woman getting hair removed around her lips laser hair removal

In an effort to look their best, many men and women are seeking an effective method of hair removal that does not involve shaving, plucking, or waxing and will not result in the acne-like appearance and discomfort of razor bumps. If you are looking for a way to clear your skin of unwanted hair, you should contact Brian D. Cohen, M.D. at his Manhattan or Great Neck office to get information about the benefits of laser hair removal. 

When administered by a highly qualified medical professional like Dr. Cohen, laser hair removal is a safe, effective treatment that will give you smooth skin, free of bristles and stubble. The treatment uses an intense beam of concentrated light to rid the chosen location of unwanted hair. As always with medical procedures, it is important that you follow Dr. Cohen’s directions precisely — before, during, and after treatment.

Preparation for Laser Hair Removal

Before the procedure, you should not shave the area. Prior to treatment, the esthetician will cleanse and numb the treatment area. Everyone in the room will wear eye protection while laser equipment is in use.

How Laser Hair Removal Works

During laser hair removal, we will use special equipment to direct a beam of light that will be absorbed by the melanin (pigment) in your hair. This light will then be converted to heat and will intentionally damage the hair follicles producing unwanted hairs. 

In this way, the laser hair treatment will impede future hair growth, giving you the clean, clear refreshed skin you desire. To avoid possible side effects after the procedure, follow Dr. Cohen’s instructions by avoiding direct sunlight and any indoor tanning equipment.

Laser hair removal is minimally uncomfortable. You may experience a slight snapping sensation in the skin while being treated and will see some swelling and redness (like a mild sunburn) afterward. A cool compress will alleviate both. Most patients return to normal activities immediately after treatment.

Laser Hair Removal Can Be Used Almost Anywhere on the Body

Common treatment areas are:

  • Upper lip
  • Chin and neck
  • Unibrow
  • Armpits
  • Legs
  • Bikini line
  • Back and shoulders

It can be used on any part of the body with unwanted hair with the notable exception of the eyelid and adjacent areas.

How long does a laser hair removal treatment take?

Because several hair follicles are affected by each pulse of the laser, an entire upper lip can be treated in less than a minute. Obviously, larger areas take longer; the back or legs, for example, may require a half hour of treatment. Still, overall, laser hair removal provides longer-lasting results than treatments that may seem quicker but have to be repeated frequently.

How long does a laser hair removal treatment last?

Initially, several treatments are necessary to obtain maximum benefit, and most patients will require maintenance sessions to remain hair-free. Nonetheless, most people will see a 10 to 25 percent reduction of hair after a single treatment. 

Generally, you will be completely free of unwanted hair after 2 to 6 sessions. You will find that as you continue your treatments, more and more hair will fall out, that hair will grow back much more slowly, and that the regrowth will be softer and sparser than your original hair. 

Although you will likely require maintenance treatments to keep the targeted area free of hair, you’ll find that once maximum results occur, depending on individual differences, the effects of laser treatment will remain for many months or even years.

Various Hair and Skin Colors React Differently

Laser hair removal is most effective for people who have light skin and dark hair, but it can be successfully used on all skin types. The goal of the treatment is for the laser to damage only the hair follicle and not the skin itself, so the best outcomes are typically achieved in patients with dark hair and light skin. 

Still, treatments are continually being developed that work better and better on hair that is blond, red, gray, and white, and, of course, Dr. Cohen keeps current with all-new, pertinent data.

Benefits of Laser Hair Removal

Compared to other methods of hair removal, this has the following advantages:

  • Precision  — the ability to selectively target dark, coarse hairs, leaving skin undamaged
  • Speed — each laser pulse takes only a fraction of a second
  • Efficiency — laser treatments result in long-lasting hair loss after just a few sessions
  • Safety — noninvasive, gentle laser treatment avoid razor burns & ingrown hairs
  • Timesaving in the long run — preventing the need for daily shaving or periodic waxing
  • No required downtime

Why You Should Come to Brian D. Cohen, M.D.

Like so many other cosmetic treatments, laser hair removal should be administered by an experienced, well-trained medical professional. Going to an inexperienced cosmetician for this treatment is risky. Without an expert at the helm, burns, permanent skin discoloration (darkening or lightening), and scars may occur. 

In addition, if not performed under sterile conditions, it can result in cold sores (herpes simplex) or bacterial infections. In any case, it should be noted those with tattoos on the treatment area or those with active skin lesions are not good candidates for laser hair removal.

Contact Long Island Surgeon Dr. Brian D. Cohen to Find Out If Laser Hair Removal Is Right for You

Easily accessible from the Nassau County and New York Metropolitan area, Dr. Cohen is well-respected not only for his medical and aesthetic expertise but for his warmth and empathy. If you are looking for the best hair removal treatment administered by the finest physician in the area, look no further. Dr. Cohen will treat you with the personal concern you deserve. Contact our office today!