One of the most common cosmetic problems is unwanted facial and body hair. Until recently, shaving, plucking, waxing, bleaching or electrolysis were the only options to remove hair and they produced very temporary results, with recurring discomfort.

Laser hair removal works by destroying the follicle that grows the hair. Laser light is attracted to the dark pigment in hair and zeros in on the hair follicle. Laser hair removal works best on black or brown colored hair; blonde or gray hair will not attract the laser light.

Hair passes through three growth stages:

• active
• transition
• resting

The follicle must be treated during the growth phase, which occurs every 4 to 5 weeks. In order to capture all the follicles in a growth phase, a series of laser treatments must be spaced about 6 weeks apart. Our experience has been that 6 or more treatments are necessary to achieve optimal hair removal.

We have successfully removed hair from all over the body:

• face
• back
• chest
• bikini line
• under arms
• legs

Patients always want to know if the hair removal is permanent. Our expectation is that the results will last for years, although an occasional touch-up treatment may be necessary for maintenance.