dermatologist consulting with a patient about laser hair removal treatments in NYC

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal offers permanent hair reduction for both men and women.

  • Downtime: Minimal
  • Pain Level: Mild to moderate
  • Results Duration: Long-Lasting

Treats:

Unwanted facial and body hair, reducing risk for ingrown hairs and razor bumps

Side Effects:

Mild redness immediately following treatment

Location:

Anywhere on the face or body where there is unwanted hair

Follow Up:

A series of sessions is required to achieve an optimal outcome

How Performed:

Handheld laser device is run across the skin’s surface, affecting hair follicles to produce shedding and preventing future hair growth

Preparation:

Topical anesthetic applied prior to treatment

Procedure Type:

Laser

Expected Outcome:

Reduction of unwanted hair and prevention of future hair growth

Onset:

Improvements may be seen after first treatment, full results are apparent when treatment plan is completed
patient undergoing a laser hair removal treatment in New York City, NY

Let’s face it – traditional hair removal techniques like waxing, threading, creams, and shaving are torture. They can be painful, labor-intensive, and, if you do the math, extremely expensive over time. Laser hair removal offers permanent hair reduction for both men and women. With our Cynosure Elite Nd:YAG and Alexandrite lasers, all skin types and any area of the body can be treated. Pain is minimal and only lasts for a fraction of a second. The average patient will need 4-6 treatments at monthly intervals to achieve a 90% reduction in unwanted hair. Yearly touch-ups are recommended to keep the hair away.

What is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is a non-invasive, advanced light-based procedure that removes unwanted hair. It is a popular cosmetic treatment that eliminates the need for other high-maintenance hair removal methods such as shaving, waxing, and tweezing. The concentrated laser beams selectively damage hair follicles to prevent future hair growth.

What Areas Does Laser Hair Removal Treat?

Laser hair removal can be performed on most parts of the body. Ideal treatment areas include:

  • Face
  • Legs
  • Arms and underarms
  • Bikini line
  • Back
  • Chest

Who is a Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

All men and women are candidates for laser hair removal, but hair color and skin type impact the success of a laser hair removal treatment. Patients with light skin complexion and dark hair have the best results. Laser hair removal is less effective for hair colors that do not absorb light well, like red, grey, and blond. Patients with dark skin or light hair can still have laser hair removal, but may need more treatments to prevent hair regrowth. As technology evolves and advances, there are more safe and effective options for patients of all skin types and hair colors.

Patients with hormonal imbalances like PCOS may not see the same results as others. We will note your medical history prior to your treatment to ensure you are a good candidate for this procedure.

Benefits of Laser Treatments for Unwanted Hair

Offers lasting results

It's a full body solution

Quick, relatively comfortable treatment

Minimal downtime

Precise results

Eliminates need for regular maintenance

What to Expect During a Treatment Session

Laser hair removal typically requires 4-6 treatments for maximum results. Time between each session depends on the treatment location and how fast hair grows in the target area. For each treatment, protective goggles are worn to protect your eyes from the laser beam.

During a treatment with one of our board-certified dermatologists, a hand-held laser instrument is passed over the skin. Some devices have a cooling tip, or a cooling gel may be applied to the treatment area to protect your skin. Light flashes are emitted from the laser and pass through your skin to the hair follicles. The advanced technology selectively targets dark hairs and destroys the cells to inhibit growth without harming surrounding skin. Visit aad.org to read more about laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal treatments for small areas like the upper lip may take minutes, while larger areas can take up to an hour or more.

Schedule Your Laser Hair Removal Consultation With a Dermatologist 

Get rid of unwanted hair and give yourself a rejuvenated appearance through comprehensive medical care and the most advanced cosmetic dermatology treatments available. To learn more about laser hair removal, schedule a consultation online or contact the dermatologists at Spring Street Dermatology in SOHO, Tribeca, or Uptown, NYC.

Laser Hair Removal Questions & Answers

Q: Are there any possible side effects from a laser hair removal treatment?

A: After a laser hair removal session, there may be redness, swelling, and tenderness in the targeted area for 1-2 days. Other possible – and less likely – side effects include:

  • Blistering
  • Scarring
  • Skin lightening or darkening
  • Irritation or infection

While most side effects dissipate within several days, changes in skin color may be permanent. It is critical to have a treatment performed by board-certified dermatologists with expert knowledge of the skin to minimize the possibility of side effects like these. Spring Street Dermatology has board-certified dermatologists that serve SOHO, Tribeca, Uptown, NYC, and surrounding areas to meet all your needs and provide successful laser hair removal treatments.

Q: How long will my results last?

A: After treatment, hair does not immediately fall out but slowly sheds over several days to weeks. Repeated treatments are necessary because hair growth and loss naturally occur in cycles, and laser hair removal is most effective when follicles are in the new-growth stage.

Most people experience results for several months up to a year. Laser hair removal does not guarantee permanent hair removal, but patients typically see finer and lighter hair when it does regrow. Continuous laser treatments are necessary for long-term hair reduction.

Q: Does a laser hair removal treatment hurt?

A: Laser hair removal sounds intimidating but causes minimal pain, especially when compared to other removal methods like waxing. Many patients describe the feeling as being snapped by a rubber band, and treatment on sensitive skin areas, such as the underarms or bikini line, may be more susceptible to pain.

Q: What is recovery from a laser hair removal treatment like?

A: Your dermatologist will set you up for a successful treatment and quick recovery. Before treatment, patients are instructed to stay out of the sun and avoid other hair removal methods from the treatment area—these pre-treatment instructions impact recovery. Patients may experience swelling or redness but can immediately return to normal daily activities. For patients that experience discomfort, a cold compress can reduce sorenss, or your dermatologist may recommend staying out of the sun and delaying activities that irritate the treatment area.

Q: How Many Treatment Sessions Will I Need?

A: Patients will needs a series of 6-9 treatment sessions to achieve full results, to ensure all the hair in the treatment area is addressed during its specific growth cycle.

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SOHO

75 Spring Street, Floor 2
New York, NY 10012
Monday - Friday: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Saturdays: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

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Uptown

4 West 58th Street, 13th Floor
New York, NY 10019

Monday - Friday: 8am – 6pm

Same-Day Appointments Now Available

Title Address Description
SOHO
75 Spring Street, Floor 2 New York, NY 10012

75 Spring Street, Floor 2
New York, NY 10012

Monday – Friday: 9am – 8pm

UPTOWN
4 West 58th street, 13th Floor New York, NY 10019

4 West 58th street, 13th Floor

New York, NY 10019

Sun & Sat: 10am-3pm

Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm

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