LASER HAIR REMOVAL
At ICON Dermatology & Aesthetics, we specialize in laser treatment, including laser hair removal. Combining the latest laser technology and a highly-trained team of professionals, we are creating an elevated laser hair removal experience in North Bethesda.
HOW DOES LASER HAIR REMOVAL WORK?
Laser hair removal uses SPTL (selective photothermolysis) to focus laser light energy to target hair follicles. Pigmented hair absorbs energy which results in deactivating the follicle from producing further hair. The laser causes localized damage by heating the hair follicle, without affecting the rest of the skin.
Due to the selective absorption of photons of laser light, only hair that contains enough pigment such as black, brown or reddish-brown, or dark blonde hair, can be eliminated. The laser does not work as well on light blonde, red, gray, or white hair.
At ICON, our board-certified physicians and registered nurse are able to precisely target hair follicles to achieve the best results, and in addition, leaving surrounding skin unaffected. Our FDA-approved laser devices give us the ability to treat all skin tones and types.
WHAT PARTS OF THE BODY CAN BE TREATED WITH LASER HAIR REMOVAL?
Areas that we currently treat are bikini, Brazilian, underarms, legs, arms, lip, chin, sideburns, neck, back, toes, and areolas. All areas can be customized depending on the patient’s concerns.
HOW LONG DOES LASER HAIR REMOVAL TAKE?
Many people wonder how long it takes to complete a laser hair removal session. The short answer is that it ultimately depends on the size of the area being treated. For example, laser hair removal on the upper lip area only takes a few minutes, while areas such as your arms or your back can take up to 25-30 minutes.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR LASER HAIR REMOVAL?
We ask that you are freshly showered or bathed with completely clean skin, without lotions, oils, creams or fragrances of any kind before coming in.
The treatment area should be shaved completely prior to treatment. Legs should be shaved no sooner than 24 hours prior to your appointment to avoid irritation. Do not wax, tweeze, epilate or use chemical depilatories between laser treatments. Since the laser targets the root of the hair, it must be present for the treatment to be effective. Shaving is the only form of hair removal recommended during the course of your treatments. A charge of $75 or more will be added if the provider shaves the treatment area.
Avoid sun exposure to the treatment area, even a slight tan can create a burn or pigment irregularities. If there is any question as to the degree of sun exposure at your appointment, you may be asked to reschedule. Also avoid any self tanners one week prior to treatment.
Use a broad-spectrum sunblock with an SPF of 30 or above on a daily basis (rain or shine).
Do not use any topical products that cause photosensitivity (e.g. hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, retinols, and benzoyl peroxide) in the treatment areas for five days before treatment. Use a gentle cleanser and lotion on treated areas.
Do not have chemical peels or microdermabrasion in the treatment area for at least 14 days before laser hair removal.
If your doctor has you on a steroid and/or antibiotic please wait 10 days from when medications have been completed to have treatment.
DOES LASER HAIR REMOVAL PERMANENTLY REMOVE ALL HAIR?
It is important to note the FDA definition of “Permanent Hair Reduction”:
"Permanent hair reduction" is the stable long-term reduction in the amount of hair that regrows after a treatment regimen. In fact, many patients experience a complete regrowth of the hair in their treated areas in the years after their last treatment. This means that although laser treatments with these devices will permanently reduce the total number of hairs in the body, they will not cause a permanent removal of all hair."
DOES LASER HAIR REMOVAL HURT?
Most patients describe the sensations experienced during laser hair removal treatment as little pinches, or like snapping a rubber band against your skin. It is very tolerable, and most patients say it hurts far less than waxing, especially in the more sensitive areas of the body like the bikini line. When indicated or requested, a topical numbing cream can be applied before treatment. Our trained providers can help navigate any discomfort with cooling and topical numbing. Our goal is to have great results with minimum discomfort.
WHAT IS LASER HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENT LIKE?
Numbing cream may be applied to the area if the patient requests numbing. Once the patient is numbed, the laser machine will be calibrated depending on several factors such as the hair thickness, hair color, the area where the hair will be removed, and skin tone.
WHAT IS RECOVERY LIKE FOR LASER HAIR REMOVAL?
When the laser hair removal is finished, our trained providers will recommend the patient use ice packs, cold water, and anti-inflammatory creams to alleviate any discomfort.
After laser hair removal, you can return to daily activities. Be sure to apply sunscreen to treatment areas for one week following treatment.
There may be some redness in the treated area, but it will dissipate in the first few hours after treatment.
If the treatment was done on the face, you can continue to wear makeup. The hair that was treated should fall out in the next few weeks.
The best way to avoid causing unwanted effects is to avoid scrubbing or rubbing the treated area for a few days. If you experience any side effects, please do not hesitate to call our office.
HOW MANY LASER HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENTS ARE REQUIRED?
The are many variables that affect the results of laser hair removal including skin type, amount of hair present, color of hair, compliance to treatments, medications etc. We encourage all of our patients to do a package of laser hair removal because multiple treatments will be needed to remove hair. A package of 6 treatments are recommended. Icon Dermatology & Aesthetics values patients and will honor forever touch ups at a minimum charge.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF LASER HAIR REMOVAL?
Some side effects that can happen after a laser hair removal in North Bethesda:
Itching
Reddened or swelling of the treated skin
Follicular edema
Discoloration of the skin
LASER HAIR REMOVAL FAQ’S
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SEE FINAL RESULTS OF LASER HAIR REMOVAL?
Laser hair removal is only effective in treated hair during the active growth phase (anagen), so treatments are spaced to catch hair in the "active" growth phase (4-6 weeks for the face, 6- 10 weeks for the body). Therefore, during your first treatment, you can expect a 10-30% drop after your treatment, with each treatment progressively capturing more of the active growth phase.
WHAT ARE THE GREATEST RISKS OF LASER HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENT?
The greatest side effect or risk related to the skin are the pigmentation disorders if an incorrect laser or incorrect configuration is used. The main reasons why people have problems with laser hair removal are:
The wrong laser was used for your skin type
Inadequate or inconsistent cooling
Use an IPL instead of a real laser for hair removal
Incorrect laser settings
Laser treatment performed in an environment that is not a medical office
The patient had recent sun exposure at the treatment area
IS LASER HAIR REMOVAL SAFE WHEN PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING?
We do not recommend laser hair removal for pregnant or breastfeeding women
IS LASER HAIR REMOVAL PERMANENT? WILL I HAVE TO SHAVE AGAIN?
Laser hair removal is often promoted as "permanent" and that "you will never have to shave." Please know that individual hairs can be permanently removed if the follicle is destroyed. That single follicle will not grow again. However, the best thing to expect from laser hair removal treatments is that 70% of the hair is removed completely. The remaining hairs should be thinner and lighter in color. That is why we recommend that after 6 treatments, patients come in every 6 months for a touch-up treatment. So, to answer this question briefly, yes, hair is permanently removed. 100% total elimination of all hair is impossible.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF LASER HAIR REMOVAL?
Treatments are quick
There is a cost-saving compared to indefinite waxing
It can eliminate ingrown hairs
There is no need to allow your hair to grow out between treatments
To learn if laser hair removal might benefit you, please schedule an appointment online or call us at 301-810- 3600.