Laser Hair Removal

Laser technology is the best way to remove unwanted hair today. This precise, light-based technology directly targets hair follicles without damaging the surrounding skin. After just a few treatments, smoother, hairless skin is a reality. 

Dr. Alexander Ovchinsky, located in Short Hills, New Jersey, helps patients throughout the greater Northern New Jersey area achieve their aesthetic goals. This includes the silky, hair-free skin they desire with safe and effective laser hair removal. Are you struggling with unwanted body and facial hair? Laser hair removal may be the solution you’re looking for! Call (973) 379-0101 to schedule an appointment for a personal consultation to learn more.

About

Unwanted hair can be a source of embarrassment for many people. Shaving, waxing, plucking, and harsh chemical depilatories are popular solutions but are time-consuming, uncomfortable, and temporary.⁽¹⁾ Fortunately, laser hair removal offers a safe, effective way to eliminate this unwelcome hair quickly and easily. By targeting and disabling the hair follicles, laser hair removal treatments allow for long-term hair reduction. After several sessions, patients can enjoy long-lasting results with minimal discomfort.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Laser hair removal is an FDA-approved cosmetic procedure used to permanently reduce unwanted body and facial hair. During laser hair removal treatment, pulses of light energy are directed at the hair follicles in the targeted area. This light energy is absorbed by the melanin in the hair. This creates a thermal effect which then disables the follicle and prevents future hair growth. This process is known as selective photothermolysis.⁽²⁾ 

There are three phases of hair growth:

There needs to be hair present in the follicle for laser hair removal to be effective. Since not all of our hair follicles are in the same phase of hair growth at the same time, only follicles in the anagen phase of hair growth are treated during a laser hair removal session. So, most patients need several sessions to ensure that all of the follicles in the area are treated.

Benefits

The benefits of laser hair removal include:

Candidates

With today’s advanced aesthetic lasers, candidates with any skin and hair type can see successful results from laser hair removal.⁽²⁾ Plastic Surgery of Short Hills uses the Light Age EpiCare Laser that treats all skin types for optimal comfort and outcomes.

Candidates for laser hair removal should have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve. Laser hair removal will significantly reduce the amount of hair in the treated area. It does not, however, guarantee complete hair removal. Some patients may require additional treatments to achieve the desired results.

Personal Consultation

During your initial consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss your goals and expectations for laser hair removal. We will review your medical history and examine the area you wish to treat to determine if you are a good candidate for laser hair removal.

We will also inform you of the potential risks associated with laser hair removal. To minimize any potential side effects, you may be asked to avoid sun exposure prior to and after your treatment. You may also be asked to discontinue certain medications such as retinoids or anti-inflammatory drugs.

Laser hair removal can be a life-altering procedure that restores self-confidence, saves time and money, and allows you to feel more comfortable in your own skin. If you are unhappy with excess body or facial hair and want to explore your options, contact Plastic Surgery of Short Hills today to schedule your private, informative consultation!

Preparation

In order for the laser energy to disable the hair follicle, there needs to be the melanin-rich hair present in the follicle. So, before your treatment session, you’ll need to avoid waxing or plucking the area that you intend to treat. To avoid unnecessary irritation, make sure to baby your skin in the treatment area before your appointment. It’s a good idea to avoid sun exposure, exfoliating, and harsh skin care products like retinoids. 

Procedure

The laser hair removal process consists of a series of sessions spaced out over several weeks. A laser hair removal procedure can be as short as a few minutes or take up to an hour, depending on the size of the area being treated and the density of hair growth. It is entirely safe and generally painless, with the laser selectively targeting the hair follicle without damage to the skin. During each session, you will be given protective eyewear to wear during your treatment. A cooling gel may also be applied to your skin before treatment begins. The laser emits short bursts of light energy which are specifically designed to target the melanin in your hair follicles. The laser energy is absorbed by the melanin, disabling the follicle and preventing future hair growth.

Laser hair removal treatments are quick and comfortable. Patients often compare the sensation of laser hair removal to that of a rubber band flicking against the skin. At Plastic Surgery of Short Hills, patient comfort is our priority. That’s why we offer laser hair removal patients the added benefit of the Zimmer Cryo Cooling System. During your treatment, this technology simultaneously blows chilled air on your skin, making your procedure as comfortable as possible. 

If you’re nervous about laser hair removal, don’t be! Thousands of people have had embarrassing hair problems reduced and many more have found that laser hair reduction is a painless and cost-effective way to free themselves from the routine chore of hair removal. 

Recovery

You will not require any downtime after laser hair removal, so you’ll be able to jump right back into your day. You may experience slight redness and sensitivity following your treatment, but these effects should subside within a few hours of your appointment.

Results

Immediately following your first treatment, you will notice a drastic reduction in the amount of hair in the treated area. After each subsequent treatment, you will see fewer and finer hairs until the area is completely free of unwanted hair.

Because laser treatment reduces only the hair follicle during its growth cycle, having no effect on the follicles that are dormant at the time of treatment, multiple sessions are required to achieve total hair removal in an area. Most require a minimum of 6 treatments, 4 to 6 weeks apart. But after that, no more razors, depilatory creams, waxes, tweezers, or electrolysis!

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures 

Plastic Surgery of Short Hills uses the latest in laser and other light-based aesthetic treatments. Another laser treatment that works similarly to laser hair removal is laser spider vein removal. In this case, the hemoglobin in the blood vessel absorbs the laser energy, rather than the melanin in the hair. This causes the vein to shut down, and the unwanted spider veins eventually fade from view.

How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost in New Jersey?

Laser hair removal treatments vary from patient to patient. The cost of the treatment is determined by the target area and the number of sessions required to achieve the best result. We’ll develop your personalized treatment plan and discuss the cost associated with it during your consultation.

Don’t settle for less than the best laser hair removal. Call us today at (973) 379-0101 or fill out our convenient online form to make an appointment at our comfortable office for your free consultation.

FAQ

References

1. Gan, S. D., & Graber, E. M. (2013). Laser Hair Removal: A Review. Dermatologic Surgery, 39(6), 823–838. https://doi.org/10.1111/dsu.12116
2. Liew, S. H. (2002). Laser Hair Removal. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 3(2), 107–115. https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200203020-00004