Laser Hair Removal
If you are considering laser hair removal in, it makes sense to choose a practice that specializes in skin care. At Foothills Dermatology, laser hair removal is one of the many advanced cosmetic dermatology treatments we offer our patients from the greater Tucson, Arizona area including Green Valley, Sierra Vista, Sahuarita, and other nearby communities. It is popular with women and men of all ages who are looking for greater convenience and less time spent waxing, plucking, and shaving.
Treatment Areas
We can use laser hair removal to treat unwanted hair on most areas, including:
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Face, including between the eyebrows, upper lip, and chin
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Arms and underarms
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Legs
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Bikini area
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Shoulders and back
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How Laser Hair Removal Works
This advanced treatment uses laser energy to heat up pigment in active hair follicles without damaging surrounding skin. The focused heat disables hair follicles, making them unable to produce hair. Our practice uses a Vectus laser for hair removal because of its highly targeted wavelength and ability to treat even minimally pigmented hair colors and all skin types.
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Laser Hair Removal Treatments
Our certified aesthetician, who is also a certified medical laser technician, performs laser hair removal as an in-office treatment. The length of treatment time depends on the size and number of areas being treated as well as the density of hair. After cleansing and shaving the area, a topical anesthetic cream is applied for enhanced comfort and allowed to take effect for about an hour. The skin is cleansed again, and a cooling gel is applied. Quick pulses of light are emitted as the handpiece is slowly run over targeted areas.
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How Many Treatments Are Needed for Laser Hair Removal?
Multiple treatments, spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart, are often required to optimize and maintain the benefits. With a series of treatments, hair growth will diminish and remaining hairs will be finer.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to have a laser hair removal treatment?
There are 3 stages of hair growth: anagen, catogen and telogen. When your hair follicles are in the anagen stage, they contain more pigment, thus making the follicle more susceptible to laser treatment. It is best to treat hair follicles when they are in the anagen stage. Since hair follicles will be at different growth stages, patients will need a series of treatments so that all hairs can be treated during the anagen growth stage.
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What can I do to prepare for a laser hair removal treatment?
It’s important to shave – not pluck – the targeted hair a day or 2 before treatment. Leaving the shaved hair in the follicles maximizes the amount of pigment while avoiding burns from hair left on the surface of the skin.
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Is laser hair removal painful?
The laser hair removal procedure is not painful, particularly when compared to waxing or electrolysis. A numbing agent is also applied prior to treatment to maximize comfort.
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What can I expect after a laser hair removal treatment?
After a laser hair removal treatment, you can carry on with your day’s activities. Some people may experience temporary reddening or mild swelling surrounding the area where the hairs were treated. Keep the treatment area clean with a mild soap as necessary. New hairs will appear in the treatment area but the number of new hairs will diminish as more treatments are administered. You’ll be advised to refrain from tanning and exercise for the first day after each treatment.
