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How does laser hair removal work?

Advanced laser hair removal works by affecting the hair follicle with a concentrated beam of light (laser). During the procedure, the light energy is absorbed by the darker pigment in the follicle. The light energy converts to heat, which damages the follicles producing hair, limiting future hair growth. The laser takes a fraction of a second to hit the target area and can treat multiple hairs at once.

Birmingham AL Laser Hair Removal

What Does Laser Hair Removal Treat?

Laser hair removal in Birmingham reduces unwanted hair on the face and body, including the armpits, legs, back, arms, upper lip, chin and bikini zone. Laser hair removal can be applied to almost any area of the face or body, except in the eye area. Unlike other hair removal solutions, lasers can selectively target hairs with precision while leaving the surrounding skin completely undamaged.  Avoid waxing or plucking the hair during your hair removal series. The hair to be removed must be visible. Avoid sunbathing or any tanning, as this will prevent us from treating the skin.

What is the laser hair removal treatment like?

Once you’re ready for your first session, the hair will be trimmed to the appropriate length, which is about a few millimeters above the skin’s surface. Because some people experience stinging or some discomfort during the procedure, a topical numbing gel may be applied about 20-30 minutes beforehand. You will also be given appropriate eyewear to protect your eyes from the laser’s light. 

Then, a pulse of light is applied to the treatment area to test the skin’s reaction to the setting. The pulse feels like a warm pinprick. Once the appropriate setting is determined, the procedure begins. Because the laser can treat areas approximately the size of a quarter each second, small areas, like the upper lip, can be treated in about one minute, and large areas, such as the legs or the back, may take about an hour.

What is the recovery time from laser hair removal?

The success of our Birmingham laser hair removal treatments tends varies, based on your hair color and skin type. Those with dark hair and light skin generally achieve the best outcomes—the greater the contrast between hair and skin, the easier it is for the laser to target the hair follicle and render it unable to produce hair.

Sessions may be scheduled four to six weeks apart and are continued until the unwanted hair stops growing. For a few days following a laser hair removal session, the treated areas may look and feel sunburned. Cool compresses and moisturizers will help soothe the skin. Makeup may be applied after treatment.

Who makes a good candidate for laser hair removal?

Our Birmingham, AL laser hair removal is an outstanding treatment for many people, men or women, who would like to permanently eliminate unwanted hair from almost anywhere on their face or body. Laser hair removal depends on the laser being able to detect the hair follicles. The darker and thicker the hair, the better the laser can detect and target the follicles. 

 Because of this, the best candidates for laser hair removal are those who have pale skin and dark hair, as this makes it more possible for the laser to differentiate between the skin and the hair follicles, and thus target the hair follicles more effectively.

 While laser hair removal works best on hair that is dark and coarse, this treatment has advanced more and more with recent technological improvements. Laser hair removal now also works very well on some types of light hairs. 

 Ideal candidates should meet the following additional requirements for laser hair removal:

  • Are not pregnant
  • Have no current skin rashes or infections
  • Are not recently tanned by a tanning bed or the sun
  • Do not have very light, fine hair

How much is laser hair removal? 

Because laser hair removal is such an individualized procedure that is modified according to each patient’s aesthetic taste and desire for the amount and type of hair removal, the cost of laser hair removal varies widely from patient to patient. 

 The cost of your procedure will depend on the location of the hair removal, the amount of hair that you would like to remove, how much or how dense your hair growth is in the targeted area, and how many treatments are needed to achieve your goals.

Beautiful Women Touching Her Hair And Smiling

Laser hair removal at-a-glance

  • Procedure time: 30 minutes to 1 hour or longer (based on area treated)
  • Anesthesia: Topical numbing
  • Recovery time: No recovery time

Why Choose Rousso Adams Facial Plastic Surgery for Laser Hair Removal?

As a world-renowned plastic surgeon specializing in the face and neck, Dr. Rousso has more than 30 years of experience and has gained worldwide recognition for his contributions to the fields of plastic surgery and hair restoration. Dr. Adams is double board-certified in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, making him an expert in facial anatomy. 

At Rousso & Adams, there are many non-surgical options aimed at increasing your confidence and enhancing your natural beauty. Laser hair removal can allow you to have smooth, hair-free skin on your face and body, performed at one of the most acclaimed, exclusive medspas in Birmingham, where you will experience world-class personal care. If you wish to learn more, contact us today and schedule a consultation to receive some of the best results after laser hair removal in Birmingham, Montgomery, and the surrounding area.

FAQ

Why does laser hair removal take several treatments?

Your hair goes through several growth phases, and only the hairs in the “growth” phase are affected by the laser. The resting follicles will move out of the dormant phase and then produce hair, at which point another treatment is needed. Typically, four to six treatments are required, with yearly touchups.

Does laser hair removal hurt?

You will feel the energy, which may be mildly uncomfortable, but not difficult to experience.

Will the hair be gone forever?

Laser hair removal reduces the quantity of hair generated in the treated area. Your body may decide to produce new hair follicles, or dormant follicles come to life. Over time, with yearly maintenance treatments, you should be essentially hair-free in the area treated.

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