Laser hair removal offers a great solution for those bothered by excessive, unwanted hair. Not only can our laser hair removal in Pittsburgh improve your appearance and increase confidence, but it can also save you valuable time by eradicating the need to shave or wax.
At Sistine 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.
What Areas Can Be Treated With Laser Hair Removal?
One of the biggest questions patients have when undergoing laser hair removal in Pittsburgh is which regions of the face and body can be addressed. While laser hair removal is highly powerful, it is still gentle enough to be appropriate for delicate areas of the skin. Our caring and experienced practitioners will assess your target regions during your private consultation and determine if laser hair removal will be the most effective means of achieving smooth, flawless skin.
Laser hair removal can be used to treat the following areas:
Upper lip
Sideburns
Chin
Armpits
Back
Male chest
Legs
Bikini zone
Brazilian area (labia)
Buttocks
Toes
Belly
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
Am I a 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.
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.
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.
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).
Is laser hair removal painful and is there any downtime?
Many patients describe the intense light pulses similar to the snap of a rubber band. We do offer numbing cream prior to the procedure to increase comfort and ease. However, some patients prefer to go through treatment without this local anesthetic. There is minimal downtime. You may be a little red or swollen a day or two after the procedure.
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?
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 Sistine Plastic Surgery?
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.
Sistine 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 Sistine Facial Plastic Surgery.
Laser Hair Removal FAQ
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.
Contact Sistine 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 Sistine Facial Plastic Surgery today.
