Frequently Asked Questions

Laser Hair Removal

Q. What is laser hair removal?
A. Laser hair removal is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure designed to permanently reduce unwanted facial and body hair.

Q. What laser is used for this treatment?
A. The Gentlelase laser is used. This is a long pulsed alexandrite laser that uses cryogen spray(DCD) to cool the epidermis, allowing the laser light to penetrate to the deeper layers, where the hair follicle is found.

Q. What areas of the face or body can be treated with laser hair removal?
A. Laser hair removal may be used to treat many areas of the face and body, including the sideburns, upper lip, chin, neck, arms, underarms, chest, back, abdomen, bikini area, and legs.

Q. How do I know if I'm a good candidate for laser hair removal?
A. First, patients should be physically healthy and realistic in their expectations. The ideal candidate for laser hair removal has dark hair and light or fair skin. This is because the laser hair removal process targets pigmented hair (Black or Brown) only. It will not work on blonde, gray, white and some lighter reds. The laser is effective on darker skin tones, however,pretreatment with hydroquinoneto supress melanin,will benecessary.

Q. What takes place during a consultation for laser hair removal?
A. You will meet with the Cosmetic Nurse Practitioner for the consultation. The Cosmetic Nurse Practitioner will take a thorough medical history, discuss your goals and expectations and will also explain all details of the procedure, including the technique, the benefits, the recovery, the risks and the costs. The Cosmetic Nurse Practitioner/Cosmetic Nurse Specialist will carefully examine and evaluate your hair and skin tone to determine what needs to be done.

Q. Who Should administer Laser Hair Removal Treatments ?
A. Any authorized health care professional can administer Laser Hair treatments, but Dr. Edwin F. Williams, a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon in Latham, NY, recommends, to those seeking to receive Laser Hair treatments, that they should be treated by a health care professional with experience. Cosmetic Physicians and Cosmetic Nurse Specialists are generally more experienced professionals. Our Cosmetic Nurse Specialists are highly trained registered nurses and/or nurse practioners, practicing under the direction of Dr. Edwin F. Williams.

Q. Where will the treatments take place?
A. The Williams Rejuva Center, where the Laser Hair treatments typically take place, provides a relaxing spa-like environment to be treated in.

Q. What should I tell my health care professional?
A. Notify the health care professional if you are taking any medications that are reported to produce photosensitivity of the skin, such as Birth control pills, (Hormonal Type Pills), certain Antibiotics such as tetracycline, Sulfa drugs, certain "Mycins" such as Vibramycin, Terramycin etc. Also tell the cosmetic nurse specialist if you have tweezed, waxed, or used dipilitories (Neet/Nare) on the hair to be treated or are using a tanning bed or self tanners. Once Laser Hair removal treatments start you will not be able to tweeze, wax, use dipilitories, self tanners or tanning beds. You can not be tan.

Q. How is the actual laser hair removal procedure performed?
A. For the laser hair removal process, the Gentlelase laser is passed over the area to be treated, emitting a gentle beam of light that passes through the first layer of skin and into the dermis, where it is attracted to the coloration of the hair follicle, and is absorbed, heating up and destroying the hair follicle.The energy permanently disables a percentage of the hairs.

Q. How long does the laser hair removal process take?
A. Multiple treatments,typically between four to seven, spaced 4-6 weeks apart are required because hair grows in three stages and the laser only destroys those hair follicles that are in the active growth stage, Which is the first stage. For best results patients should be diligent in their treatment plan, as skipping a couple of months will lead to a longer removal process, due to the cyclic nature of hair growth. A single session may take anywhere from several minutes to several hours to perform, depending on the area(s) to be treated. Facial areas typically take about fifteen minutes to treat while the legs can take about an hour.

Q. Is there much pain with laser hair removal?
A. During the laser hair removal process, there is minimal discomfort and patients may experience a sensation similar to a rubber band being snapped against the skin. Some redness and localized swelling may occur after the procedure.

Q. Does laser hair removal require anesthesia?
A. Anesthesia is usually not required during the laser hair removal process.

Q. What should I expect during the recovery period after laser hair removal?
A. Patients may experience some slight reddening or localized swelling on the treated area. Swelling typically clears up within about a day while any irritation can last for about a week.

Q. Will I need to take time off from work after my laser hair removal procedure?
A. Most laser hair removal patients can immediately return to work and other normal activities, though it is recommended that sunscreen be worn on any treated areas exposed to the sun.

Q. Are there any risks associated with laser hair removal?
A. Laser hair removal is a very safe procedure with few risks. Potential complications may include changes in skin pigmentation and temporary blisters.

Q. Does laser hair removal permanently remove hair?
A. Laser hair removal does permanently remove hair, though it requires several treatments and 100% of the hair in the treated area may not be removed. Patients can typically expect an 80% to 90% hair reduction after about three to six treatments.

Q. Is laser hair removal covered by insurance?
A. Laser hair removal is normally considered a cosmetic procedure and, as such, is typically not covered by health insurance.

Q. Is it possible to get financing for a cosmetic procedure?
A. Financing is available for many plastic surgery procedures.

Q. What does board certified mean?
A. Please click here to see our web page on Board Certification.

Q. I had laser hair removal of my upper lip, and now have some hyperpigmentation. Is there anything that can be done to improve this?
A. Treatment with hydroquinolone and constant use of sun block can help with this problem.

Q. How often do most women need to get laser hair removal treatment on their legs, or once the hair is gone, are there no more treatments necessary?
A. We usually treat patients every four to six weeks until all hair is gone, which means the hair follicles are destroyed. This usually takes four to seven treatments if the patients are consistent.