 wavelength laser and has been available for many years and is very safe.
What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that uses pulsed laser energy to remove unwanted hair from a targeted area, without disrupting the skin or superficial tissue. The bikini area is a common are for treatment. Additionally, we perform this method of hair removal on the:
- Upper lip
- Chin
- Underarms
- Back
- Arms
- Legs
Ideal Candidates for Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is appropriate for most people who are interested in saving time and money on grooming. This procedure is most effective when there is a higher contrast between skin color and hair color. For example, a person with lighter skin tone and darker hair color will obtain maximum results with the minimum number of treatments. Individuals with both light skin and light hair may be able to achieve their desired outcome, but may need more treatments. Because pigment is a necessary factor in the success of treatment it is not indicated for areas of grey hair. Finally, laser hair treatment may not be suitable for individuals with deeply pigmented skin.
We encourage you to contact our office to schedule a personal consultation. During this visit, we will have the opportunity to observe your skin and hair color and provide you with an estimated number of treatment sessions for optimal results.
Laser Hair Removal Process
Patient comfort is a priority, so we begin treatment with an application of numbing cream to the treatment area. Once sensation has been diminished, we commence with laser application. The process involves passing the handheld device over the skin. As we do this, laser beams are pulsed at the skin, and are absorbed into hundreds of hair follicles at one time.
Laser hair removal works on two levels. First, the energy from our Gentlase® Laser platform vaporizes hair that is in the follicle at the time of treatment. This is possible because the pigment in hair absorbs energy and transfers it to heat. An additional effect of heat transfer is the incapacitation of further hair production. It is this level of effect that incurs the long-lasting results that patients seek.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Each laser treatment affects hair that is in the follicle. This is referred to as the full-growth stage. Beneath the surface, hair exists in other stages of growth, including a resting stage. In order to achieve the desired outcome, it is necessary to progress through all three stages of hair growth. This means the entirety of treatment will be completed over the course of a few months, with treatments conducted a month to two months apart.
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
In most cases, long-term hair reduction can be achieved with 4 to 6 treatment sessions. Dr. Kronberg is able to estimate the number of treatments that may be necessary after evaluating the color, thickness, and density of the hair.
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
It is important to understand that laser hair removal achieves 80- to 90% reduction in hair growth over the course of 4 to 6 treatments. Because hair growth is affected by several factors, including hormones and medications, it is not possible to claim that treatment will provide compete and total removal of hair from every follicle. In the majority of cases, any regrowth that does occur is sparse. Also, regrowth typically does not occur for years.
Laser Hair Removal Recovery
The primary recommendation for patients going through laser hair treatments is to protect their skin from UV exposure and heat. No active tanning, and plenty of sunscreen are advisable due to the adverse effects heat and sun can have on laser-treated skin. Patients should also postpone hot showers and baths, hot tub and sauna use, as well as strenuous exercise, for two days following treatments
Are There Any Side Effects?
The most common side effects of laser hair removal are with the heating of the hair follicles. After treatment, the skin may appear red for a few days. In some cases, minor crusting may occur. This does not indicate a complication or infection; it is the natural response of the skin. As heat disperses through tissue surrounding the hair follicles, patients may notice sensations such as tingling or prickling. Patients describe post-treatment sensation as a mild sunburn that decreases over a few days.
Schedule a Consultation
Get rid of unwanted hair with laser hair removal treatment. To schedule a consultation call 713-988-8442.