Areas of the Body Targeted with Laser Hair Removal

Now that summer is in full swing, you are almost ready to wear that new bathing suit so you can dive into the pool, splash around in the river or lake, or surf the ocean waves at the beach. You’ve worked hard all through the winter and spring to get your body into good shape. Of course, you will want to try on that bikini one final time before the big reveal. Unfortunately, that’s when you notice that while the bathing suit fits, you still need to get rid of excess body hair before you feel completely comfortable showing off that new bathing suit and any other body baring fashions that come along with summer.

You may have heard about laser hair removal from somebody you know who has tried it or read about it online. How exactly does laser hair removal work, and what areas of the body can it safely treat? Our staff at Jefferson Plastic Surgery and deme cosmetic, our Dental-Medical collaborative, in Philadelphia, PA has a great deal of experience performing laser hair removal treatments and can answer all your questions about the procedure.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

A low-energy laser is used in the area for hair removal by directing pulses of light at the pigments in the hair follicles, which control the growth. The laser pulses damage the follicle, preventing new hair growth. The hair is trimmed to just a few millimeters above the skin prior to the procedure, so it is important to not pluck or shave just before a laser hair removal treatment. Instead, let the hair grow in a bit in order to get the best results. Cold packs or cooling gel are applied to the skin to decrease discomfort during the hair removal process.

Because your hair grows in cycles, it may take several treatments to completely inhibit growth in the area targeted for removal of hair.

Which Areas of the Body Are Best for Laser Hair Removal?

Generally speaking, almost any part of the body can be treated with lasers to remove unwanted hair. This can include the upper and lower lip, chin, underarms, chest, arms, bikini area, and legs. That being said, however, some parts of the body are better targets than others. For example, our staff would not recommend laser treatment to remove hair around the eyes, simply because of the increased risk of eye damage, even with the protective goggles that we provide for all of our patients.

You should also keep in mind the size of the area you want to treat. The laser can treat an area approximately the size of a quarter every second. If you are only treating a small area, such as the upper or lower lip, it will be a short session. On the other hand, an area such as the back will take considerably longer.

Now that you’ve gotten your body in shape for that new bathing suit, removing unwanted body hair is just the finishing touch on looking fabulous for summer. You will be able to show off how great you look and feel with complete confidence.