Laser Hair Removal

Consultations offered at our four convenient locations in Edison, Marlboro, Warren and West Orange, NJ

Laser Hair Removal

Plastic Surgeons Serving Edison, Marlboro, Warren, And West Orange, New Jersey

At Associates in Plastic Surgery in New Jersey, we have one of the most comprehensive treatment programs for removing hair. Unwanted hair growth used to be difficult to treat and involved messy creams, plucking, painful waxing, or electric current (electrolysis).

However, the laser has revolutionized the process of hair removal by eliminating hair in a safe, quick, and effective manner. For our patients from Edison, Marlboro, Warren, West Orange and beyond, laser hair removal is the ideal option for long-term hair reduction.1

How it works

Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that works by selectively targeting the hair follicle. During this procedure, the laser emits a light that is absorbed by the melanin (pigment) in the hair.

When this laser light energy is converted to heat, the hair follicles in the active growth phase are destroyed, and the surrounding skin is left unaffected.2

At Associates in Plastic Surgery, we use a number of different laser hair removal machines to ensure each client achieves optimal results. Laser technology we employ includes:

The Palomar MediLux

Works well for patients of all skin types and skin tones. The treatment area is large so many hair follicles can be treated at once, shortening the procedure. The Palomar Medilux also has a handpiece that safely treats darker skin.

The Medlite

The Medlite is an Nd:YAG laser that is even safer for dark skin. Patients with darker skin tones as well as those prone to significant pigment abnormalities can achieve a nice result with minimal risk of complications.

The GentleLASE

This Alexandrite laser gives excellent results, especially to people of lighter skin types.

The procedure is easy to go through – the skin is cooled, and the machine goes over the desired area. A slight amount of redness may be present for a couple of hours, but the patient can resume normal activity right away.

Preparing

The first step in laser hair removal is to have a private consultation with one of our skilled providers. For most patients, this takes place on the same day as treatment. During this appointment, you will relate your hair removal goals and the practitioner will determine whether you are a good candidate for laser hair removal.

Before your laser treatment, please do not shave or wax the treatment area. The hair must be clipped or shaved for treatment to be effective. If the hair has been waxed or plucked, then no pigment will be available to concentrate the heat and destroy the hair follicle. Additionally, please stop using exfoliating products for one week before your treatment session. Avoid sun exposure and tanning and discontinue use of sunless tanners for at least four weeks before laser hair removal.

Procedure

Before laser treatment begins, your practitioner will apply an anesthetic cream to numb your skin and help you stay comfortable. Next, the laser will be guided over the treatment area to destroy hair follicles without damaging surrounding skin. You may experience some mild stinging and feel some warmth, but treatment is not painful.

Recovery

Following laser hair removal, you may experience temporary redness, swelling, and irritation of the treated area. These side effects will resolve naturally within a few hours. Now downtime is required after laser hair removal; you can get back to your normal activities right away.

Contact

CoolSculpting Elite

For more information about the multiple applications of this non-invasive facial rejuvenation treatment, please contact Associates in Plastic Surgery online or dial 732-548-3200 to arrange a consultation.

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FAQs

Who Is A Good Candidate For Laser Hair Removal?

The type of skin, skin color, and hair color are important factors in laser hair removal. The ideal candidate has light skin and dark hair. The highest settings can be used in these patients. In patients with dark skin, we have additional machines to treat them while still protecting the skin.
The presence and type of hair is important as well; light-colored hair is difficult to treat consistently. Various technological advances claim to treat light colored hair, but nothing has been consistent yet.

How Many Laser Hair Removal Treatments Will I Need?

Because not all hairs grow on the same growth cycle, multiple sessions will ensure that all your unwanted hair is eliminated.
On average, five treatments are needed for the face, with four weeks between treatments, and three or four sessions are needed for the body, with six to eight weeks between sessions.

Does Laser Treatment Lead To Permanent Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is the best option for long-term results, but new body hair may still grow back. After the initial sessions, only an occasional touch-up procedure is necessary to treat any remaining hairs or new hair growth.

Is Laser Hair Removal Painful?

No. Before treatment, your skin will be numbed with an anesthetic cream to ensure your comfort. Patients do report a temporary, mild stinging sensation, but pain should not be part of your laser hair removal experience.

What Areas Of The Body Can Be Treated With Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal can be applied to just about any area where body hair is not desired. The most common treatment areas include the legs, underarms, chest, back, arms, bikini area, upper lip, and face.

Can I Treat Ingrown Hairs With Laser Hair Removal?

Yes. Because laser treatment kills hair follicles at the root, this is an excellent treatment for ingrown hairs.

References

  1. STAT Pearls Publishing. Laser hair removal. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507861/. Accessed July 6, 2022.
  2. Mayo Clinic. Laser hair removal. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/laser-hair-removal/about/pac-20394555. Accessed July 6, 2022.