Say goodbye to painful, messy, and temporary alternatives to hair removal! Laser hair removal reduces unwanted hair once and for all. No one laser is ideal for all skin and hair types, which is why we at Finesse Cosmetic Surgery have a variety of the best clinical lasers to deliver optimum results for each individual. Unlike many other laser centers, we don’t treat our Boston area laser hair removal clients with one type of laser, which may be ineffective and in many cases dangerous. With several gold-standard technologies, our experienced staff will choose the safest and most effective laser for you individually.
Before & After Photos – Laser Hair Removal
The photographs on this page illustrate typical results of cosmetic procedures performed at Finesse. Individual results will vary.
Laser Hair Removal – Frequently Asked Questions
How does laser hair removal work?
The light emitted from the laser is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicles. The heat from the light destroys the follicle. At the same time, our SmartCool external cooling device protects the skin’s surface, allowing for safe and effective treatment of all skin types, with little risk of side effects.
Hair grows in three distinct cycles. Since melanin is only produced in the growth phase of the hair, the laser must target the hair follicle during this cycle; therefore, more than one treatment needs to be scheduled, preferably at 4- to 8-week intervals. With multiple treatments, we can ensure that most of the hair follicles are disabled. Since the laser targets the pigment in the hair, your hair needs to be darker than your skin. In general, laser hair removal is not effective for white, gray, blond, or red hairs.
What should I expect?
Because the laser targets hairs that are in an actively growing phase, several treatments are required to eliminate any new hairs as they come into a growth phase. Treatments are spaced four to eight weeks apart depending on the body area and can take from 5 minutes (the upper lip) to 45 minutes or more (back or legs). Most areas will require a minimum of five treatments to achieve a satisfactory result. The area needs to be shaved prior to being treated. Waxing, bleaching, tweezing, or any other method that removes the root of the hair must be discontinued at least two weeks prior to treatment. Since the laser targets the root of the hair, it must be present for the treatment to be effective.
When is the best time of year for treatment? What about sun exposure?
The laser-treated areas will be sun-sensitive for a few weeks, so a broad-spectrum sunscreen is recommended at all times. Any areas that will be exposed to the sun regularly, such as the face or legs, should be treated in the fall, winter, or spring rather than the summer, unless the skin is protected with sunblock or clothing at all times when outdoors.
Do you offer complimentary consultations?
Yes, we believe that a consultation is important for any client considering laser hair removal. We can perform a test spot so you can see how the laser feels and we can answer any questions so that you better understand what the laser can do. We can also determine if you are a good candidate for laser hair removal before you commit to any treatment. However, some people like the idea of receiving a treatment the day of their consultation. If you are a good candidate for laser hair removal, a treatment can be performed the same day.
Is laser hair removal painful?
While everyone’s pain tolerance is different, the majority of clients do not think it is very painful. Our patients report that treatment with our lasers is much more comfortable than other lasers and that it is far more comfortable than waxing. Because the lasers we use have a large spot size, treatments are very quick. Any discomfort one experiences is over very quickly.
Do you use topical numbing preparations?
Our lasers utilize state of the art cooling systems. In most cases, treatment causes only minimal discomfort and numbing preparations are not required. If a client is more sensitive and the area to be treated is not too large, we can prescribe a topical numbing cream to be applied to the area prior to treatment.
What are the risks involved with laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a “lunch time” procedure. There is no recovery or down time. Patients can return to their normal activities immediately. Our lasers do not injure the dermis, so the risks are extremely low. As with any procedure, you will be given an informed consent to read over that explains all the possible risks. Sun exposure or tanning beds and certain medications could possibly make the skin more sensitive to the thermal energy of the laser.
