Lasers emit highly focused pulses of heat energy to damage and destroy hair follicles so they no longer produce hair. The process of using heat to destroy follicles is called photothermolysis. Because different colors absorb heat differently, laser hair removal systems can be adjusted to produce different wavelengths, depending on the hair color, skin tone, hair thickness, and other factors for the best results.

What happens during laser hair removal?

Before treatment

Before treatment, shaving the area is fine, but please avoid waxing, plucking, threading, or any other type of hair removal in the area for a few weeks prior to the treatment.

For large or dense areas of hair, shaving is recommended before treatment so the laser can have direct contact with the skin. You can consult our office on how to best prepare for your treatment, and your specialist will advise you on preparations during your initial consultation.

Laser preparation

The laser will be adjusted for the patient’s skin type, hair color, and other factors, and a cooling gel will be applied to the skin to protect the skin and keep the patient comfortable throughout the treatment.

A small “test” area may be treated first to enable the doctor to readjust the laser if needed.

Treatment

Once these steps are completed, the doctor will move the laser handpiece over the treatment area while the device emits a steady stream of light energy pulses to reach the precise depth where hair follicles and roots are located. 

The length of each treatment session will depend on the size of the area being treated, but generally, treatment is performed quickly. During treatment, patients may notice feelings of warmth or tingling in the area. Dr. Shore uses a cooling gel to eliminate any pain during treatment.

After treatment

Once treatment is complete, a special cooling gel will be applied to the area to reduce redness or mild, temporary swelling that can occur. In some cases, mild itching or tenderness may occur, but these will resolve soon after treatment.

Shaving is fine between treatments, but please do not wax, pluck, thread, nor otherwise remove hair follicles that need treatment.