Unwanted hair can be a hassle and can make you feel self-conscious or uncomfortable. Shaving, waxing, and other at-home hair removal methods are time-consuming, especially when you have to repeat the process on a weekly or biweekly basis. At-home hair removal methods can also lead to skin irritation, razor bumps, scarring, or even an infection. If you’re tired of spending time and money on DIY hair removal methods, we have a better option. At Cynthia Salter-Lewis MD Anti-Aging and Cosmetic Medicine in Marlboro, NJ, we offer laser hair removal to permanently eliminate unwanted hair from the face and the body.
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a professional in-office treatment that uses an advanced laser device to target and permanently eliminate unwanted hair from the face and the body at the root. The procedure works by delivering a concentrated beam of light that is absorbed by the pigment in the hair. This light converts to heat and essentially damages the hair follicle, preventing further growth. By treating hair growth at the source, laser hair removal is a valuable investment that is quick, safe, and effective.
At our practice, we proudly offer the advanced Cynosure Apogee Elite laser device, which is exceptionally effective for clients with lighter and darker skin tones. Our device’s dual-wavelength versatility allows clients with lighter skin tones to be treated at one wavelength, and darker skin tones to be treated at another. Whether you want to remove hair from your face, arms, legs, Brazilian area, or larger areas like the back, this laser device is highly customizable to fit your needs.
Why Clients With Darker Skin Tones Can Trust Cynosure Apogee Elite
Historically, laser hair removal was not as effective, or even risky, for those with darker skin tones. Previous versions of laser hair removal devices were not able to differentiate the pigment from darker skin tones and hair, which resulted in burns and scarring of the skin.
The Cynosure Apogee Elite laser hair removal system is highly recommended by dermatologists for its dual-wavelength laser, allowing one wavelength for lighter skin tones and one for darker. The deeper wavelength, 1064nm Nd:YAG, effectively removes hair on even the darkest skin tone as it bypasses the melanin in the skin to target the hair follicle. This feature allows Cynosure Apogee Elite to be supremely effective with minimal risk.
Additionally, this system features an award-winning SmartCool technology that cools the skin before, during, and after the treatment. By producing a continuous flow of cooled air, the skin is protected from potential thermal damage and allows a more comfortable hair removal experience.
Customized Treatments for Every Patient
At our practice, we understand that each patient has their own unique needs and skincare goals. Our laser hair removal system is versatile and advanced, allowing us to customize treatments to meet the needs of patients who want to treat all smaller and larger facial and body areas.
The handpiece has variable pulse durations and spot sizes to ensure a uniform treatment. Common treatment areas include:
- Face: Upper lip, chin, cheeks, jawline, and sideburn area
- Arms: Full arms, forearms, and underarms
- Legs: Full legs, thighs, calves
- Bikini Line: Bikini area or Brazilian treatments
- Back and Chest: Perfect for both men and women
Benefits of Laser Hair Removal
- Safe for All Skin Types: With Cynosure Apogee Elite, clients of all skin tones can achieve their goal of smooth and hair-free skin safely and effectively.
- Smoother, Healthier Skin: Say goodbye to razor bumps, ingrown hairs, and irritation from shaving and waxing. Say hello to rejuvenated and smooth skin!
- Quick and Convenient: Sessions can typically last as short as 10 minutes for a smaller area and can be up to an hour for a larger one.
- Time and Cost Savings: While laser hair removal has a larger up-front cost, you will save time and money in the long-run paying for razor refills, frequent waxing appointments, and other at-home methods. Invest in yourself!
- Permanent Results: Once you complete your treatment plan, which will likely consist of a few sessions, most patients experience permanent or near-permanent hair reduction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Hair Removal
How Should I Prepare for My Treatment?
You won’t have to follow a long list of pre-treatment directives before your laser hair removal appointment, but you will need to take some steps to ensure your skin is in the best condition.
- Avoid sun exposure to the treatment area, particularly sunburn
- Temporarily discontinue certain anti-aging products like prescription Retin-A and acne medication to prevent skin sensitivity during and after treatment
- Drink plenty of water beforehand
- Arrive with clean skin that is free of any lotion or other products
- Shave the area that will be treated 2 to 3 days before your treatment
What Happens During Your Session?
