What is Laser Hair Reduction?
One of the most popular aesthetic treatments because of its efficacy and convenience, laser hair reduction is a great way to give your skin a cleaner look and reduce daily “maintenance”. Light pulses get absorbed by the melanin in the hair, and the resulting heat damages or destroys the follicle holding the hair. For this reason, it only works on dark hair. White, grey, blonde, and even red hair cannot be treated. Those with brown or black hair can see great results, but may need anywhere from 5 to 8 treatments or more, depending upon skin type and other genetic factors.
Laser Hair Reduction Treatments
- Bikini Area
- Face and Neck
- Legs and Feet
- Torso Area
- Arms and Hands
Services Available
Bikini Area
- Bikini Full – Single Treatment
- Bikini Full – 6 Treatment Package
- Brazilian – Single Treatment
- Brazilian – 6 Treatment Package
Face and Neck
- Full Face – Single Treatment
- Full Face – Package of 6 Treatments
- Ears – Single Treatment
- Ears – Package of 6 Treatments
- Side Burns – Single Treatment
- Side Burns – Package of 6 Treatments
- Lip-Upper – Single Treatment
- Lip-Upper – Package of 6 Treatments
- Beard-Men – Single Treatment
- Beard-Men – Package of 6 Treatments
- Chin – Single Treatment
- Chin – Package of 6 Treatments
- Neck-Front – Single Treatment
- Neck-Front – Package of 6 Treatments
- Neck-Back – Single Treatment
- Neck-Back – Package of 6 Treatments
Legs and Feet
- Feet – Single Treatment
- Feet – Package of 6 Treatments
- Legs-Full – Single Treatment
- Legs-Full – Package of 6 Treatments
- Legs-Knee Up – Single Treatment
- Legs-Knee Up – Package of 6 Treatments
- Legs-Knee Down – Single Treatment
- Legs-Knee Down – Package of 6 Treatments
Torso Area
- Chest – Single Treatment
- Chest – Package of 6 Treatments
- Areola – Single Treatment
- Areola – Package of 6 Treatments
- Abdomen – Single Treatment
- Abdomen – Package of 6 Treatments
- Back – Single Treatment
- Back – Package of 6 Treatments
- Navel – Single Treatment
- Navel – Package of 6 Treatments
Arms and Hands
- Arms Upper – Single Treatment
- Arms Upper – Package of 6 Treatments
- Hands – Single Treatment
- Hands – Package of 6 Treatments
- Shoulders – Single Treatment
- Shoulders – Package of 6 Treatments
- Underarms – Single Treatment
- Underarms – Package of 6 Treatments
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does It Work?
Laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) devices send specific concentrated beams of light through the skin that are absorbed by the melanin (dark) pigment present in the hair follicle shafts. Because hair grows in cycles, repeated treatments are necessary to destroy the hair follicles. In general, three or more treatments are required to achieve permanent hair growth reduction.
Will It Work For Me?
Darker hair responds best to laser hair reduction. Lighter-colored hair is least responsive. Be sure to avoid tanning or sunless tanners and to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen for up to six weeks prior to treatment.
Are There Any Side Effects?
The most common side effects include discomfort, swelling, and redness that last one to three days. Other possible side effects include blistering, herpes simplex outbreaks, bacterial infections and temporary skin lightening or darkening (especially in patients with skin of color or those with tans). Patients are instructed to avoid sun exposure and to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher following the procedure.
What Lasers Do You Use?
The lasers feature two modes: Standard and our exclusive Smooth Flow Technology (SFT). While in SFT mode, the EpiLaze can dissipate up to ten pulses of energy per second, allowing technicians to effectively treat large areas, including the chest, legs, and back, in less than 20 minutes.
How Many Treatments Do I Need?
Typically six to eight treatments about 4 to 6 weeks apart are needed to achieve 90% permanent hair loss. Why only 90%? The body will always continue to produce new hair follicles that were not around during your treatment. However, usually this will be a few strands of fine, fair, baby-like hair.
What Are The Benefits of Laser Hair Reduction?
- The percentage of hairs removed per session varies by location on the body, with thinner-skinned areas (e.g., armpits and bikini area) generally responding better than thick-skinned areas (e.g., back and chin).
- About 10 percent to 25 percent reduction in hair growth can be expected with each treatment.
- The hair that regrows following treatment tends to be lighter and finer in texture.
Visit Virginia Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center
Our team provides thoughtful, expert care for all your general, surgical and cosmetic dermatological needs. We are proud to offer the most advanced dermatological services in Norfolk, Suffolk, Newport News, and surrounding areas.