One of life’s greatest hygienic challenges is dealing with unwanted hair. Many people find that constant shaving, plucking, and waxing is a tedious obligation and want to be free of it. A growing number of South Florida residents are turning to laser hair removal as a long-term hair removal method. During this treatment at Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery, with four convenient locations serving Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra, and St. Augustine, gentle laser energy disables the hair follicles, stopping them from producing hair.
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
A safe and proven technique, lasers are focused in a series of pulsating light beams to destroy hair follicles in areas of the body where hair growth is undesired. The procedure works by tightly focusing a laser beam that penetrates through the skin to blast the hair follicle, thus preventing it from being able to grow again.
Is Laser Hair Removal Right For Me?
Virtually painless and completely safe, laser hair removal is a very effective technique for nearly every area of the body. Many people choose laser hair removal for areas such as the bikini line, chest, legs, armpits, upper lip and other forms of facial hair.
Because the natural pigmentation in hair better absorbs the focused beams of light used in the procedure, individuals with fairer skin and darker, thicker hair will benefit most from the procedure. Unfortunately, individuals with very light, sparse “peach fuzz” tufts of hair cannot benefit from laser hair removal techniques. Due to its proven safety record, any healthy adult with the right kind of hair is a good candidate for the laser hair removal procedure.
How Does Pulse Light Work?
A carefully focused beam of light targets the hair follicles lying just underneath the skin. The coloring agents of the hair follicles then absorb the light and begin to overheat. As the follicles begin to heat up, the cells are then disabled, resulting in no new hair able to be produced.
The Benefits of Pulsed Light Hair Removal
- Safe and effective hair removal
- Permanent disruption of the follicles’ ability to grow new hair
- A rapid and virtually painless procedure
- Unwanted hair is destroyed before it can grow and become visible
- Less expensive in the long-run than shaving, plucking, and waxing
- Clears up ingrown hairs
- Mess free
What Are Pulse Light Hair Removal Treatments Like?
When the procedure begins, a trained technician will gently move the laser device over the area of the unwanted hair. Pulsed beams of focused light will enter through the skin, resulting in a sensation that is slightly uncomfortable but not painful, often equated to a “snapping” sensation.
What Body Areas Can Be Treated?
The laser hair removal technique is safe and effective for all areas of the body except for the area around the eyes. Unwanted hair on the back, legs, chest, upper lip, face, neck, underarms and the bikini line can all be removed with this technique.
What Do I Need to Do Before My Treatments Begin?
- Come in for a consultation to determine your needs, goals and desires.
- Avoid direct exposure to the sun or tanning booths for four to six weeks before undergoing laser hair removal.
- Do not wax, pluck or bleach the area to be treated for four weeks before undergoing laser hair removal.
What Should I Expect After Treatment?
- After the procedure is over, most people report feeling a sensation similar to a very mild sunburn.
- The treated areas will continue to grow hair for anywhere from seven to 30 days. Be aware that this is not new hair growing but your body expelling old hairs via the skin.
- Normally it takes several treatments for each area to achieve permanent hair removal.
How Long Is the Recovery After Laser Hair Removal?
Immediately after undergoing the procedure, it is normal to experience some redness and mild swelling. In the subsequent weeks, treated hair will begin falling out. Usually, it is recommended that a second treatment session is scheduled six weeks after the first procedure in order to destroy any hair follicles missed during the first round. Each subsequent session will result in more and more complete permanent hair removal.
How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost in Jacksonville?
Some health insurance providers offer coverage for laser hair removal, but most insurance companies consider the procedure to be an elective treatment and, thus, do not provide coverage. The total cost of your laser hair removal procedure will vary based on the size and density of the treated area. Most individuals require between four and eight treatments to ensure permanent hair removal from the targeted area. Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery accepts cash, checks and credit cards. Financing is also available.
Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery is the leading facial plastic surgery center on the First Coast. As a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, specializing solely in cosmetic facial procedures, Dr. Phillip Garcia provides his North Florida patients with exceptional skills and results that last. For more information on laser hair removal or to schedule a consultation at one of our four convenient locations in Jacksonville (Town Center), Julington Creek, Fleming Island or Palm Coast, please contact us today.