During your treatment session, Dr. Salter-Lewis or one of her licensed aestheticians will perform several steps, including:
- Cleansing of the area
- Provision of protective goggles or glasses for you to wear during the procedure
- Treating the skin with the laser
While the laser is working, you may smell smoke or burning hair. Don’t worry; this is normal, as the hair is burning from the laser’s heat.
Does It Hurt?
While laser hair removal is not completely pain-free, efforts are made to make your session as comfortable as possible. Clients have stated that the experience feels like a rubber band snapping on the area. Some parts of the body will be more sensitive than others, as well as when thick and coarse hair is treated. Our SmartCool technology will ensure your skin stays cool and comfortable during the session.
Is There Any Downtime?
There’s no social downtime after a laser hair removal treatment, but you will need to follow some instructions to care for your skin to promote healing and ensure the best results. Your skin will be more sensitive to the sun after your treatment once the laser light targets the treatment area.
Therefore, we recommend that patients use high-quality sunscreen or wear protective clothing to cover the skin in the treatment area after treatment. It’s also important to avoid those topical anti-aging products that could increase skin sensitivity and delay healing. We can provide complete post-care directives once your appointment is complete.
What Are the Risks and Side Effects?
Risks are uncommon with laser hair removal, but specifics may vary depending on your skin type, hair color, and pre- and post-treatment care. In rare cases, risks include burns and scarring. Common side effects include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Overall discomfort in the area
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Most patients only need a few sessions to achieve their desired results. As laser hair removal treats hair growth at the source and is attracted to pigment, it will only destroy hair follicles in an active growth phase. Our hair grows in different cycles, so multiple sessions are needed to effectively target the highest number of follicles and help patients achieve their hair-free goals.
The total number of sessions you’ll need depends on the size of the treatment area, your hair type, and whether most of your hair follicles are in an active growth phase at the time of treatment. We can give you more details about what your treatment plan will look like at your consultation.
How Long Will My Results Last?
The results of a laser hair removal treatment plan are intended to be permanent. That means you’ll no longer have to invest time or money on at-home hair removal, products, and treatments. Getting to the permanent hair-loss stage will take multiple treatments. After your first treatment, expect to see a 10% to 25% reduction in hair growth.
How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost?
Laser hair removal costs vary widely depending on the area being treated, its size, and the number of treatments required. After your initial consultation, we can create your treatment plan that will map out the cost of your treatment sessions to treat your specific needs.
Am I a Good Candidate?
The advanced technology of the Cynosure Apogee Elite enables patients with all skin types and tones to safely undergo a laser-based hair removal treatment. While it is safe for all skin types, we schedule pre-treatment consultations to confirm treatment eligibility. You may not be eligible for laser hair removal if you:
- Are pregnant
- Are taking certain medications, such as the acne medication Accutane
- Have genital herpes or are prone to cold sores
- Have raised scars, also known as keloids
- Have or have had skin cancer
Can Men Benefit from Laser Hair Removal?
Absolutely! Laser hair removal is effective for both men and women. Men often seek laser hair removal for areas such as the back, chest, shoulders, neck, and arms to achieve a smoother and cleaner appearance.
Why Choose Cynthia Salter-Lewis, MD Anti-Aging and Cosmetic Medicine?
Launching your hair-loss treatment journey is a highly personal one. We understand that unwanted face and body hair can negatively affect your self-confidence and even quality of life. At our practice, we are dedicated to providing personalized and high-quality care to each client. Dr. Salter-Lewis is not only a renowned expert in anti-aging and cosmetic medicine but a sought-after speaker and educator in the field. Along with over 20 years of experience as a physician, her dedication to staying on top of updated technology and research ensures that our clients get the best of the best.
Our approach revolves around the personalization of care. We aim to exceed your expectations and deliver results. From your initial consultation to discuss treatment plans to your final session with us, you will receive top-of-the-line care, attention, and guidance. Whether you are looking to remove unwanted hair for convenience, aesthetic reasons, or to enhance your self-confidence, our updated technology and dedication to excellence make us the top choice for hair removal in Marlboro, NJ.
Invest in Smooth, Hair-Free Skin
Don’t waste any more time on at-home hair removal methods than you already have. Our customized laser treatments will add a whole new level of convenience to your life and give you smoother and more rejuvenated skin in the process. With our advanced Cynosure Apogee Elite laser device, we safely and effectively remove unwanted hair from all areas of the body.
