Laser hair reduction techniques expose the growing hair to high intensity light.  Melanin in the hair absorbs the light, heating up.  The heat damages the hair forming cells reducing or eliminating hair growth.  After multiple treatments number of hairs, hair thickness and darkness are all reduced.  Best results occur in fair skinned, dark haired individuals.  Nevertheless, all skin types can be treated.  The choice of system used for hair reduction (laser or intense pulsed light source) will depend on hair and skin type.  This will be determined during the initial consultation.  A rubber band snap is felt.  We may use a numbing cream but every person’s tolerance is different.  This can cause variance in the time spent with each patient.

 Because hair grows in cycles, at any given time certain hair follicles are dormant and not in a pigmented stage making them invisible to the laser or light source.  In order to target most of the hair follicles the treatments must be spaced at least 1 month apart.  With sequential treatments the follicle eventually becomes “miniaturized.”  At this stage the follicle produces no hair at all and remains a fibrous tract. 

Best results occur in fair skinned, dark haired individuals.  Nevertheless, all skin types can be treated.  The choice of laser or intense pulsed light source system used for hair reduction will depend on hair and skin type.  This will be determined during the initial consultation.  Light blonde, gray or white hair is more difficult to treat.  Since the laser targets the pigment in the hair follicle, little or no pigment in the hair requires more treatments at higher energy levels.  If a person is tan, they reduce the difference in pigment content between the hair root and skin requiring treatment at lower energy levels.  This may require a greater number of treatments.

Patients must arrive shaved in the areas to be treated.

No waxing, depilatories or plucking allowed for at least 2 weeks prior to the treatment.

 A series of 5 treatments is recommended for a satisfactory result.  The number of treatments can vary, however, based upon the individual’s hair color, skin type, and various physiologic factors influencing hair growth. 

After the procedure patients may engage in regular activities however sun tanning is not recommended.  Some redness may be seen in the treated area for several days.

Manhattan: 568 Park Avenue at 63rd Street - 212.593.2600       

Great Neck: 833 Northern Boulevard, Suite 110 - 516.773.3705