Hair Removal (Laser)
In response to the ever-increasing demand to remove unwanted hair on virtually any body area, the ability to offer superior results to the widest variety of patients is critical. We offer two effective technologies for the removal of unwanted hair. We can now treat all skin types, some hair colors (except for blonde, white and gray), and some depths and diameters of hair. The process is simple, convenient and extremely time-efficient. Older methods of hair removal, such as shaving, tweezing, waxing, electrolysis* and using chemical depilatories produce results that last for very short time frames and continually must be repeated. These methods are messy, painful and slow. We are proud to offer these unique laser technologies for better and longer-lasting hair removal.
Our skincare nurses will safely reduce the amount of unwanted hair over the course of a series of treatments. Some skin types require more sessions to achieve desired results, while others require less. We use the LightSheer Duet laser system for hair removal, which is an industry leader for hair removal and comfort. Lewisburg Plastic Surgery & Dermatology is the only facility in Central Pennsylvania that has the ability to offer the patient two different laser systems for hair removal.
Goals of Laser Hair Removal: Hair reduction occurs when a hair follicle is thermally destroyed and is not able to grow a terminal hair again. Because there are millions of hair follicles that can potentially grow hair on the body, it is not realistic that every single follicle in the treatment area will be disabled. Over several treatments, MOST of the follicles will be critically injured so they are disabled. Over several treatment sessions, there will be less hair that grows back. When hairs do grow back between each of the treatments, there will be less of it, and it will be finer, lighter and slower growing.
*Note: We do not perform electrolysis at our office. We only do laser hair removal, which is a quicker and more effective treatment option.
Frequently Asked Questions
With the newer technologies we have, treatments are very tolerable now. Some areas can be more sensitive than others. We have cooling machines as well as topical numbing creams for those with sensitive skin. Discomfort similar to a mild sunburn may be noted over the first 24 hours following treatment.
The laser works by disrupting hairs that are in the active phase of growth at the time of treatment. Since other hairs will enter the growth phase at different times, additional treatments are necessary to disable most hair follicles in a given area. Treatment intervals are usually every 4-12 weeks. For some areas on some individuals, longer intervals such as 3-6 months may be recommended.
Within several minutes, the treated area may become pink and puffy. This reaction subsides quickly, and within a day or so, the areas return to normal. However, you should not plan any important social engagements during the first several days after your treatment, especially if the treated areas are on the face. Around 3-10 days after treatment, you may experience what seem to be hairs re-growing. Most of these hairs however, are dead, treated hairs that are being shed and are not regrowing. In between treatments, you should not wax or pluck your hairs, because this decreases the ability of the laser to destroy actively growing hairs.
Those individuals with coarse, dark hair and lighter skin tones will respond most optimally. However, any skin tone and most hair colors can be treated.
The cost will depend on the treatment area. During your initial consultation, the areas to be treated will be discussed and a fee quote per treatment session will be given to you. You will have a choice of 3 payment options:
- pay for each treatment individually (pay-as-you-go)
- purchase a pre-paid package of treatments and receive a 20% discount off of the entire package
- you may also apply for Care Credit
Your treatment will be performed by a specially trained skin care nurse under the guidance of Dr. Normington, a board certified plastic surgeon. Our skin care nurses have years of experience and are certified in the procedures they perform.
For light skin, fewer treatments are required and better and faster results are achieved. Darker skin can be treated using conservative settings. Therefore, more sessions will be required. Our treatments are individualized for each patient.
LightSheer
Consists of the HS and ET hand-pieces. This unique system provides two choices in technology depending on your needs.
HS:
This high speed hand-piece uses breakthrough, vacuum-assisted technology in combination with diode laser to allow rapid and comfortable treatment of large areas in a short period of time. A full back or legs can now be treated in 15 to 20 minutes without the need for topical numbing creams or cooling measures. Unlike other hair removal methods, it is not painful. The unique suction sensation triggers nerve fibers before the laser energy is applied, which inhibits the transmission of pain signals to the brain. Patients feel the vacuum pressure instead of the laser pulse. The high speed of this technology makes treatment of larger areas more affordable.
ET:
This advanced high powered diode laser with "Chill Tip" has been the gold standard for dark, coarse hair in smaller treatment areas. This technology provides unsurpassed safety, efficacy, and reliability and is unmatched by other hair removal systems. This hand-piece allows more aggressive targeting of melanin in the hair follicle, because it helps protect the surrounding skin from thermal damage. This laser has a small footprint, making it a great option for smaller areas such as the upper lip area, toes and ears.
Procedure Guidelines
Candidates
Hair removal candidates have unwanted facial or body hair.
Intended Result
- Hair in the areas treated usually is significantly reduced.
- Multiple treatments will be required to obtain optimal results.
- Patients considering this treatment should not have a tan.
- A small percentage of patients will not respond to laser hair removal.
Procedure Description
- Area to be treated should be freshly shaved.
- Prior to the procedure, a numbing cream can be applied to the treatment area to reduce pain.
- Contact with the laser will feel like a hot snap to on the skin.
- A cooling gel may be applied to the skin to soothe the treated area.
Healing Process
- Some redness and swelling in the treatment area may occur immediately following the procedure.
- Although rare, scabbing or blistering may occur, but will disappear with time.
Treated area must be protected from sunlight after treatment.
Enhancement Options
Other options to remove hair include waxing, shaving, depilatory creams, and electrolysis.
Insurance Guidelines
Because this procedure is considered cosmetic, it is not covered by insurance and must be paid by the patient.
Note: The specific risks and suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are rare.