Laser Hair Removal - The Vein Center at GBMC

Goodbye Razors, Tweezers and Wax Strips — Hello Smooth, Silky Skin

Imagine having the freedom to trade in razors and shaving cream for smooth, silky skin every day of the year with no hassle. With laser hair removal, women and men can now show off smooth, hair-free skin without the bother of shaving, waxing or tweezing and can also be free from the discomfort of shaving "bumps." Laser hair removal is also the perfect solution for individuals who have patches of unwanted hair almost anywhere on the body including the face, underarms, back, chest, bikini area, legs and arms.

While laser hair removal is a more common cosmetic procedure that eliminates the need to shave, wax or tweeze unwanted hair on the body, it is still a medical procedure that should be performed by a specially trained physician or technician. At The Vein Center at GBMC, our team has been trained in the latest techniques and technology, providing patients with a safe and high-quality experience. How does laser hair removal work?

Laser hair removal is a safe and effective procedure that uses very rapid bursts of laser energy that are attracted to the melanin in hair follicles. Unlike waxing, you shave shortly before the procedure, so the laser will be attracted to the pigment in the follicle and not the pigment in the hair itself.

Why choose The Vein Center at GBMC for your laser hair removal?

All of our practitioners are certified as Laser Safety Officers and Laser Tattoo Removal Specialists. Our safety protocol is regularly reviewed by the GBMC Quality and Safety Board to ensure the best patient experience and outcomes. Every procedure is performed in a hospital outpatient setting, so you can be sure that best medical practices are being used.

Which areas of the body are commonly treated?

Here are the common body parts for laser hair removal procedures that are available for both men and women:

What can I expect before, during and after the procedure? 

Before scheduling the laser hair removal procedure, you will have a free consultation with one of our specialists at The Vein Center.

During this initial consultation, we will determine the approach and laser device to use for best results.

Our specially trained hair removal specialist will examine:

• Skin type and tone
• Hair thickness and color
• The chosen body parts to be treated

After the consultation and your initial exam, our specialist will discuss what to do, and not to do, before your laser hair treatment including:

• Avoid the use of tanning lotion and exposure to the sun
• Avoid tweezing, plucking or waxing
• Do not wear makeup, perfume or any cosmetic products to the treatment session

There are instances that trimming or shaving is allowed, which will be discussed during the consultation

During and after the procedure:

Because the laser uses high energy light, you will be given protective gear to cover your eyes. A cooling device will be used on the treated area throughout the session, though minor discomfort may still be experienced. The procedure is non-invasive and typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the body part being treated. After each laser hair removal session, you may continue your normal activities. If redness or irritation exists at the treatment site, an ice pack or cool compress can alleviate any temporary discomfort. After your treatment your skin will feel smoother and you will notice a reduction of hair in the treated area.

Does it hurt? 

Patients often describe the treatment as feeling like you were snapped with a small rubber band. Your physician or technician will perform a "test spot" before starting therapy so you know what to expect and to ensure no adverse skin reactions. The laser moves so quickly over the skin that the sensation passes quickly, too. Cooling methods will be used to reduce discomfort and mild swelling of the area treated.

How long are the treatments? 

Treatment time depends on the size of the area being treated. It takes longer to treat the legs or a full back than it does to treat a bikini line, upper lip or underarm. Each session typically lasts between 15 and 30 minutes.

How many treatment sessions are necessary?

Generally, each treatment results in a 20 percent reduction in hair. Most patients experience permanent hair loss in the treated area in about six sessions. The total number of treatments varies by person, however, depending on the size of the area being treated, how dark the hair is, and if the hair being removed is in a growth phase during earlier treatments*.

*Hair removal is only effective in the Anagen Phase of Hair Growth Cycle. 

What causes excessive hair growth?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there are approximately 10 percent of women in the United States who suffer from hirsutism (excessive hair growth), which can also affect men. Other medical conditions that trigger excessive hair growth are directly associated with hormonal imbalances. For these individuals, laser hair removal is a permanent and effective solution to an otherwise frustrating problem.

Consult an expert you can trust at The Vein Center at GBMC When making the choice to have the laser hair removal procedure, discussing the option with one of the experts at The Vein Center at GBMC provides the information you need to make the best decision for you. Before moving forward with the treatment, it may be necessary to obtain approval or a referral from your primary care physician, especially if you have an underlying medical condition. At the Vein Center at GBMC, our highly trained professionals always put patient safety first. An initial consultation will be scheduled to obtain your medical history and to gather information about any particular preparation required. Consulting with one of our experts is also a good opportunity for you to talk about your cosmetic goals.

Learn more about laser hair removal. Schedule your free consultation at The Vein Center at GBMC today. Call us at 443-849-6123.