Hair Removal (Laser)
Demand for permanent or long-lasting hair removal has only increased in recent years. This has resulted in advanced technology with an improved ability to remove hair for an increasing range of patients. Today, patients with all skin types and a majority of hair colors can undergo laser hair removal through a simple and convenient process. This reduces the necessity for uncomfortable and less-effective methods of hair removal such as shaving, tweezing, waxing, and electrolysis.
At Lewisburg Plastic Surgery, our skincare nurses offer effective hair removal through laser treatments. We are the only facility in Central Pennsylvania to offer two different laser systems for effective hair removal.
LightSheer
Lewisburg Plastic Surgery offers LightSheer for laser hair removal, which includes two handpieces: HS and ET. This system’s dual technology allows us to treat a wider range of patients.
LightSheer HS
LightSheer HS is a high-speed handpiece for laser hair removal treatment. Through vacuum-assisted technology in addition to a diode laser, LightSheer HS can treat a larger treatment area in a short amount of time. This makes it optimal for areas such as the back or legs. The treatment is comfortable and does not require numbing creams or cooling measures. Rather than a laser pulse or heat, patients will feel the vacuum pressure of the technology.
LightSheer ET
LightSheer ET uses a high-powered diode laser with a “Chill Tip,” making it the gold standard for patients with dark and coarse hair in smaller treatment areas. This technology is the safest option for a range of patients while remaining effective and reliable. The LightSheer ET precisely and aggressively targets melanin within the hair follicle while avoiding damage to the surrounding skin. The laser’s precise targeting makes it a suitable option for areas such as the upper lip or toes.
Candidates for laser hair removal
Most patients who desire to remove unwanted hair on the face or body are good candidates for laser hair removal treatment. These patients should have good overall skin health. While laser hair removal treatment is a good option for the majority of skin tones and types, it is not suitable for those with blond, white, or gray hair.
Healing after laser hair removal
Some redness and swelling are normal after laser hair removal. Patients may occasionally notice scabbing or blistering, though this is rare and temporary. Laser hair removal patients can immediately return to their normal routines but should avoid direct sun exposure after their treatment.
*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
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Is laser hair removal painful?
Laser hair removal treatments may cause minor discomfort, but advanced technologies make the procedure tolerable.
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How many laser hair removal treatments are required?
The total number of treatments will vary for each patient.
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What happens after laser hair removal treatment?
Immediately after laser hair removal treatment, patients will notice redness and some slight swelling. This should quickly subside. Affected hair will typically shed within about one week after the treatment.
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Who are the best candidates for laser hair removal?
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.
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How much does it cost?
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 -
Who will perform my laser hair removal treatments?
At Lewisburg Plastic Surgery, laser hair removal treatment is performed by a trained nurse under the guidance of Dr. Normington, a board-certified plastic surgeon.
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Can I have laser hair removal with darker skin?
Patients with darker skin tones are candidates for laser hair removal treatment. However, they may require more treatment sessions as conservative settings are used to preserve their skin’s health.
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 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
Laser hair removal is considered cosmetic in nature. This means it is not covered under health insurance.
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.