Laser Hair Removal
in Jacksonville, FL
There are many places offering laser hair removal today but at Posh Plastic Surgery we are proud to offer effective, long lasting, pain-free laser hair removal with our Alma Soprano XL equipment.
How does it work?
The laser light is drawn to the pigment and travels down the shaft of each individual hair to the bulb where it heats the hair follicle to a temperature that cauterizes it.
Your Laser Hair Removal will be performed at Dr. Sofia Kirk‘s office in Jacksonville, FL.
View Laser Hair Removal Gallery
Is there anything I should do to prepare for a laser hair removal treatment?
In order for this process to work effectively the hair needs to be healthy and intact so no plucking, waxing, tweezing, bleaching or depilatory treatments. You will need to shave the area to be treated the day of your apppointment and make sure the area is clean and free of any deodorants or creams that may interfere with the effectiveness of the laser. Sun should be avoided for a few weeks before and after the treatment. Cover up for the first month and use sunscreen following that. You will also want to avoid any high acidity skin care products for the first few days following your treatment.
How long does it last?
Unlike plucking, or chemical based home hair removal treatments, where the hair eventually grows back, laser hair removal causes each treated follicle to die off giving a semi-permanent result. That hair follicle will never grow another hair, however in some cases new hair follicles may develop. This typically happens with age or when there are hormonal changes in the patient. In this case an occasional touch up session will be required to keep the skin smooth and hair free.
Does it hurt?
The Alma Soprano XL machine used at Posh Plastic Surgery is calibrated just right so enough heat is transmitted to kill the hair follicle but no more. This means that very little extra heat reaches the nerves in the surrounding area giving a virtually pain free laser hair removal treatment for you. The Alma Soprano is also equipped with the Zimmer Cryo 5 air chiller which blows cold air onto the area being treated to further reduce any sensation of heat. Most patients liken the experience to a warm stone massage.
How many treatments will I need?
The general guideline is that it takes 6 treatment 6 weeks apart to achieve full results as, however this can vary with each patient. Hairs grow at different rates and the first few treatments will only get the hairs that are growing at that time. As new hairs come through they will be treated with the next session. Some patients say that the treatment is not working after the first few sessions. They complain that it is not nearly as effective as the first time. You have to remember that the first time you are treated most of the existing hairs will die off. With each treatment there will be less hair to treat so the effect will be less dramatic. This means that the first few treatments worked as expected, ultimately there will be no hair left to treat so the last session will seem to make very little difference. This is ideal so do not be discouraged.
Which areas can be treated with laser hair removal?
Just about anywhere. The most common areas are the ones that women get tired of shaving on a regular basis such as the armpits, bikini line, legs, arms etc. Many of our patients come to have more problematic areas treated such as the chin, upper lip, neck and eyebrows.
What will it cost?
The cost of laser hair removal varies depending upon the area you live in, the practice you visit and how many areas you have done. Most practices will also offer a discount if you prepay up front or combine more than one area of treatment at the same time.
What are the risks?
The risks of laser hair removal are very low. Most of the care to be taken is on the part of the patient. As long as you follow the pre and post procedure precautions you should be fine. In some cases the patient may get a small burn from the laser itself. This can happen if the skin is more sensitive than usual (often caused by sun exposure despite the warnings to avoid it).
If this does happen then it will usually be a very light surface burn. There may be some blistering and scabbing as it heals but in a short time all signs will disappear and the skin will return to normal. If you do exhibit any signs of burning or irritation following a laser hair removal treatment then be certain to contact your practitioner as soon as possible to let them know. They will be able to advise you of what to do and your feedback will be valuable to them so they can adjust their treatments to ensure that it doesn’t happen again.
Treatment for a laser hair removal burn involves avoiding sunlight to the area for at least 6 weeks, and generous use of sunscreen for at least 6 months, although we advise use of sunscreen any time you go out in the sun. The area can be treated with Aloe Vera gel to help soothe the skin and aid in rehydration and healing. If the burn is more sever then Aquaphor or Eucerin can be applied to keep the area moist. A clean and moist wound will heal quicker than a dry scab. In extreme cases there may be hypo-pigmentation of the skin and it will appear very pale. This also will usually return to normal over the following months. Keep the area covered and out of the sun as it will be very sensitive during this period.
These examples are very rare and only included here for for informational purposes, there is no cause for worry as the vast majority of LHR treatments are safe and very successful.