Laser Hair Removal

Laser Hair Removal in Paradise Valley, Scottsdale and Phoenix, AZ

Laser hair removal is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the U.S. It is a medical procedure that uses a laser with an intense, pulsating beam of light, to remove unwanted hair. It beams highly concentrated light into hair follicles, which in turn, destroys the hair. Common treatment locations include legs, armpits, upper lip, chin, and bikini line. However, it’s possible to treat unwanted hair in nearly any area, with the exception of particularly laser-sensitive areas such as the eyelid and its surrounding area.

The precise nature of the laser allows it to selectively target dark, coarse hairs while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged. Each pulse of the laser takes a fraction of a second and can treat many hairs at the same time. Small areas such as the upper lip can be treated in minutes, while larger areas, such as the back or legs, can take up to an hour.

Laser hair removal is most effective for people who have light skin and dark hair because the laser beam targets the pigment (melanin) in the hair. However, advances in technology have made laser hair removal an option for people who have darker skin. There are alternative options, such as IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), for people with pale skin.

Why Get Laser Hair Removal?

If you’re not happy with having to shave, pluck, or wax to remove unwanted hair, laser hair removal may be an option worth considering. Since laser hair removal was approved for permanent hair reduction in the United States in 1997 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there have been tremendous advancements in the technology of the laser used, as well as the technique used by clinicians. The precision, speed, and predictability of the procedure have made it one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the United States.

Although laser hair removal is thought of as a cosmetic procedure, it also provides medical treatment to some hair-related conditions. Laser hair removal is an effective treatment for ingrown hairs or shaving bumps (pseudofolliculitis barbae). It is also been reported to be a helpful treatment for pilonidal cysts since the laser eliminates the ingrown hairs that produce the reactions in this disorder.

What to Expect:

After the procedure is completed you might notice redness and swelling for the first few hours after laser hair removal. To reduce any discomfort, apply ice to the treated area. For a day or two afterward, the treated area of your skin will look and feel like it’s sunburned. Ice packs and moisturizers may help relieve the symptoms. Blisters are rare but are more likely in people with darker skin. Although they rarely occur, other potential side effects are swelling, redness, and scarring. Over the next month, the hair in the area targeted in the procedure will fall out. It is important to wear sunscreen to help prevent temporary changes in the color of the treated skin. Ninety percent of patients report permanent hair loss in the target areas after an average of three to five sessions.

If you are interested in removing hair via a laser hair removal procedure offered at DeVito Plastic Surgery Center in Scottsdale

Call our office at

480.889.3000