Many people are bothered by unwanted areas of hair. Shaving, waxing, and plucking are all time-consuming and have to be repeated often. We offer laser hair removal so our patients can achieve smooth skin and long-lasting results. Laser hair removal is one of our most popular treatments with both men and women. Whether you are looking for a neat bikini line or a hairless back, laser hair removal is a great solution.
Our office was one of the first ones in the US to use diode laser hair removal and have been performing these treatments for over twenty years now. Our patients love their results and that they can come to one of the most experienced laser treatment centers in America at A Better You Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center.
How permanent is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a long-lasting treatment for all hair types. The effectiveness of the treatment will range from person to person based on their body chemistry and hair growth patterns. Some people will attend a few treatments and not see hair growth for years. Other people will have persistent hair that comes back every few months or so. The results depend on the person and the location of the hair.
It is common to see hair grow back like normal after the first treatment or so. Hair grows in cycles so a few treatments are needed to truly disrupt the cycle and halt hair growth. Your hair growth cycles include the Anagen stage, Catagen stage, and Telogen stage. The anagen stage is a growing phase. Your hair follicle (similar to a bulb planted in soil) has a healthy blood supply and produces healthy thick hair. In the catagen stage, or transition phase, the hair follicle detaches from the blood supply. The last phase, telogen, is called the resting stage and is when your hair dies due to lack of nourishment and falls out.
Each hair is at a different point in the cycle so multiple treatments will be needed to ensure that you receive consistent results. Dr. Gentile will inform you of the laser hair removal process and what your regrowth timeline may look like.
Is it worth getting laser hair removal?
We think so! Laser hair removal will make your life easier in the long run. You get to save money because you aren’t spending it all on waxing appointments and new razor blades. You’ll save time and not take as long of showers as well. Laser hair removal will help you be ready for shorts or swimsuits at the drop of a hat.
How much does it cost for laser hair removal?
The cost of your treatment will be particular to you. We recognize that each patient has unique hair and a certain look they are trying to achieve. One of the main factors that contribute to cost are the area(s) being treated and how large they are. For example, laser hair removal on the upper lip will cost less than hair removal of the legs. A cost breakdown will be gone over in your consultation with Dr. Gentile.
How many sessions are needed for laser hair removal?
The number of sessions needed will depend on the area being treated and your body. If you want multiple areas to be treated or a particularly large area, like the back, you may need a few treatments for that first area. A couple of sessions should be expected as you will need to disrupt your hair’s natural cycle for long-lasting hairless results. Dr. Gentile and you will create a treatment plan that takes your hair and desired goal into consideration.
Does hair grow back thicker after laser hair removal?
No, your hair will not grow back thicker after treatment. In fact, the opposite will occur. If your hair does grow back after laser hair removal treatment, the hair will become thinner and finer. Your results can often be maintained with a laser treatment every six to twelve months or so.
What happens if you don’t shave before laser hair removal?
Don’t worry if you don’t shave first! Your hair will be trimmed short before treatment. In fact, you shouldn’t have any waxing or plucking treatment before your laser hair removal appointment. A laser treatment targets your hair follicles. Waxing and tweezing will remove hair and render the laser treatment less effective. We want you to have your best treatment that achieves your desired outcome. If you don’t shave before your appointment, not to worry! We will prepare your treatment area and help your appointment go smoothly.
How painful is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal has been described as a snapping feeling. Our laser has a freezing tip thereby numbing your area of treatment so that you are comfortable. No need to apply any numbing gel which can have serious complications when absorbed from the skin into your body.
What happens if I stop laser hair removal?
Your results will vary depending on what point in the hair removal process you stopped getting laser treatment. If you stop after one laser treatment your hair will grow back similarly to how it was before. If you stop receiving maintenance appointments after you have reached your ideal goal, you may experience some regrowth. Whereas some patients who have achieved their hair loss goal may never see regrowth again. Results are different for each person.
What Laser Treatment Does Dr. Gentile Use?
Dr. Gentile uses the Lightsheer laser created by Lumenis because it is a tested hair removal treatment that has proven effective for his patients. This laser is cutting edge and was designed to target all types of hair but also has proven successful at diminishing darker hair. The laser can reduce men’s and women’s hair on the face, neck, underarms, legs, arms, ears, backs, hands, back of the neck, fingers, toes, and bikini lines. The laser can also be used in smaller areas to discreetly remove a mustache or bothersome facial hair. The Diode Laser projects an 800nm wavelength of visible to infrared light. The light reaches very deep without damaging the surrounding skin, making it safe for all skin types. A diode laser is also quickly emitted, allowing exposure to be limited and appointments relatively quick. Waxing will soon be a thing of the past! Dr. Gentile will give you an estimate in regard to the length of your appointment during your consultation.
Which is better, IPL or diode laser?
The best treatment for you will depend on your skin and hair loss goal you have in mind. The diode laser is most effective on dark hair and is safe for dark skin colors. The IPL uses a different kind of light and is not actually a laser. IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light and is a broadband light source that is pulsed. Both of these lights will target the hair follicle during treatment and help you achieve long-lasting results. The diode laser is safer for darker skin tones and on average is more effective at removing hair faster. The best way to determine which treatment is best for you is to attend a consultation with Dr. Gentile. He will need to assess your skin tone, desired treatment area and color/type of hair to determine your best treatment.
What is the best laser for hair removal?
The best laser for hair removal will depend on your desired outcome, the type of hair and your skin tone. We want you to have a safe and effective treatment. To ensure positive results, you will want to schedule a consultation with Dr. Gentile. He was one of the first doctors to offer diode laser hair removal in the US: his over twenty years of experience are unparalleled. He will take you through your options and help you decide which treatment is for you.
