As the holiday season approaches many women are heading to their closets or their favourite shops in search of that perfect holiday cocktail dress. Smooth, hairless legs complete the look, but many women are sick of shaving, waxing or using hair removal creams. Laser hair removal is a nonsurgical procedure that can greatly reduce the appearance of hair on the skin’s surface permanently. To help you decide if laser hair removal might be right for you here is some information about the procedure and its results.
How does it work?
This procedure deactivates hair follicles in the skin, preventing hair from growing back. This is done using a low energy laser, which is carefully guided over the affected area (legs, armpits or face) ensuring that all hair follicles are properly treated. Before undergoing this nonsurgical procedures all patients must undergo a consultation with their board-certified surgeon of choice, who will outline the benefits and risks as well as other factors that may affect the procedure.
Will it hurt?
People undergoing this procedure typically experience very little pain, though some may experience discomfort. However, pain levels are influenced by a variety of factors including lifestyle, age and genetics. Discuss any concerns you have with your surgeon during your consultation.
How many treatments will I need?
Depending on the area you want targeted as well as your skin’s pigmentation levels and hair colour you may require frequent treatments in order to fully remove the hair and deactivate your hair follicles. Most patients see permanent results after they have undergone three to eight sessions. This is in part due to the fact that hair follicles need to fully grow before they can be removed effectively, so whatever patches are inactive during the first session may begin to grow after treatment. However, once all hair has been removed using the laser treatment the results are permanent.
What else do I need to know?
Before deciding to undergo this procedure all patients should ensure they thoroughly discuss the risks and their expectations with their surgeon. Consulting with a board-certified surgeon before making a decision ensures that your personal interests, lifestyle factors and any limitations have been properly accounted for. Your surgeon will be able to provide you with a more comprehensive overview regarding what you can expect from the procedure. Should you choose to have your procedure done by the Okanagan Skin Care Centre, which is partnered with Dr. Peterson, your procedure will be performed by a Registered Nurse with years of experience.
Dr. Brian Peterson is a board certified plastic surgeon based in Kelowna, British Columbia. His specialties include facial rejuvenation, body contouring, breast enhancement and non-surgical skin care. Contact Peterson MD at 250.868.9099 to book your consultation.
