Laser Hair Removal

In pursuit of smooth skin and a flawless complexion, laser hair removal is a welcome technology. There now exists a gentle, safe and effective means for the removal of unwanted hair for both women and men. A careful choice of technologies for this procedure and a facility dedicated to laser treatments will ensure a great outcome.
Laser Hair Removal works by selectively concentrating light energy in the hair follicle, leaving the surrounding skin unchanged. This comfortable procedure can be performed in as little as 15 to 30 minutes and you can return to regular activity immediately following. Laser hair removal can be performed on any area of the face or body and is faster and easier than other methods of hair removal. A series of treatments are provided at 4-8 week intervals to achieve treatment goals.

At Awesome Aesthetics we use several different hair removal systems, each of which are FDA approved. In this way we are able to tailor a program specific to your needs, independent of your skin color. This is a unique advantage that Awesome Aesthetics has and is one of the reasons Awesome Aesthetics has so many satisfied patients. Each laser has its unique advantages and it is not uncommon for us to use several different hair removal lasers during a treatment series. For more information on this subject, see section, types of laser hair removal devices.
Laser hair removal is performed throughout the day, on each and every day at Awesome Aesthetics. This is not an ancillary procedure grafted on to a family practice, gynecology or dermatology office as seen elsewhere. It is one of the cornerstones of our advanced cosmetic laser center. At Awesome Aesthetics, laser hair removal is only performed by physician and Laser Technicians who are quite experienced with the process.
All hair removal procedures at Awesome Aesthetics are preceded by a complimentary consultation with the Physician, offering you the opportunity to learn more about these exciting procedures and to ask questions. See consult checklist for more details. We reserve time to be able to perform the first treatment on the day of consultation.
Sun and indoor tanning as well as the use of self tanners should be avoided before the procedure. For best effectiveness, plucking, waxing and bleaching should be avoided for 1-2 weeks before the treatment. There is no need to let hair grow long before the treatment. Shaving or clipping is fine and it should be performed one day prior or in the morning of the day of the procedure.

Awesome Aesthetics's Laser Hair Removal Technologies

GentleLase
GentleYag

How does laser hair removal work?

Laser and light sources produce a bright beam of light that is preferentially absorbed by melanin (the pigment in hair) and causes damage to the hair shaft and follicle without damaging the surrounding tissue. The dark terminal hair is either removed or replaced with a vellus (fine, light colored hair).

Who is a candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

Because the physicians of Awesome Aesthetics utilize several hair removal lasers, we are able to treat patients with all skin types, even those with the darkest skin. The determination of skin type is made using the Fitzpatrick classification chart, a copy of which is available through this link. It is helpful to bring a completed copy of the chart to be discussed at time of consultation. All areas of the body can be treated. Laser hair removal is very popular with men as well as women. Learn more about laser hair removal for men.

What are the advantages of laser hair removal compared to other methods?

Whereas shaving, tweezing, depilatories and waxing are all temporary, laser hair removal offers a permanent method to remove unwanted hair. Side effects of waxing include the potential for allergic reactions, burns, ingrown hairs and scarring. Waxing can also be quite painful. Depilatories can cause skin irritation and burns and must be performed weekly. Plucking and tweezing are impractical for large areas, can be painful and may lead to pigmentation problems and scarring, especially in patients with darker skin. For more information, see alternatives to laser hair removal.

How many laser treatments does it take?

Depending on the density of hair, hair color and hormonal factors, the number of treatments required varies from 4-8, spaced 4-6 weeks apart for the face and 6-8 weeks apart for the torso and legs. With each treatment there is a cumulative damage to the hair follicle and this results in a progressive reduction in the number and diameter of the hairs regrowing. There are also several stages of hair growth and hairs in the active growth phase are more responsive to the laser. Both of these facts explain why multiple treatment sessions are required. For more information, see hair growth cycles.

Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?

The FDA has cleared Lasers for permanent reduction of unwanted hair and the results are excellent. Though no one can guarantee complete and permanent removal of unwanted hair, we can assure you that laser hair removal is the most advanced and effective procedure today and patients are extremely content with the results.
The ideal candidate is a patient with light skin and coarse, dark hair but due to recent developments and the latest technology we can achieve great results in patients with darker skin as well. For these patients, specialized lasers must be utilized, the most advanced of which is the GentleYag Nd:Yag laser.

