Laser Hair Removal for Men and Women

Lasers can remove unwanted hair faster, more comfortably and more reliably than many other methods. Whether you are a man or a woman, young or old, laser hair removal is an alternative to plucking, shaving, waxing, electrolysis or chemical depilatories. Depending on your needs, most body areas can be treated with this state-of-the-art technology.

How Does Hair Grow?

Phase 1- Anagen

Hair’s active growth phase is called anagen and lasts up to several years. The majority of hair is in this phase at any given time. During anagen, the hair has an abundance of melanin.

Phase 2- Catagen

The catagen or regressive phase lasts about 2 to 4 weeks. In this phase, hair stops growing but is not yet shed. About 3 or 4 percent of body hair is in this phase.

Phase 3- Telogen

Lasting weeks to months, the telogen or resting phase, is when hair falls out and a new hair begins to form. At least 10 to 15 percent of body hair is in this phase. At any given time, hair from various parts of the body are at different phases. This cycling prevents all body hair from falling out at the same time and waiting months for hair to grow back.

How do Lasers Work?

Although laser hair removal is not usually considered permanent, studies have shown that areas where hair is removed by lasers can generally remain hair free longer than by most other methods. Lasers most effectively disable hair that is in the anagen or active growth phase. Lasers emit a powerful beam of light that is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicles. The laser pulses for a fraction of a second, just long enough to vaporize the pigment while minimizing damage to the surrounding skin. The hair follicles absorb the laser energy impairing the ability to grow new hair.

Am I a Candidate?

It cannot always be predicted who will respond to the laser treatment, or if someone does respond, how long the hair will remain dormant. Because all hair in a treated area may not be in the anagen phase, more than one laser treatment is necessary to remove hair that subsequently enters the growth phase. The desired results vary from person to person. Even though certain hair follicles in a given area have been treated, age and hormones may cause other hair follicles to start growing in the area. If regrowth of hair occurs, the hair is often thinner and lighter in color.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

The number of treatments required depends on skin and hair color, density and coarseness of the hair, as well as the specific area to be treated. Since the energy is released into darker pigmented areas, lasers work best for people with light skin and dark hair. Individuals with dark skin require more treatments and red, gray, white and blonde hairs do not respond as well to lasers, since there is no dark pigment in the hair follicles. On average, after three to five treatments, scheduled four to six weeks apart, there will be approximately 50 to 80 percent less hair growth.

Will My Insurance Pay For Treament ?

At present, insurance companies do not cover laser hair removal since it is considered a cosmetic procedure.