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Unwanted body and facial hair can be both time-consuming and expensive to manage. Constant upkeep is required if you resort to traditional methods of hair removal like shaving, waxing and depilatory creams or gels. There is another option available for hair removal that is more efficient and produces long-lasting results. Laser hair removal, using the highly-rated Lightsheer laser, is provided at Acadian Skin Care & Laser Center, offering our patients an effective way to achieve smoother, hair-free skin.
What is the Lightsheer Laser?
The Lightsheer laser is a top choice for hair removal today, due to its extensive track record of safety and efficacy. Because this laser is specifically designed for hair removal, patients usually find the process to be quick, comfortable and very effective. The device features a variety of handpieces that allow us to treat both large and small areas of the body with equal efficacy. Integrated cooling maintains a pleasant skin temperature during your procedure, while vacuum pressure allows us to treat larger areas faster and more comfortably than other devices.
Laser hair removal works by delivering laser energy directly into the hair follicle where the hair grows. The follicle is damaged, which causes the hair to fall out and makes it difficult for new hair to grow. This process explains why laser hair removal produces long-lasting hair reduction once a full set of treatments is completed. The procedure does not damage surrounding skin, minimizing discomfort and the need for a recovery period afterward.
Benefits of Laser Hair Removal
Laser technology is a preferred method of hair removal for a variety of reasons: Laser energy targets only the hair follicle, leaving surrounding skin and tissue unharmed Technology offers consistent, reliable results for most of our patients No downtime means you can schedule your treatments over a lunch hour Patients experience few side effects when performed by experienced providers Laser energy permanently damages hair follicles for long-lasting hair reduction Eliminates side effects associated with other hair removal methods, such as ingrown hairs and razor burn Long-term results can save time, effort and money in the long run
Best Candidates for Laser Hair Removal
Because the laser used for this process targets the melanin (color) in the hair shaft, it tends to be most successful in patients that have fair skin tones and darker hair shades. The procedure can be used on some darker skin tones, but it may take additional treatment sessions to achieve the same results. Laser hair removal doesn’t typically work on people with white or gray hair since there is no melanin in these hair shades.
An initial consultation will be done to discuss your specific treatment plan. Our professional staff at Acadian Skin Care & Laser Center will evaluate your skin tone, hair color and other factors to ensure this procedure is appropriate for you. A test spot on the intended area will also be performed, which helps our team choose the correct laser settings to provide you with the best possible results.
Treatment Areas
The Lumenis Lightsheer laser offers long-lasting hair reduction nearly anywhere on the face and body and is frequently used to address the following areas:
- Facial area (upper lip, chin, sideburns, cheeks, neck, general beard area)
- Chest and abdominal area
- Back
- Arms (forearms, underarms)
- Full bikini area or the bikini line
- Buttocks
- Legs
- Hands and feet
Understanding the Hair Growth Cycles
To understand the basis of laser hair removal, it is essential to know the various cycles in which hair growth occurs:
Anagen Phase
Also known as the “growth phase,” this is the longest-lasting phase in which hair is growing in the follicle. Hair typically grows about one-half inch every month, although this tends to be slightly quicker in the summer and slower during the winter months. In most people, the anagen phase lasts between three and five years.
Catagen Phase
Following the anagen phase, there is a short period known as the catagen or transitional phase. It only lasts about 10 days before the next step begins.
Telogen Phase
The telogen or resting phase comes next and is a time when the hair is released from the follicle so that it can shed. After the hair falls out, the follicle remains inactive for approximately three months before the growth cycle begins once again.
Your follicles are in different phases of the growth cycles at any one time, preventing you from completely losing all your hair at once. Because laser treatments only work on follicles in the anagen phase, you will need more than one appointment to address all the follicles in a single treatment area.
Long-Lasting Results Over Time
Laser hair removal treatments are relatively comfortable and do not typically require any anesthesia. A topical numbing cream may be applied to sensitive areas before the treatment begins to ensure there is no significant discomfort associated with the procedure. Most sessions are completed in just a few minutes, although larger treatment areas may need more time.
For permanent hair reduction, an initial series of six to eight treatments are usually needed. However, depending on the skin and hair color being treated, additional treatments may be required to produce satisfactory results. Most patients should expect to schedule touch-up treatments with any new hair growth that might develop with age. This is more prevalent in certain areas of the body and will be discussed in further detail with each patient before treatments begin.
If you are ready to bid farewell to unwanted facial and body hair with results that persist longer than other methods of hair removal, contact Acadian Skin Care & Laser Center today at 337-234-6193 to find out if laser hair removal is the right option for you.
