Laser Hair Removal in Raleigh NC

Almost everyone has unwanted hair somewhere on their body. Unfortunately, traditional hair removal routines can be tedious, painful and expensive over time. Shaving may last a day, waxing a couple of weeks, but none of them last forever – and therein lies the true beauty of laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal removes unwanted hair with unsurpassed efficacy and client comfort. That’s because its revolutionary technology combines two optimal wavelengths in one system: the 755-nm Alexandrite laser and the 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser.

To eliminate hair, the laser emits gentle pulses of energy that pass through the skin to the hair follicle. This energy is then absorbed into the hair follicle to destroy it so that is unlikely to grow there again.

Laser hair removal can be applied to all areas of the body and on all types of skin (even tanned or dark skin).

The laser treatment causes only minimal discomfort. No local anesthesia or pain medication is typically required; however some patients may prefer to use a topical anesthetic when sensitive areas are treated. Patients often say it feels similar to the snap of a rubber band. Slight redness or localized swelling similar to a sunburn can occasionally occur, but this usually subsides within the first 24 hours after treatment. In rare instances, blistering may occur. Three to seven days after treatment you may experience what seems to be regrowth of hair. Most of these hairs are being shed as a result of your treatment and are not regrowing. Between treatments you should not wax or pluck your hair, but it is permissible to shave.

Typically patients will see results in 4 – 6 treatments, though this number will vary based upon skin tone, hair color and several other factors. Interestingly, not all hairs are actively growing at the same time and actually go through three distinct phases: growth, regression, and resting. Laser hair removal treatments work by disabling the hair that is principally in the active growth phase at the time of treatment. Since other hairs will enter this active growth phase at different times, multiple treatments are necessary to disable all of the hair follicles in a given area. The doctor or clinical skincare specialist will talk to you about variables that may affect your individual results.

***ASK ABOUT PRO-NOX to make your experience more comfortable and stress free!

Our practice is pleased to offer you this proven analgesia option, Pro-Nox! So you can manage your pain and anxiety during your medical procedure. 

The Pro-Nox is a 50% Oxygen and 50% Nitrous analgesia mixture which enables you the patient to self-administer it through a specially designed on-demand valve that only delivers the medical gases when you breath in and need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the laser remove hair?

The laser emits a beam of light that is attracted to the pigment or melanin in the hair follicle that is in an active growing cycle. Pre-determined pulse duration and energy settings are directed at and absorbed by the hair follicles, disabling the growth of the follicles, resulting in quick, safe, and effective hair removal.

What is the advantage of using a laser?

Lasers are precise instruments that can be adjusted to the exact parameters that will specifically disable the hair follicle. The laser uses a wide beam that treats many hairs at once instead of treating hair-by-hair like electrolysis. Because of this, large areas such as your legs, arms, or back can be treated in a short period of time. You will see results that last far longer than tweezing, waxing, shaving, chemical depilation, or other temporary methods.

What does the laser treatment feel like?

The treatment does have a slight prickly or stinging sensation. Most of our clients are able to tolerate the treatment without difficulty. However, since every person’s level of sensitivity is different and treatment areas may vary, a topical numbing cream is available.

What happens to the skin after laser treatment?

Reddening of the skin is the desired reaction. The redness usually subsides within a few minutes to a few hours and returns to normal. Since the laser is not invasive in any way, no bandages are necessary. You are able to re-apply your make-up, return to work, and continue with your normal daily activities immediately following treatment.

How many laser treatments will I need?

It has been our experience that most of our patients are able to discontinue treatments, knowing they will probably need an occasional touchup, after an average of 5-6 treatments, providing that the recommended treatment schedule is followed. It is also important to understand that results may vary depending on the individuals hair type, their stress levels, certain medications and different hormone levels. Keep in mind some individuals will require fewer treatments and some will require more treatments depending on the results desired.

Is laser hair removal permanent?

The FDA has cleared laser hair removal, regardless of the laser, for “Permanent Hair Reduction” only. Based on our experience we believe that the hair treated will probably not re-grow. Each individual’s treatment response may be different because of their hair or skin type and given that there are between 500 and 1000 follicles per square cm, of which many are dormant at the time of treatment, we have no way of knowing if and when they may start growing due to stress levels, certain medications and different hormone levels.

What to expect after laser treatment:

After your initial treatment, you should enjoy a significant reduction of hair. However, it will take 2-4 weeks for the treated hair to push its way to the surface and fall out. With each treatment, the hair in the active growing phase will be effectively treated. A follow up appointment is scheduled 4-8 weeks after each treatment. With that in mind, remember the importance of maintaining your follow up appointments.

What if I have gray, white, blonde, red or light fine hair?

Since the laser is attracted to the pigment in the hair follicle, these hair colors may not have enough pigment to be successfully treated with the laser. If this applies to you, we may want to try a test spot to see if your hair responds to the laser.