Millions of men and women deal with unwanted hair on their bodies, including their face, arms, legs, backs and bikini lines. Hair growth varies widely from person to person and can increase based on hormonal changes in the body, brought on by steroids, adrenal gland disorders, pregnancy or menopause. Finding an effective way to remove unwanted hair permanently can save you a significant amount of time and discomfort.
The most conventional means of removing unwanted hair—plucking, shaving or waxing—are painful and require you to repeat it over and over when the hair grows back. Electrolysis is also temporary and can be uncomfortable, even if it reduces overall hair growth. But today, many people are replacing these cumbersome routines with a method that is painless, extremely effective and long-lasting: laser hair removal. If you are in the Bergen County, NJ or New York area, feel free to schedule a consultation with our laser hair removal experts.
Laser hair removal is a nonsurgical, non-invasive means for removing unwanted hair, regardless of where or how large the area to be treated is. Using a laser to remove hair also lasts a long time and, in some cases, can be permanent, allowing you to enjoy the results for life.
Laser hair removal is extremely safe and has been refined significantly over the years to a high standard of quality. Most people who undergo treatment experience no discomfort from the laser and are able to resume their daily activities immediately following the procedure. Some mild side effects of treatment may include redness, swelling or other effects similar to a sunburn. Blisters or pain are very rare. If you are concerned about discomfort during the procedure, ask your dermatologic surgeon about using ice packs, cooling gel or topical anesthetics that might offer relief.
At our practice in Long Island, NY our dermatologic surgeons use several kinds of lasers, depending on the skin tone and individualized needs of each patient. These lasers include the Alexandrite lasers and Q-Switched Nd:YAG lasers. The Alexandrite is a popular laser that is most commonly used for people with very light skin tones. The Alexandrite beam has a longer pulse, allowing it to access deeper follicles. Alexandrite devices include the Apogee and GentleLASE.
The Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser, also commonly used to remove tattoos, liverspots and other dermatologic blemishes, uses different light energies to reach hair follicles at different depths within the skin. YAG lasers are most commonly used for people with dark skin tones. Our dermatologists can advise you on which laser is best suited for you.
During the session, the surgeon operates a low-energy laser that directs light on the target area of your body. The energy from the laser is absorbed by a pigment in the bulb of each hair called melanin, which prevents the hair from growing.
While some hair may grow back in the targeted area, it will likely be lighter and less dense than before. Permanent hair removal may take anywhere from three to seven rounds of treatment to ensure coverage of all hair follicles in varying stages of activeness and dormancy in their growth cycle. The exact number of treatments required varies from person to person, depending on your skin tone and the nature of your hair.
For a customized quote, call the Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery for a consultation with one of our specialists. You can also visit us at any of our ten locations in New York and New Jersey. The cost of laser hair removal treatment depends on how much surface area you are looking to treat. Package rates are available for multiple rounds of laser treatment. Our dermatologists can review all of your options with you and answer any questions you may have, along with sharing our before and after laser hair removal treatment results to help illustrate the benefits.
Laser hair removal provides long-lasting hair removal results. Laser energy is focused upon the skin, and the hair follicles’ pigmentation (melanin) and blood vessels absorb that laser energy. The energy becomes converted to heat upon absorption and destroys the hair follicle, preventing hair from growing. However, the laser energy is focused to affect only the hair follicle, leaving the surrounding tissue unharmed and the skin smooth and hair-free.
Yes. Both Alexandrite and YAG lasers have been FDA approved for hair removal for all areas of the body, and for all skin types. It is a non-invasive, non-surgical procedure that requires no downtime. Patients can resume daily activities immediately after the procedure, and some choose to come in during their lunch break.
Advanced Dermatology P.C. has expanded to serve patients in Summit & Ridgewood New Jersey, in addition to existing locations in New York and New Jersey. We offer several different options for lasers and it is best if our dermatologists determine which laser is right for you, based upon your skin and hair types. Some of the most popular options include the Alexandrite lasers (Apogee and GentleLASE). The Alexandrite lasers have a long pulse which can affect deeper follicles than other types of lasers, and is frequently used on people with light skin tones. Another option is the Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser, which can be calibrated with different pulses to affect follicles of varying depths. The YAG lasers are more frequently used on people with darker skin tones.
Laser hair removal will remove the majority of hair in the targeted area. Hair may sometimes grow back, but it will be sparser than before treatment. Some patients may require multiple procedures over several months as hair follicles in the treatment area go through their growth cycle. This can vary widely from person to person, and the dermatologists at Advanced Dermatology will be able to advise you on expected results and number of treatments required.
Most patients are able to tolerate the sensation of laser hair removal with no issues. Some have likened it to the feeling of a rubber band snapping on the skin, and many say that it is less painful than waxing. A numbing topical ointment may be applied if there are concerns. After each hair removal session, which could take between thirty minutes to an hour, there may be mild side effects similar to sunburn. Some patients can experience hyper-pigmentation or an allergic reaction to the heat, but these effects are temporary and are treatable with topical creams.
A consultation with one of our board certified dermatologists can help determine if laser hair removal will get you the results you need and which laser should be used. We have many offices located conveniently throughout the New York and New Jersey area, including in Summit & Ridgewood. You are welcome to call us or fill out the form on the left side and come in to consult with us. Laser hair removal is safe for all areas of the body and for all skin types. Patients often report when coming in for a follow up how they love having smooth, hairless skin without the hassle of temporary measures such as waxing or shaving.
With 40+ locations conveniently located in NYC, Westchester, Long Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut, a top-rated dermatologist is just around the corner.
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