LASER HAIR REMOVAL

Removing unwanted and stubborn hair can take up too much time, energy, and money for results that usually don’t last very long. However, with laser hair removal, dramatic, long-lasting results can be achieved. The treatment involves professionals at the Aesthetic Center of Gainesville using laser energy to target the hair follicle. The laser destroys it, greatly reducing the chance of hair growing back in the treated area. Since hair grows in stages, multiple sessions are needed to make sure hairs aren’t in the “dormant” stage. Laser hair removal can be safely used on virtually any part of the body.

During laser hair removal, the laser technologist will place a laser vacuum directly on top of the skin where the hair resides to draw the skin into the hand held piece of equipment. The device stretches and pulls the skin thin so the energy source can target the melanin in the hair. During this process, the follicles absorb the heat the laser beam emits, which damages the follicle and makes it difficult for the hair to grow back. Most patients are able to achieve results in a 30-45 minute session that occurs once every 6-8 weeks over the course of several months.

Throughout the procedure, patients will feel slight pressure as the device is pulling up the skin. However, the laser beam itself only feels like a light sting. Most devices are made with a cooling sequence that occurs between the laser pulses, which helps ease discomfort and reduce the chance of unwanted side effects. Our office owns and uses a Syneron Candela Gmax Pro laser for hair removal.

IDEAL CANDIDATE?

Anyone with unwanted hair is a candidate for laser hair removal. However, individuals with darker hair and lighter skin often experience better results. The number of sessions that will be required to produce the desired results will depend on the thickness of hair, how much hair exists in an area, color of the hair, and what the ultimate goal is. Individuals with lighter colored hair may require more treatments.

WHY SO MANY SESSIONS?

Hair growth occurs in cycles. Some hairs may be in the middle of their growth phase during the treatment session, while others may be dormant. Spreading out the treatment allows the dormant hairs to grow and gives the area time so that all of the hairs are eventually targeted during treatment. Between treatments, the hairs that do grow can be shaved because the follicle is not affected.  

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY?

Laser hair removal results in zero downtime. The skin will be pink and a tingling sensation may reside on the treated area for a couple of hours after treatment. Patients can leave their appointment and go directly back to work.

WILL THE HAIR GROW BACK?

Laser hair removal is considered a solid solution for hair removal, however it is referred to as semi-permanent. There can still be some hair growth that occurs where the laser technology did not hit. Therefore, even though the majority of the hair will be gone, some hairs can still pop up. Patients find that these are tremendously easier to manage than before the original treatments. Additional laser hair removal treatments can also be scheduled to take care of these as well.

If you can’t stand shaving, waxing, or plucking unwanted hair any longer, then we have the solution for you. With laser hair removal, we can use the power of laser technology to greatly reduce hair virtually anywhere on the body. To find out if you’re a candidate, call our office for a consultation.