Unwanted hair on your face or back? Tired of shaving your underarms or waxing your lip?

Laser hair removal may be the perfect long-term solution. Hair removal methods like tweezing, threading, and shaving offer only short-term benefits. At South Miami OB-GYN Associates, we use the LightSheer® DESIRE™ Light Laser Hair Removal Device to remove unwanted hair on your face or body. Equally effective on both men and women, this diode laser provides the optimal light wavelength for effectively removing unwanted hair without damaging your skin.

CALL FOR YOUR LASER APPOINTMENT TODAY

What Is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is the process of removing unwanted hair by administering a concentrated laser into the hair follicles. The laser emits light energy, which is absorbed by the hair’s pigment. The light energy converts to heat energy which ultimately destroys the hair follicles.

Laser hair removal is never a one-and-done. It often takes an average of six to eight treatments to see and enjoy favorable results.

The most common areas treated for laser hair removal include:

  • Underarms
  • Legs
  • Back
  • Bikini area
  • Areas on the face, like the upper lip and chin

At South Miami OB-GYN Associates, we have a special room dedicated for laser hair removal for both men and women in our Downtown Doral office. Depending on the area being lasered and the level of skin sensitivity, a numbing gel may be administered to the area beforehand. Our certified expert will then begin laser treatment which can take just a few minutes for a small area, like the upper lip, or more than an hour for a larger area, like your legs. 

What Are the Laser Hair Removal Benefits?

There are many laser hair removal benefits. Effective and safe, laser hair removal has both short-term and long-term advantages. After laser treatment, your hair in the treated areas may grow back, but the hair is finer and lighter. This can reduce your need to shave, wax or use other depilatory methods as frequently while improving cosmetic appearance right away. The long-term benefits are lasting results with no scars or painful side effects.

To get the maximum benefit from our laser hair removal service, schedule regular maintenance appointments after a series of treatments. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, most patients see a 10-25% reduction in hair growth over several days or weeks after their first treatment. The results of your laser hair removal service largely depend on your hair’s thickness, the area being treated, the number of treatments, and the color of your skin and hair.

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Are There Any Risks with Laser Hair Removal Treatment?

Laser hair treatment can be risky when it is performed by an inexperienced individual. To lower your risk, it is best to use a trained professional.

Any medical procedure holds the possibility of undesirable side effects. The most common risks include area swelling, redness, and general discomfort. If this occurs, it is usually minor and only lasts a few days.

In extreme and rare cases, additional side effects may develop. If any of these symptoms occur, you should tell your doctor right away and follow their instructions for treatment.

Rare side effects include:

  • Scarring
  • Infections
  • Pigment changes in the skin
  • Blistering in the affected area

Who Is a Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal treatment is available to anyone with unwanted or excessive hair growth. It used to be said that the procedure was less effective for those with lighter pigment, but technological advancements have improved that. Whether you have a certain condition or just want to improve your cosmetic appearance, laser hair removal can be an effective option.

Specific medical conditions improved by laser hair removal include:

  • Hypertrichosis: This refers to excessive hair growth anywhere on the body for both males and females.
  • Hirsutism: This is masculine-like hair growth in women. It’s identified by darker, coarse hair that grows on the face, chest, or back due to an excess of male hormones.

Are There Some People Who Shouldn’t Have Laser Hair Removal?

Most healthy adults can undergo laser hair removal treatment without any issues. However, there are some circumstances where the procedure should be avoided. You should talk to your OB-GYN to see if laser hair removal is right for you.

In general, you should avoid laser hair removal if:

  • You are taking certain medications 
  • You have or had skin cancer
  • You have genital herpes
  • You are prone to cold sores
  • You are pregnant

What Happens After Laser Hair Treatment?

After laser hair treatment, your skin may be red or a bit swollen. This is normal, and most patients return to their regular activities right away. However, you will want to take the utmost care to protect your skin after laser hair removal.

Here are some laser hair removal tips to protect your skin:

  • Avoid exposing the treated area(s) to direct sunlight
  • Avoid tanning beds, sun lamps, and any other indoor tanning equipment
  • Carefully follow the directions for post-treatment care

Tips for Getting the Most from Your Laser Hair Removal Treatment

A negative outcome can dampen anyone’s experience with laser hair removal. Here are some general laser hair removal tips you should follow before and after treatment to promote positive results:

  • Talk to your doctor about blood-thinning medications: Some medications should be avoided before laser hair removal. Be sure to talk with your doctor beforehand about any medications you are taking.
  • Shave the affected area before treatment: It is recommended that you shave the affected area before arriving for your laser hair removal. Doing so prevents hair above the skin from being burned by the laser while keeping the follicle intact for removal.
  • Avoid other hair treatment methods four weeks before: To ensure the hair follicle remains as intact as possible for laser hair removal, avoid plucking, electrolysis, or waxing at least four weeks before your appointment.
  • Avoid the sun after treatment: Take care to avoid direct sun exposure. Your skin is vulnerable to damage after laser hair removal, and any exposure may result in permanent skin lightening or darkening in the affected area.

 By following these tips, you should get the maximum benefit from your laser hair removal treatment.

Scheduling Your Laser Hair Removal Treatment

We are laser hair removal experts. If you’re new to laser hair removal treatments or exploring maintenance options, schedule your consultation with our trained professionals today.

Call 305.655.1133 to schedule your laser hair removal appointment today.