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Expert Laser Hair Removal Customized for Your Skin

At Leong Facial Plastic Surgery, laser hair removal is done by our nurses, who have a combined 15+ years of experience in the cosmetic industry. Each laser hair treatment will be customized, depending on your skin type and how your skin reacts to each treatment. Dr. Leong also personally reviews all laser treatment plans and settings to ensure that you receive optimal results.

How does laser hair removal work?

Laser hair removal is a process that involves emitting laser beams directly into the skin. The heat from these Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) beams permanently damages hair follicles and prevents future growth (without damaging the skin itself). This intense pulsed light treatment works by locking on to dark hair follicles, meaning that patients with blonde, red, or gray colored hair will not be ideal candidates for the procedure.

As hair grows in a number of cycles, it is recommended that patients undergo a total of six laser hair removal sessions in order to make sure that all of the hair in the targeted area is removed. These treatments should be performed at 4 to 8-week intervals for best results. It is also recommended that patients undergo these treatments in the Fall or Winter seasons, as there is less likelihood of patients experiencing sun damage.

Before & After Laser Hair Removal

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Why Should I Get Laser Hair Removal in Pittsburgh?

In recent years, laser hair removal has grown in popularity as an alternative to traditional hair removal techniques, such as shaving, waxing, plucking, and others. The procedure is more convenient than waxing, it involves no chemicals that burn the skin, and it’s less time-consuming than having to shave every few days.

It is championed by patients for its various benefits, including:

  • A long-term solution to excess hair
  • Easy maintenance (annual touch-ups are recommended but not necessary)
  • Minimal side effects
  • A quick procedure
  • Elimination of ingrown hairs
  • Less painful than waxing, teasing, and threading
  • A safe, precise procedure
  • Improves skin quality in the treatment area

How Many Treatments will I Need?

Each patient is unique and will require a different number of sessions to fulfill their hair removal goals. In general, clients may need anywhere from 2-6 sessions to comprehensively clear the skin of unwanted hair.

After the first session, there is a 10-25% reduction in hair. With each subsequent treatment, more hair falls out and less returns. The hairs that do grow back are thinner and slower to appear. It is safe to undergo laser hair removal every 4-8 weeks.

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Am I a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

The ideal laser hair removal candidate is a man or woman with light skin and dark hair who wants to reduce hair and has realistic treatment expectations. The Palomar Starlux 500 R hand piece is not recommended for dark ethnic skin types due to risks of hyperpigmentation. Since the intense pulsed light seeks out pigment, it may inadvertently damage and lighten darker skin.

You may be a good candidate if you:

  • Have unwanted facial or body hair that you want permanently reduced
  • Have hair that is dark enough to be targeted effectively by the laser
  • Prefer a long-term solution over temporary methods like waxing or shaving
  • Are willing to commit to multiple sessions spaced 4–8 weeks apart
  • Are in good general health and not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Have realistic expectations about the gradual reduction of hair over a series of treatments

How should I prepare for Laser Hair Removal treatment in Pittsburgh?

  • Please stay out of the sun and out of tanning booths for a month leading up to and a month after your laser hair removal treatments (sun exposure could put you at risk for hyperpigmentation – darkening of the skin).
  • Use a quality sunscreen daily.
  • Avoid waxing or plucking the area prior to treatment.
  • Shave before treatment to avoid a shadowing effect caused by hair above the skin.
  • Postpone laser hair reduction treatments while you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Laser Hair Removal Pittsburgh

What is the procedure for laser hair removal?

Before your laser hair removal in Pittsburgh, a thin layer of numbing cream with lidocaine may be applied. This should be left on the skin for approximately 30 minutes – 1 hour. After the numbing cream is wiped off, a cool gel will be applied. The handpiece is gently passed over the treatment area until the entire surface area has been penetrated with intense pulsed light. Depending on the area, Laser Hair Removal treatments can last from just a few minutes (i.e. upper lip) to 90 minutes (i.e. full legs).

Laser Hair Removal With the Palomar Starlux 500

The Palomar StarLux 500 is a cutting-edge device that utilizes both laser technology and intense pulse light (IPL) technology to treat a wide array of conditions. The new 500 model is designed with improvements from the Palomar StarLux 300 model, enabling it to perform practically any aesthetic or dermatological procedure imaginable.