Does laser hair removal hurt?

Laser hair removal is tolerated quite well. Patients describe the sensation to be similar to the snap of a warm rubber band. The two most popular hair removal devices at Awesome Aesthetics are the Gentlelase and GentleYag lasers. Both of these lasers use a cool, cryogen spray which precedes the laser pulse, pre-cooling the skin and making the treatment comfortable.
Patients can elect to use topical anesthetic cream if they desire. One example is called Elamax or BLT topical anesthetics. It is most effective when applied 30-40 minutes prior to the procedure. (See section below)

What are the possible side effects?

Permanent complications are quite rare from Laser hair removal. Temporary skin darkening (hyperpigmentation) can occur, especially in those with darker skin tones and those with tanned skin, but this side effect is uncommon if specialized lasers for darker skin are utilized. Make sure the physician is using one of these lasers if you meet these criteria. Hypopigmentation (lightening of skin color) is a rare complication of laser hair removal and would be more common if tanned skin was treated with a non-specialized laser. The risk of scarring with Laser or Light Source Hair Removal is quite rare. The more experienced the physician who is performing the procedure, the safer it is. Beware of physicians who ‘dabble’ and provide laser hair removal in a gynecology or family practice office on a sporadic basis.

What areas of the body can be treated?

All areas of the body, including face, neck, underarms, bikini line, legs, back and ears can be treated. Eyebrows should not be shaped with the laser but the area in between the eyebrows can be treated. To learn more, see laser hair removal treatment areas.

How will I look and care for the treated area?

Immediately after the procedure, the treated area may appear minimally red in color. This reaction generally subsides within minutes to hours. Ice compresses can hasten the resolution of the redness, if necessary. It is not necessary to put antibacterial cream on after the procedure. Sun avoidance is advised after laser hair removal.

What can be done for patients with light blond, silver or grey hair? Does laser hair removal treat ingrown hairs?

Laser hair removal (photoepilation) is not effective for individuals with light blond, grey or silver hair. Laser Hair Removal is very effective for problematic ingrown hairs.

Does hair need to be long to perform Laser Hair Removal?

No. It is preferable for hair to be short, no more than 1-2 mm (1-2 days growth) at the time of the procedure. Hair can be clipped or shaved prior to the treatment but waxing or plucking is avoided for 1-2 weeks prior to the treatment to enhance effectiveness. It is essential that back hair be shaved one to two days prior to treatment.

Are there different types of systems used for hair removal?

There are several types of systems used for hair removal including the alexandrite, diode and ND/YAG lasers, as well as the intense pulsed light systems. Several companies make lasers and the lasers vary in terms of cooling methods, treatment spot sizes and also comfort and treatment times. Be sure to ask about specifics of the laser or light system that will be utilized for treatment. A facility should OWN several systems so they can tailor a treatment plan specific to your needs. Beware of physicians who rent lasers, for any purpose. This is a red flag that suggests a lack of commitment to the field and lack of expertise. For more information types of laser hair removal technologies.

What areas do men regularly treat?

Many men come for laser hair removal. The back and shoulders are the most common area of treatment, though they also treat the chest, abdomen, ears and neck. It is important for men to have their back shaved either the day prior to, or the morning of the treatment. The goal of therapy for some guys is to thin the hair out, rahter than to remove all the hair. The wide array of hair removal lasers at Awesome Aesthetics works well for a man's back as it is not uncommon for us to use several different lasers during a man's treatment program. Learn more about laser hair removal for men.

What are the medical issues that may cause excessive hair growth?

Excessive hair growth may be caused by abnormal male type hormone levels (androgens) and though other symptoms like abnormal periods and acne might be present, sometimes they are not.

Why choose Awesome Aesthetics for Laser Hair Removal?

