Laser hair removal is a safe, effective, and commonly used treatment that provides optimal results in the removal of unwanted hair. The lasers used in the procedure deliver an intense beam of light through the skin and into the pigment, known as melanin, in your hair follicle. This light is converted to heat and is absorbed by the target hair follicle, damaging it while leaving the surrounding skin unaffected.

The actual procedure to remove hair is fairly simple. The laser technician gently presses the laser instrument to your skin and activates the beam of light. It is not unusual for patients to feel a sensation similar to being lightly snapped with a rubber band. Most lasers have cooling device to counteract the mild discomfort. Also, cool gel or topical anesthetic are often applied before the hair removal procedure to help protect and soothe the surrounding skin.

There will usually be some redness and minor swelling reminiscent of sunburn for a few hours after the procedure. The stinging very rarely lasts more than a day or so. The duration of the procedure varies based on the size of the area being treated and the thickness of hair. Multiple treatments are standard practice to provide an extended period of complete hair removal or reduction.

Hair color and skin type are key factors in the overall effectiveness of laser hair removal treatment. An ideal candidate would have dark hair and light skin, but advancements in laser technology have increased the effectiveness of the procedure on all hair colors and skin types.