The device is equipped with over a dozen hand pieces, each one specially designed to address particular issues. For laser hair removal procedures, the practitioner uses a handpiece that is fine-tuned to focus on areas of excess, unwanted hair. This aspect of laser technology depends on the heat generated by the device. When the laser beam is administered to the skin, it penetrates into the deeper levels, preventing the hair follicles from allowing future growth.

Is It Approved by the FDA?

Yes. Laser hair removal procedures have been approved for decades, and the Palomar Starlux 500 received FDA approval over 10 years ago.

What Are the Benefits of Laser Hair Removal?

The Palomar Starlux 500 is considered to be the most advanced machine in the industry for laser and IPL treatments. Some of its amazing features include:

  • An advanced cooling system: The Palomar Starlux 500 is an improvement on the former model in that its cooling system can deliver bursts of cold air more quickly
  • Several Hand Devices: The devices come with more than a dozen hand devices, meaning that practitioners have more treatment options
  • Smooth Pulse Technology: Laser pulses are emitted in a smooth and even pattern to ensure that there is no damage to the skin
  • AccuSpectrum: Excess light is filtered in order to make sure that the treatment area is protected throughout the process
  • Photon Recycling: Energy loss is reduced, creating a treatment process that is incredibly efficient

Why Choose Leong Plastic Surgery? For Laser Hair Removal?

BRINGING 15+ YEARS EXPERIENCE TO LASER HAIR REMOVAL

Importantly, we are not a franchise with offices all over the country. Many franchise type business models have famously aggressive sales techniques in which the final cost of the treatment is not always clear or aggressive “sales” do not include the full cost of treatment.

Leong Facial Plastic Surgery takes the opposite philosophy. We are clear about the costs involved in laser hair removal, and are forthcoming about whether we feel the patient is a good candidate for hair reduction. We are totally focused on delivering top quality care right here in Pittsburgh. Dr. Leong believes it is important that a physician be involved in your care.

If at any time during your treatment you have any questions, he is available to consult with you. The following will give you some additional information on our laser hair removal in Pittsburgh. If you would like to schedule a consultation to talk about this procedure, please contact Leong Facial Plastic Surgery.

Laser Hair Removal Pittsburgh

Laser Hair Removal FAQs

Is laser hair removal cancerous?

The idea that laser hair removal can cause cancer is a myth. Laser treatments are safe, and are even used to treat some type of pre-cancerous lesions.

Does laser hair removal cause wrinkles?

Laser hair removal does not cause wrinkles. Some types of laser treatments are used to reverse the signs of age and reduce wrinkles.

Can laser make hair growth worse?

A rare side effect of laser hair removal is called paradoxical hypertrichosis. In this case, thicker, darker hair is caused to grow in an adjacent area to where you were treated.

Do you get ingrown hairs after laser?

Laser hair removal does not cause ingrown hairs. Instead, it destroys the hair follicle, resulting in zero risk of ingrown hairs. After your laser hair treatment, you may see redness and bumps that look like ingrown hairs. These will fade.

Can I pluck my hairs in between laser treatments?

Do not pluck hairs between laser treatments. Plucking, waxing, or other hair removal treatments interfere with the root of the hair follicle, which must be intact during laser hair removal treatments.

Can laser hair removal be done on tanned skin?

It is best to avoid treatment on freshly tanned skin, as tanning increases the risk of side effects such as hyperpigmentation. Dr. Leong and his team recommend avoiding sun exposure and tanning beds for at least four weeks before and after your sessions.

Is laser hair removal permanent?

Laser hair removal significantly reduces unwanted hair, but some fine regrowth may occur over time. Many patients enjoy long-lasting results and may only need occasional maintenance treatments to keep the area smooth.

What is the difference between laser hair removal and electrolysis?

Laser hair removal targets multiple hair follicles at once using light energy, making it faster and more efficient for larger areas. Electrolysis treats each follicle individually with electrical current, which can be effective but is more time-consuming.

Can men benefit from laser hair removal?

Absolutely. Many men choose laser hair removal to reduce back, chest, shoulder, or beard-area hair. It offers a cleaner, longer-lasting alternative to frequent shaving or waxing.

What should I expect immediately after treatment?

The treated area may look slightly red or feel warm, similar to a mild sunburn. These effects usually fade within a few hours to a couple of days. Applying a soothing gel or ice pack can help ease temporary discomfort.

Contact Leong Facial Plastic Surgery

To learn more about some of the best laser hair removal Pittsburgh has to offer, or to schedule a consultation to talk more about this treatment, please contact Leong Facial Plastic Surgery today.

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