Aesthetic and laser medicine is the only focus at Awesome Aesthetics and at our facilities, only physicians and Laser Technicians operate the lasers. We begin the process of laser hair removal with a complimentary consultation and encourage patients to ask questions. For a list of questions to ask during a consultation, see consultation checklist. We want the experience at Awesome Aesthetics to be as enjoyable as the outcome of the treatment. Our warm, caring and knowledgeable staff and the luxurious environment at Awesome Aesthetics help support this goal. Because we have multiple, state of the art hair removal systems, we are able to tailor a quality program specific to your needs. This is in sharp contrast to the majority of facilities offering laser hair removal that rely on only one system to treat all patients.
The physicians and Laser Technicians of Awesome Aesthetics utilize the most advanced technology available and own all the equipment they utilize. Our approach to laser hair removal is intense, yet methodical. We have performed over 10,000 treatments to date.
Beware of facilities who offer laser hair removal as an ancillary service and not the focus of their facility. Whether this is a family practice, an urgent care center or a gynecology office, you may not only be compromising the results, but your safety as well.
Medical causes and treatment of excessive hair growth

Medical causes and treatment of excessive hair growth

Excessive hair growth or hirsutism can cause a great deal of distress for women. It may be associated with infertility or irregular periods with abnormal ovulation, but many times it occurs with no symptoms.
Excessive hair growth or hirsutism is different than a term called virilization. That term includes hirsutism, but also includes the development of other masculine features such as receding hairline and deepening of the voice. Almost always, virilization in a female is caused by very high levels of male hormones such as testosterone, whereas hirsutism may be associated more with milder elevation or even normal levels of testosterone.

Excess hair and hormones

The number of hairs per unit of skin is determined by heredity and ethnic back ground. There are two types of hairs: vellus hairs - short, fine light hairs that have not responded to hormones and terminal hairs - long, coarse and pigmented hairs responsive to hormones. Hypertrichosis refers to having a lot of hairs all over the body and this is common in certain ethnic groups, such as women of Mediterranean descent. This hair pattern is more generalized than hirsutism, which presents are excess hair growth in areas of face such as sideburns, lip, chin, neck, etc.
Excess androgen hormones make terminal hairs heavier and thicker. Sometimes they can also make the fine vellus hairs convert to terminal hairs. Once the vellus hairs convert, lowering the hormonal levels will not make them go back to fine, vellus hairs. Once that happens, removal of the entire hair by laser hair removal is generally required.
From 25-40% of patients with hirsutism are thought to have excess androgens from both the adrenal gland and ovary, i.e., a mixed source.. Ingested sources of androgenic substances can also cause excess hair growth. This can come from supplements such as DHEA, birth control pills, and even poorly conceived nutritional supplements used to treat menopause, PMS, fatigue etc.
Medications such as Estratest®, danazol, anabolic steroids in some of the body building supplements and even some birth control pills containing norgestrel (e.g., Lo-Ovral®, Ovrette®) can cause increased hair growth. Even when testosterone cream is used on the vulva for certain vulvar skin conditions, there can be absorption into the blood stream which stimulates hair growth.
Other causes include increased androgen sensitivity in hair follicles from: drugs (phenytoin (Dilantin®), streptomycin, hexachlorobenzene, penicillamine and diazoxide), congenital disease states (porphyria , epidermolysis bullosa, Hurler's syndrome, trisomy E, congenital macrogingivae and Cornelia de Lange's syndrome), acquired disease states (malnutrition due to infection or malabsorption, hypothyroidism, dermatomyositis, anorexia nervosa and head injury) and familial hypertichosis.
The sebaceous glands are even more sensitive than hair follicles to androgens (male hormones). Over stimulation of the sebaceous gland results in acne.

What lab studies or hormonal tests are needed to diagnose the cause of hirsutism?

Doctors usually order blood levels of testosterone, to check out an ovarian source and DHEA-S to check out an adrenal source of excess androgens. If both studies show levels in normal range, treatment is directed toward reducing the available androgens in blood circulation. If the testosterone is over 200 ng/dL an ovarian ultrasound is used to look for a functioning ovarian tumor. If DHEA-S is over 700 mcgm/dL, an MRI is ordered to rule out and adrenal tumor. If the DHEA-S is between 500 - 700 mcgm/dL, then further endocrine testing is needed to rule out adrenal hyperfunction such as hyperplasia.
Two other hormonal tests, prolactin and 17-OH progesterone may also be ordered especially if the excess hair growth has been present since puberty, there is a strong family history of hirsutism, ethnic background is Ashkenazi Jewish, a woman is shorter than other family members or there is evidence of defeminization such as a decrease in breast size. These risk factors can be associated with genetic causes of adrenal hirsutism that do not always result in elevated DHEA-S levels.

What can be done to decrease excess hair growth?

