What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal uses lasers and light energy to damage the hair follicles in the targeted area. Once the follicles are damaged, it disrupts the hair growth process, allowing the hair to grow back thinner or not at all. At Eye Consultants, we use the Lumenis IPL with Optimal Pulse Technology (OPT) and the OptiLight IPL device.
The Lumenis IPL uses laser energy to target and damage the hair follicles, while OptiLight uses wavelengths of light and intense, broad-spectrum light to target hair follicles and reduce hair growth. These treatments can be used on the upper lip, neck, chin, cheeks, and armpits.
Who is a Candidate?
Most patients who come to us looking to remove unwanted hair are good candidates for laser hair removal. That said, there are some criteria we look for. You should be in generally good health, have realistic expectations of treatment, be a nonsmoker, and not have any active infections, skin irritation, or skin issues in the treatment area. We also ask that you shave the area prior to laser removal. To learn more about whether this is the right treatment for you, scheduling a consultation is a great first step. Based on your medical history and certain lifestyle factors, your provider will determine if hair removal is the right solution for your needs.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in the hair follicles. The melanin then absorbs the laser light and transfers it into heat. The heat damages the hair follicle. A damaged hair follicle will limit future hair growth and leave you with smoother, hair-free skin. That said, more than one treatment session is generally needed to catch all the hair in its active growth stage.
What to Expect From Laser Hair Removal Treatment
First, we’ll cleanse the treatment area and provide protective eyewear to ensure the light doesn’t harm your eyes. From there, we’ll apply the appropriate IPL device to the skin’s surface. While most patients tolerate treatment very well, you may feel a warm or snapping sensation, similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin. The treatment will target the hair follicle without affecting the surrounding skin and tissue.
How long your treatment takes will depend on the size of the target area or if we’re treating multiple areas. Typically, it can take anywhere from 15 (for areas like the upper lip) to 60 minutes (for the back or legs). How many treatments you need can differ from patient to patient.
After Laser Hair Removal Treatment
After laser hair removal, some patients, depending on skin type may experience slight redness and or swelling. These very side effects will dissipate very quickly and have no lasting impact. Immediately after treatment, you can apply a cold compress to reduce any discomfort or swelling. You’ll also want to avoid touching or scratching the treatment area. For best results, avoid sun exposure, hot showers or baths, or harsh soaps or skincare products around your hair removal area.
You may start to see results a few weeks after your first treatment, but it can take several treatments before significant improvements are visible. After several sessions, you will notice finer, thinner hair and a reduction in hair overall. While permanent hair removal isn’t guaranteed, you will see significantly less hair with each treatment.
Laser Hair Removal Risks
As with any treatment, laser hair removal comes with risks as well, but they are typically very minimal. Some of the risks include redness, irritation, swelling, inflammation, and flaking. Scarring, burns, and hyperpigmentation are also possible but extremely rare.
Schedule a Consultation
Say goodbye to unwanted body hair and other hair removal methods once and for all with laser hair removal at Eye Consultants! With our OptiLight IPL and Lumenis IPL, we can help you finally get rid of pesky hair. To find out more and schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate to call our Wilmington, DE office or message us via our online contact form.
Contact Us Today
Your health is our top priority and we look forward to assisting you in your eyecare journey. Please call the office at (302) 998-2333 or fill out our contact form to schedule your appointment.
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From routine eye checks to glaucoma treatment to cataract surgery, our team at Eye Consultants provides a full range of eye care services to ensure each and every patient who walks through our doors receives the top-quality care they deserve.
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Our team also offers cosmetic eye procedures, including blepharoplasty, dermal fillers, and Botox, so patients can simultaneously address their aesthetic concerns and their eye health.
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