Laser Hair Reduction
Cut Back on Shaving and Plucking in Albuquerque
In Albuquerque, laser hair reduction is a common reason people cite for visiting Western Dermatology Consultants. The area to be treated can be minimal, as with a few stubborn hairs that require frequent plucking efforts on the chin. The area can also be significant, encompassing an entire chest, back, or both.
While laser hair removal does not always eliminate all unwanted hair forever, it does provide long-lasting results by destroying hair within its follicle and preventing that follicle from continuing future growth as it did before. This method can keep the hair away longer than if it were shaved, plucked, tweezed, waxed, or otherwise removed. Laser hair reduction is a simplified and popular approach for people who are tired of standing in front of the mirror time after time with a razor or pair of tweezers.
Contact Us
When it comes to laser hair removal for Albuquerque and Santa Fe area residents, call the trusted experts at Western Dermatology Consultants at 505-855-9267. A free consultation can help determine the best course of action to eliminate unwanted hair.
Where On the Body Does Laser Hair Reduction Work?
Since the light beams used in laser hair reduction at our Albuquerque spa are so focused and effective, they can be safely used on many parts of the body. However, the area around the eyes is not considered to be a suitable region for this treatment.
Women tend to choose areas on their face and limbs for laser hair reduction, while men frequently opt to get the treatment on their upper body. Of course, anywhere someone struggles with unwanted hair is potentially fair game. Some of the most commonly chosen sites for laser hair reduction include:
- the upper lip, or mustache area
- the chin
- the armpits
- the arms
- the shoulders
- the chest
- the back
- the overall abdomen
- the lower abdominal area, or bikini line
- the legs
At Western Dermatology Consultants in Albuquerque, laser hair removal can be applied virtually anywhere on the body unwanted hair grows, from small areas (the upper lip, armpits, or bikini line) to large regions (the back, chest, abdomen, legs, etc.). Treatment time and cost depends on the size and number of areas targeted.
Even the most significant areas of the body can be completed in about an hour, while the smallest areas—such as those on the face—can be handled in a matter of mere minutes.
How Laser Hair Reduction Works
As noted above, the laser hair reduction techniques available in Albuquerque operate by damaging follicles. Lasers accomplish this by heating the follicles so intensely, hair physically can’t grow from them for quite some time. The duration of results from this procedure varies from person to person. Some individuals never see another hair grow again where they received the treatment, while others may need to return for touch-up or maintenance over time.
It is important to note that this treatment is effective only on hair follicles that are actively growing. This is known as the anagen stage. Not all of the hairs might be in this stage at the time of a laser hair reduction appointment, however. Because of the cyclical nature of hair growth, several treatments might be necessary to stifle all of the active follicles in a particular area—especially larger regions of the body.
Laser hair reduction works best on dark hair and light skin because the laser targets the hair’s melanin, more commonly known as the pigment. Lighter hair colors, such as blond and red, are less “visible” to the laser, so they are not as quickly or effectively destroyed. Darker skin tones have historically interfered with the laser’s effectiveness, but technological advances are making that less of an issue for this procedure today.
Am I a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Reduction?
Laser hair reduction is a great way to eliminate the tiresome need for shaving, tweezing, and waxing. It kills the hair at the root for long-lasting results and can be performed almost anywhere on the body. So how do you know if laser hair reduction is for you?
Pregnant women are not suitable candidates due to their fluctuating hormones, which may cause hyperpigmentation on the targeted area. Although there is no fixed age limit for a laser hair reduction treatment, we will be able to provide you with a consultation on what will best work for you. Patients who are prone to developing keloids or have tattoos in the area where they want hair removed should be prepared to discuss options during their consultation.
Preparation for Laser Hair Reduction
There are a few things patients should understand before a laser hair reduction session. You should not wax or tweeze the area that will be treated, and you should not apply any cream depilatories in the area. Anything that can damage the follicle prior to a treatment can reduce the treatment’s effectiveness.
Do not tan before the laser hair reduction session, since darkening pigment in the skin can cause the treatment to be less effective and may generate less satisfactory results.
Do not apply any skin care products in the area that is to be treated. This includes makeup, oils, moisturizers, deodorant, and perfumes.
We do recommend shaving before attending your session to prevent the laser from targeting hair above the skin, which can cause burns. A clean shave helps the laser directly target the follicles. If discomfort is a concern, you may take over-the-counter pain relievers before a treatment session to help minimize sensation during the process.
What Does Laser Hair Reduction Feel Like?
Ever felt a rubber band snap against your arm? That is a similar sensation to the laser hair reduction process. If that sounds like it might be painful, consider how waxing and tweezing feel—as well as the frequency at which those methods have to be done to maintain a hair-free surface. Suddenly a snap does not seem all that bad, right?
Despite that image, laser hair reduction is the second-most popular cosmetic procedure in the United States, second only to BOTOX® and other wrinkle-fighting injectables. Citizens of this country do not want hair where they do not want hair.
Trust the Experts
Our board-certified dermatologists will take the time necessary to understand your skincare goals, and present you with an array of options for amazing skin.
What Does Laser Hair Reduction Cost?
The number of laser hair reduction sessions necessary to effectively clear the desired region of hair will depend on which region or regions are being targeted. The best way to determine the overall scope and cost of treatment is to schedule a free consultation with our experts at the Western Dermatology Consultants spa.
A trained professional can assess the area to be treated, recommend the best options for moving forward, and estimate the number of treatments necessary for optimal results. It is essential to be clear and honest about the hoped-for final look, because a patient’s goals will definitely shape the final plan of action.
Contact Us
Albuquerque laser hair reduction and other laser treatments can make a massive difference to a person′s appearance. Find out more about these options by calling Western Dermatology Consultants at 505-855-9267. For a face-to-face meeting, set up a free consultation when you call or send in a request online.
Other Laser Treatments
Lasers are suitable for more than just hair removal. The Palomar laser is a skin resurfacing tool that reduces lines and wrinkles, evens out skin tone, and tightens the skin a bit. Western Dermatology Consultants also offers laser tattoo removal for anyone who wants to address unwanted ink.