Mariam Awada, MD, FACS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Laser Hair Removal

Most of us know what it is like to have hair growing in unwanted places. There are plenty of ways to deal with unwanted body hair, and almost all of them are time-consuming, painful, or expensive.

Laser hair removal can be a better option than elaborate waxing and shaving techniques. At Michigan Cosmetic Surgery, we are proud to offer laser hair removal presenting patients with a fast, non-invasive, and virtually painless way to eliminate unwanted hair.

The procedure involves low-level laser light emissions, which are absorbed by the pigment in your hair. The light energy is then converted to heat and damages the follicles from the inside out. This either delays or completely prevents the development of new hairs.

• Abdomen
• Areolas
• Brow
• Buttocks
• Cheeks
• Chest
• Chin
• Feet and toes
• Forearms
• Full Arms
• Navel
• Neck
• Pubic area
• Shoulders

It Is Ideal For…

• Anyone who is wishing to eliminate coarse, dark hair from unwanted parts of their body
• Anyone who is tired of constant waxing, shaving, and other painful, time-consuming hair removal methods
• Men and women alike, including patients of all ethnicities and skin types

At our practice, we use the GentleMax Proâ„¢ laser, which is considered universally safe and effective.

Who It May Not Be For…

• Patients who are looking to remove hair from delicate or sensitive areas, specifically the ears or surrounding the eyes
• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding –while there is no evidence that laser treatments would harm your child, it is generally better to be cautious

What if I am Pregnant?

We generally advise pregnant women to wait until they are through the childbirth and breastfeeding stages before they seek laser hair removal. Though it is not necessarily unsafe to have the procedure, we prefer to err on the side of caution.

How Old Do I Have to Be to Get Laser Hair Removal Treatment?

A good rule of thumb is that, before you have laser hair removal, you should be completely done with puberty. Most of the time, we think it is best to wait until the later teen years, at the earliest.

What Should I Do in Preparation?

In order to prepare for your laser hair removal session, we recommend showering or bathing but not using any lotions, oils, or fragrances. The treatment area should be completely shaved. Avoid sun exposure to the treatment area for a couple of weeks before treatment; this includes not using tanning beds.

How Long Does the Session Usually Last?

The length of the session depends on the surface area we are treating, but for most patients, laser hair removal takes under half an hour.

What Does Laser Hair Removal Feel Like? Does it Hurt?

We strive to keep our treatments as comfortable as possible, and that goes for laser hair removal. Most patients tell us they experience little or no pain during their session.

How Many More Treatments Will I Need After My Initial?

The number of treatments required can vary from patient to patient. Typically, anywhere from six to a dozen total treatments are needed in order to get the best results.

Are There Any Risks Involved?

The risks associated with laser hair removal are fairly minor. Some patients do experience skin irritation, including redness and swelling, on a temporary basis. For most patients, these symptoms begin to fade within mere hours.

What About Home Lasers? Are They Effective?

As a general rule, home lasers are not as effective as the ones available in clinical practices, and may not offer the same long-lasting results. There can also be risks associated with DIY laser application.

What is the Cost of Laser Hair Removal?

The cost of laser hair removal can vary from patient to patient, depending on a few different factors. Specifically, the cost can vary according to the area being treated, as well as the total number of sessions required. We are happy to provide a more individualized quote when you join us for a consultation.

Is it Really Worth It?

Most of the patients who get laser hair removal are extremely satisfied by the end results, and ecstatic to no longer have to deal with waxing and shaving.

Laser hair removal can help you avoid the ongoing hassle of waxing and shaving. If you are ready to remove unwanted hair for the long term, we welcome you to contact our office and schedule an appointment.