Laser Hair Removal Atlanta
Permanently Reduce Hair Growth
About Laser Hair Removal in Atlanta
Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses a single wavelength of light (laser) to target the hair follicles in the skin. It can be safely and effectively performed on most areas of the body where hair grows, including the the Face, Ears & Neck, Bikini Line, Legs, Back, Buttocks, Chest, Breasts & Nipples, Abdomen, Underarms, and Arms. Due to serious risk of ocular injury, laser hair removal can not be performed around the eyebrows[9]. The treatment also reduces ingrown hairs and razor bumps.
Laser hair removal is a process that requires a series of treatments to achieve the best results. Because of this, at WIFH, all of our laser hair removal packages include 8 treatments at 6-week intervals. Custom treatment packages can be made to accommodate multiple treatment areas, as well.
Our staff of Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, and Medical Aestheticians are all licensed laser practitioners by the Georgia Composite Medical Board. Since 2002, WIFH’s laser medical practitioners have performed more than 1.5 million laser hair removal treatments.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal works by delivering energy through the absorption into the pigment of the hair follicle. This pigment is known as melanin. Just as the energy from the sun is absorbed by the black color in clothing — producing a large amount of heat — when applied to the skin surface, laser energy is absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle. This absorption creates a significant amount of heat that damages or destroys the hair follicle while avoiding damage to the skin[10].
This type of hair removal is commonly known as laser hair removal, but the hair isn’t being removed. Rather, the laser technology reduces the number of hair follicles and their ability to produce hair by 75% to 90%. Patients will never achieve 100% hair reduction, and WIFH will never guarantee 100% hair reduction. Patients who hear of such promises from other practitioners should not believe these claims[11].
Following a series of treatments, the remaining hair grows finer in thickness because of the reduction in follicle size. Hairs will appear lighter in color and grow back very slowly, decreasing the amount of maintenance for the patient post-treatment.
Laser Hair Removal Risks & Side Effects
Laser hair removal is a fairly low-risk treatment, provided it is being performed by a highly experienced professional. In the right hands and with the right laser you can safely treat all skin types and ethnicities. The provider must take into account specific patient characteristics such as skin type, body treatment location, and sun-exposure or artificially tanned skin into consideration when determining the appropriate laser and settings to be used during treatment[12].
The most common complication from laser hair removal is hyperpigmentation — the temporary darkening of the skin. This can occur in light-skinned patients who have had any sun exposure or have applied self-tanner to their skin.
Hyperpigmentation is less common in darker skin types. Hyperpigmentation is not a burn and isn’t long-term, typically resolving on its own over several days. In rare instances, hyperpigmentation can last several months. If a patient experiences any issues or concerns following treatment the patient should contact their provider.
Preparing For Laser Hair Removal
Sunscreen should be used on all skin types all the time, but it is very important for patients who are undergoing laser hair removal to protect their skin from sunburn leading up to each treatment. Patients who have had recent sun exposure resulting in a visible tan or tan lines, it is recommended to reschedule the treatment for a later date, once the tanning has subsided.
Before undergoing a laser hair removal treatment, patients will need to make sure the skin in the treatment area is clean and free of makeup, lotions, creams, and deodorant. This is necessary to reduce the risk of damaging the patient’s skin from burning of the hair during the procedure, as laser energy converts into heat energy.
It is recommended to shave the day-of or the day before the procedure. Do not Wax or Pluck hairs, as Waxing and plucking can reduce the effectiveness of the laser treatment. Patients who have recently waxed or plucked should wait several weeks before having a laser hair removal treatment.
Bleaching prior to the procedure is safe, as bleach only changes the color of the hair on the surface of the skin — the hair within the follicle will maintain its pigment.
What To Expect During The Procedure
Sunscreen should be used on all skin types all the time, but it is very important for patients who are undergoing laser hair removal to protect their skin from sun exposure leading up to each treatment. For patients who have had recent sun exposure resulting in a visible tan, tan lines, or sunburn it is recommended to reschedule the treatment for a later date, once your skin has returned to its natural color.
Before undergoing a laser hair removal treatment, patients must ensure the skin in the treatment area is clean and free of makeup, lotions, creams, self-tanners and deodorant. This is necessary to reduce the risk of damaging the patient’s skin during treatment, as the laser is attracted to pigment that can be found in these products.
It is recommended to shave the day-of or the day before the procedure. Do not wax or pluck hairs, as waxing and plucking can reduce the effectiveness of the laser treatment. Patients who have recently waxed or plucked should wait several weeks before having a laser hair removal treatment.
Bleaching before the procedure is safe, as bleach only changes the color of the hair on the surface of the skin — the hair within the follicle will maintain its pigment.
