Laser Hair Removal New York City
Introduction to Laser Hair Removal
Body hair is a finicky subject and is almost equally divided when it comes to whether or not one should have it. While we’re not in the position to say which camp is correct, if you are among those leaning towards ‘no body hair,’ you probably have the daily (or weekly) hassle of shaving this unwanted appearance. At the practice of William Lao, M.D. in the heart of New York City, we are happy to offer a practical and permanent solution with laser hair removal. With several treatments over a few months, you can say goodbye to the tediousness of shaving, the pain of waxing, and the noxious smells of “alternative treatments.”
Clarity II™ by Lutronic
Clarity II is a dual-wavelength laser that effortlessly removes unwanted hair follicles, improves skin pigmentation, and reduces the appearance of other impurities in all skin types in fast, effective, and painless treatments. It uses the patented IntelliTrak™ technology to ensure a consistent pulse of energy that can be adjusted to the exact speed and temperature to safely remove hair follicles. Thanks to the device’s adaptability, it can even remove finer hair more effectively.
What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that uses concentrated laser energy beams to target and destroy hair follicles. This process completely eliminates existing hair and even hinders future hair growth in the treated area.
Your hair is constantly growing and shedding in cycles, which is why you find random strands of hair on the couch or in the shower. Taking place in four phases – the anagen phase (growth), the catagen phase (transitional phase), the telogen phase (resting phase), and the exogen phase (old hair sheds, new growth occurs) – your hair is in a constant state of flux, which is why this treatment will require multiple treatments to eliminate hair from that area effectively. Laser hair removal targets hairs that are currently in the anagen phase.
Some of the more common areas that our New York City patients have laser hair removal performed include:
- Abdomen
- Arms
- Back
- Bikini
- Buttocks
- Chest
- Face
- Legs
- Underarms
What Are the Benefits of Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal in New York City can benefit both men and women! Some of the major benefits our patients have mentioned include:
- Produces long-lasting results
- It has minimal side effects
- Can precisely target specific types of hair follicles
- Treatment is safe, quick, and effective
- Significant reduction in hair growth over time
Who Are the Best Candidates for Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal in New York City is safe for all skin types but has a higher success rate where the hair and skin color contrast is high. The best candidates for this treatment should have the following characteristics:
- Have darker hair follicles and lighter skin
- Maintains positive and realistic goals from their treatment
- Seeking a long-term solution for unwanted hair
If you have lighter hair follicles and/or darker skin, you can still see some incredible benefits from the treatment, albeit they may not be as successful as those with darker hair follicles and lighter skin. Patients taking antibiotics or other photosensitizing medications may not be viable candidates. Please disclose your medications to your provider before your treatments begin.
What’s the First Step?
The first step to getting laser hair removal in New York City is to schedule an in-person consultation with Dr. William Lao. During the consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss your medical history, aesthetic goals, concerns, and expectations for the procedure. It is critical that you be completely open and honest about your medical history and expectations. This prevents any unnecessary risks and produces the best results.
Dr. Lao will evaluate your target areas of concern, including your skin type and hair color, to determine what this treatment can do for you. Your treatment plan will be created at the end of the consultation, and our patient coordinator will help you schedule your first session. Afterward, a patient coordinator can help you schedule your procedure for a convenient time.
You will need to avoid plucking or waxing your hair for at least six weeks before your treatment to ensure the hair follicles are fully present; however, you can still shave during this period. We will ask you to shave the areas being treated a day or two before your appointment.
What to Expect on the Day of a Laser Hair Removal Treatment
Your treatment will be performed in our 5th Ave. practice, where our reception team will greet you. Once you are comfortable in your reclining treatment chair, we will provide you with dark glasses to protect your eyes. We can also offer you a numbing cream or cold compress to alleviate any potential discomfort.
Dr. Lao or one of our trained providers will gently move the handpiece along your treatment area using the handheld Clarity II device. The laser pulses for a fraction of a second, which is long enough to heat the hair, significantly slowing down the hair follicle’s ability to re-grow. This process allows numerous hair follicles to be treated at once, allowing us to treat even more significant areas of the body quickly and effectively.
Depending on the area to be treated, laser hair removal can take only a few minutes or over an hour. The most commonly treated areas (e.g. bikini line, upper lip, chin, underarms) typically require less than 20 minutes for treatment.
Based on the treatment area and size, a session can range from 5-20 minutes.
Laser Hair Removal Recovery
You will be able to return to your regular routine immediately after your treatment, but you will need to protect your treated skin from direct sunlight to avoid discoloration. Your skin will also be reddened and slightly swollen after your treatment, and you may experience mild pain for an hour or so — an ice pack can be used to alleviate these feelings post-treatment.
Please bear in mind that your hair will grow in different phases, so you will need to return for additional sessions to eliminate all the follicles from the area successfully. On average, it takes about six to eight sessions spaced apart every four to six weeks.
How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost in New York, NY?
The cost of laser hair removal in New York City will vary on multiple factors, including the area being treated and the number of sessions required to eradicate the follicles completely. The best way to find out how much your treatment will cost is to come in for your consultation and have Dr. Lao create a procedure plan for you. Once he has examined the area you wish to treat, we can provide you with a more accurate cost.
Why Choose Dr. Lao?
Our practice is owned and operated by Dr. William Lao, a double-board-certified plastic surgeon who is a proud member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). Dr. Lao utilizes advanced surgical and non-surgical techniques combined with concepts from the East and West to create customized procedures that provide the best results possible. He is a multiple “Top Doc” award winner and a founding member of the Asian Society for Breast Plastic Reconstructive Surgery. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Lao continues to create dramatic aesthetic enhancements while retaining a natural and untouched look.
FAQs
Is Laser Hair Removal Painful?
How Many Appointments Will I Need?
How Long Until I See the Results?
Can I Combine Laser Hair Removal with Other Procedures?
What Are the Risks Associated with Laser Hair Removal?
While laser hair removal is generally considered safe, there are a few potential risks and side effects, which may include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Blistering
- Skin pigmentation changes
- Scarring (very rare)
If you experience any long-lasting or concerning complications, contact our office immediately.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you are in the greater NYC area and ready to eliminate the repetitive task of shaving unwanted body hair, laser hair removal from William Lao, M.D., can be the life-changing experience you’ve been waiting for. To schedule an appointment, please call our office at (929) 505-2060 or fill out our consultation request form, and a member of our team will contact you.
