Laser Hair Removal

Laser Hair Removal at LumiereMD

We have two lasers we use for hair removal, one is a Formatk Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) system for lighter skin types with lighter hair color. The other laser we use is a Cutera XEO Nd:YAG laser. It is a 1064 wavelength laser and is the gold standard for laser hair removal for darker skin types or those with dark hair. 

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How does it work?

Laser hair removal is effective on hairs in the active or Anagen phase of the hair growth cycle. The key to successful laser hair removal is the deliverance of high energy into the skin. The energy is selectively absorbed by the melanin or oxyhemoglobin (depending on the wavelength) surrounding the hair follicle whilst not impacting the surrounding tissue. As the melanin heats up it destroys the root and blood flow to the follicle disabling the hair growth permanently.

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What is the treatment experience like?

You will want to shave the treatment area the day prior to your treatment. At each treatment, photos will be taken so we can track your progress. You will be asked to either wear solid goggles (facial areas) or tinted goggles during your treatment to protect your eyes. Cool ultrasound gel will be applied to the treatment area. After each treatment, you can expect about 10-20% hair reduction, so we do recommend a package of 6 treatments for most patients. It is common for the area to be red and follicular edema (little red bumps) to be present for 1-2 days after the treatment. The treated hair follicles take about two weeks to shed out the visible hair. After this patients typically report a falling out period, where they experience little to no hair growth to the area, and depending on the area treated 8-10 weeks for a new cycle of hair growth to show. Treatments are spaced 8-10 weeks apart to ensure treatment in the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle. 

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How does the treatment feel?

The pulse of the laser can be compared to a rubber band being flicked on your skin multiple times. Although we do use cool gel, and a coolglide tip during treatment, the majority of patients do opt for numbing cream with treatment. If you have especially dense, dark hair or a low pain tolerance you will most likely want to arrive early to apply our topical numbing cream. We recommend applying the numbing cream for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour for optimal analgesic effect. Numbing cream is $12 per application and can be purchased prior to treatment to be applied at home. We provide a Benzocaine 20%, Lidocaine 10%, and Tetracaine 10%. We do not provide individual prescriptions due to high costs to the patient and the short expiration time of compounded numbing cream.

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When will I see results?

As your hair grows in different cycles it is common for it to take multiple treatments to see reduction. Most patients report noticing reduction after the first couple of treatments. It may take anywhere from 6-10 treatments to achieve your desired result of hair removal.

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How long will results last?

Laser hair removal is considered permanent. This means the hair present during the treatments is permanently removed. As we age, our body can and does produce new follicles and new hair growth. You should plan and expect to need maintenance treatments to treatment areas over the years. Areas prone to hormone related hair growth, such as the female upper lip and chin or the male back, may need more maintenance treatments more often than other areas.

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Pricing