Laser hair removal is effective in removing bothersome hair for good, saving time and pain by eliminating the need to pluck, wax, or shave unwanted body hair. Dr. Shauna Diggs and CosmedicDerm offer laser hair removal for all ages and skin types.

What is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is a permanent solution to getting rid of unwanted body hair. Using laser energy, the treated hair follicles are damaged and can no longer grow hair. Laser hair removal is commonly done on the face, legs, underarms, arms, bikini lines, and stomach.

Who is a Candidate?

Using the most advanced laser platforms on the market, CosmedicDerm can provide safe and effective laser hair removal to patients with most types of hair and skin color. Patients with unwanted body hair that they wish to remove can be candidates for laser hair removal; however, some are better candidates than others. Laser hair removal works by affecting the melanin in the hair, so those with darker hair will see more effective results. The best candidates will have black, brown, or red hair. Those with lighter hair can still see effective results using different laser settings. Those with white hair are not good candidates for hair removal because there is no melanin present.

How it Works

Before treatment begins, the laser will be adjusted to the hair type, thickness, and color. During laser hair removal, pulses of laser light are sent through the handpiece to target a small section of hair. The laser is moved across the skin in a grid-like pattern until the entire area has been treated. The treated hair will then shrivel and fall out in the next week or two. Due to our hair’s natural growth cycle, only hair present can be treated in a session. Approximately 20% of hair is shed in a natural cycle, so those will not be present to be treated. A total of 8-10 sessions are usually required to completely remove all hair. After each treatment, hair grows more slowly, is finer in texture, and is lesser in amount. The sessions are spaced out to allow new hair to grow and be treated.

Downtime and Side Effects

After laser hair removal treatment, your skin might be red and feel like a sunburn. You can use a cool compress or cream to help with any discomfort. You should avoid putting makeup on for the rest of the day and use sunscreen between sessions.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are interested in learning more about laser hair removal, contact the CosmedicDerm office today to schedule a consultation in Grosse Point. Dr. Shauna Diggs and her staff are ready to offer you best-in-class medical and cosmetic care as Michigan’s leaders in comprehensive skin health and rejuvenation.

FAQs

When will I see results?

Laser hair removal results are highly dependent on your individual anatomy and hair growth cycles. Although the recommended package is 8-10 treatments, you may need additional sessions based on your unique circumstances.

How much does laser hair removal cost?

Lhe cost of your laser hair removal package can depend on different factors like the number of treatment sessions, the size of the treatment area, and the technologies used. During your consultation, you’ll receive a full estimate of your treatment package cost.

How permanent is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal shouldn’t be considered permanent, since each patient’s anatomy and circumstances are different. Because of the nature of hair growth cycles, hair can sometimes come back. Complete hair removal can be difficult to achieve, but hair growth is greatly reduced after a full treatment package, making it much easier and less laborious to remove at home.

How badly does laser hair removal hurt?

Although laser treatments sometimes have a reputation for being painful, laser hair removal often feels like a rubber band ‘snap’. However, this can feel more or less sensitive based on the treatment area. Additionally, each patient’s tolerance is different so we can ensure that you’re relaxed and comfortable throughout the treatment session with a topical numbing cream. We’ll also use a cooling gel to protect against heat generated from the laser energy.

Should I shave before laser hair removal?

Because laser hair removal works by administering energy to the hair shaft, it’s extremely important that the hair shaft is present. For this reason, you should avoid waxing or plucking the hairs for a specific period before your treatment, since this means there will be nothing present to absorb the energy. During a consultation, you’ll receive detailed instructions about what to do before your laser hair removal session.

How far apart will my treatment sessions be?

Because of the rate of hair growth, we recommend that your sessions be spaced about one month or longer apart. Dr. Diggs can create the right treatment package for you during a consultation.