The treatment to decrease hair growth depends, of course, on what the cause is. If a tumor of the ovary or adrenal gland is found, it should be surgically removed. If there is just hyperfunction of the ovary or adrenal gland, then hormonal suppression of that hyperfunction is the treatment of choice. For ovarian hyperfunction, birth control pills or any regimen that blocks ovulation is used. For adrenal hyperfunction, dexamethasone is often used to block the excess androgen secretion. If there is ingestion or application of exogenous androgens, they should be stopped or at least lowered in dose.
The majority of the cases and sometimes the most difficult treatment situation is when the androgens are at normal blood levels. In this case treatment is directed at reducing more potent androgens (DHT) or decreasing the available free androgens. The former may be treated with inhibitors of the testosterone conversion to DHT such as flutamide. Even the herbal remedy, saw palmetto, may be useful in this regard. Estrogens in birth control pills or menopausal supplemental levels are used to increase SHBG. Finally, spironolactone, a diuretic, has some usefulness in treating hirsutism. It inhibits some enzymes important in androgen synthesis and directly competes at the level of the androgen receptor in the hair cell to block testosterone or DHT. Low dose oral contraceptives and spironolactone at 100-200mg per day are often prescribed together for hirsutism if there is no evidence of an independent source of elevated androgens.

The Fitzpatrick Skin Chart

In the laser hair removal community, skin types are often discussed in terms of the “Fitzpatrick Chart,” a classification system based on the skin’s response to sun exposure. It’s helpful to know what type you are, and compare it to your hair type, in order to determine how effective laser hair removal will be for you. But keep in mind that there are exceptions to every rule, and the only proven way to determine your candidacy is through a personal consultation with a laser hair removal specialist.

TYPE I: Highly sun-sensitive, always burns, never tans.
Example: Very pale Caucasian, freckles, or Albino
TYPE II: Very sun-sensitive, burns easily, tans minimally.
Example: Fair-skinned Caucasian
TYPE III: Sun-sensitive skin, sometimes burns, slowly tans to light brown.
Example: Darker Caucasian, European mix
TYPE IV: Minimally sun-sensitive, rarely burns, always tans to moderate brown.
Example: Mediterranean, European, Asian, Hispanic, Native American
TYPE V: Sun-insensitive skin, rarely burns, tans well.
Example: Hispanic, Afro-American, Middle Eastern
TYPE VI: Sun-insensitive, never burns, deeply pigmented.
Example: Afro-American, African, Middle Eastern

Laser Type

Alexandrite
GentleLase, mini gentlelase, Skin Types 1-4
This laser is extremely quick and is one of the most widely used lasers on the market today. It works best on skin types 1-3. Should not be used in setting of a tan.

Nd:Yag
GentleYag Skin Types 1-6 (ideal for 4-6)
This is considered by many experts to be the gold standard for the treatment of dark skin.
If you’re a Type 5-6, we recommend attending a consultation with a center that utilizes the Yag laser hair removal system.

Laser Hair Removal for Men

For many years men sat idle, wishing they could do things to improve their appearance, while their female counterparts happily went for treatments. This is no longer the case. There has been an explosion in the number of guys having aesthetic treatments today and laser hair removal is one of the most popular treatments.
Unwanted hair is often a big concern for men, making them quite self conscious. Some men refrain from certain activities such as swimming and others even avoid dating due to a fear of embarrassment.
Common areas for laser hair removal in men include the back, shoulders, upper arms, chest, abdomen, buttock and feet. For these areas, we strongly suggest having the area shaved the day before treatment and leaving no more than stubble. Waxing should be avoided for two weeks prior to treatment. For men blessed with dense hair on the back and shoulders, we will perform the treatment in such a manner to give you a completely natural, hairless look in the region.

During the 6-8 week interval between treatments guys can shave their back if hair grows, but waxing is not allowed. Tanning is not recommended during the treatment phase, but if someone has a mild tan we will use a specialized laser called the GentleYag which is the preferred hair removal laser in this circumstance.
Men routinely comment about how wonderful the overall experience at Awesome Aesthetics was and how comfortable they felt. Many guys first come in for laser hair removal and then proceed to do other treatments as well.
Pretty much all the wonderful things we do for woman can be used for men too, including Botox cosmetic, dermal fillers and lasers. Skin rejuvenation is especially popular with men, as they welcome the opportunity to look younger and feel better. Aesthetic treatments can give guys an edge in the workplace and in the dating seen, too. Either way, things that makes you feel better about the way you look outside positively affect the way you feel inside.