Recovery After Laser Hair Removal
There is no downtime after receiving a laser hair removal treatment. Patients can continue normal activities immediately following treatment. Patients may experience some redness in the skin, but it typically dissipates in a matter of minutes. In rare instances, some patients may experience redness for up to 24-48 hours.
While it is necessary to complete a series of 8 laser hair removal sessions, patients will see a noticeable reduction after the first session with continued reduction with subsequent sessions. Approximately 2 to 3 weeks after each session, patients will notice hair reduction as well as a reduction of ingrown hairs and razor burn.
Although a marked reduction of up to 50% may be seen after the first session, it should not be perceived as permanent, as regrowth will occur. It is important that patients complete all 8 treatments to see sustainable results and the most reduction[11].
Because facial hair is hormonally driven, patients undergoing facial hair removal should expect to need 1-3 touch-up treatments each year to maintain results after completing their 8-session package.
Get a Complimentary Consultation
WIFH believes consultations are essential to help educate patients on the laser hair removal process. Consultations provide an opportunity to get to know the patient and to understand their questions and concerns.
During the consultation, a member of the WIFH clinical team will assess the patient’s skin and hair to provide a realistic expected outcome of laser hair removal for their specific area.
It is common practice at WIFH for patients to begin laser hair removal treatments on the day of their consultation. If a patient would like to begin treatment immediately following the consultation, simply let us know so an appropriate amount of time can be scheduled for the procedure.
Atlanta Laser Hair Removal FAQs
There are numerous benefits of hair removal. In many ways, it helps boost both comfort and confidence – helping individuals feel more comfortable in their skin.
Here’s a closer look at the advantages:
- Save Time: The time spent on the never-ending cycle of shaving or waxing adds up. Give yourself and your schedule those minutes back with long-lasting hair removal treatments.
- Cut Costs: Over time, the investment in hair removal pays off. You’ll save money by no longer buying razors, shaving creams, waxes, and other hair removal supplies.
- Reduce Skin Issues: Laser hair removal is a step towards healthier skin. This method decreases the likelihood of ingrown hairs and skin discoloration. Enjoy clearer, more even-toned skin with fewer irritations.
- Confidence Boost: Beyond practical benefits, hair removal offers a psychological boost by eliminating the embarrassment of unwanted hair. This can increase your confidence and comfort, especially during warmer months.
Laser hair removal is a giant leap towards more manageable grooming – and puts money back in your pocket while doing so.
Yes! This is one of the great beneficial side effects of laser hair removal. Reduction of hair bumps and ingrown hairs will be markedly noticeable even after your first session. We have seen this on all body parts including the face, neck, bikini line, legs, backs and underarms.
Even the fairest of blondes may have enough pigment in their hair for the laser to work. Still, we prefer to see these patients for a consultation. If we don’t think you are a good candidate, we will tell you right away so that you don’t waste your money. One thing is certain, if you have very light hair, it is important that your skin be very light to get the best results.
We strongly recommend that you DO NOT USE TANNING BEDS, SPRAY-ON TANS, OR SELF TANNERS while undergoing laser hair removal treatment!
We understand that many people use self-tanners and spray tanners, however, we cannot treat you with a laser while it is on your skin. When scheduling your laser hair removal treatments please be sure that you have allowed enough time for all of the artificial tanner to be gone from your skin. You can use self-tanners/spray tan immediately following your laser hair removal treatment.
Tanning beds are different because they tan the skin. For Caucasian patients we need you to be as close to your natural skin tone as possible, so tanning is not recommended while you are having laser hair removal.
We prefer that you do not do either of these. Feel free to shave the area as needed, but avoid waxing, plucking or threading.
Due to the serious risk of ocular injury[9], Georgia law (O.C.G.A.§§ 360-35-.10)prohibits laser hair removal within 1” of the orbit of the eye[13], therefore laser hair removal cannot be performed in the eyebrow or unibrow area.
Selecting a clinic for laser hair removal in Atlanta is crucial for a safe and effective treatment experience. When evaluating potential clinics like WIFH, consider asking the following:
- Are the clinic employees licensed and experienced?
- What is the clinic’s track record and what reviews are there?
- How long has it been in operation?
- What treatment packages are available?
- When can the treatments be started immediately or is there a waiting period?
- What communication can be expected during the treatment process?
Ultimately, a reputable laser hair removal clinic will prioritize professionalism, patient satisfaction, and the overall well-being of its clients, instilling confidence in the selection process. After speaking with WIFH’s staff and selecting the clinic for laser hair removal treatments, the natural next step is to prepare for the first appointment.
