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Long-lasting hair removal reduces the time-consuming need for shaving and/or waxing — routines that can be painful, irritating, and annoyingly temporary. Laser hair removal in Sarasota removes unwanted hair growth, offering patients a huge convenience. 

How effective is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal delivers long-lasting, mostly permanent results. Between a 10% to 15% cumulative reduction in hair growth can be seen after each treatment. At Holcomb - Kreithen Plastic Surgery & MedSpa, we use the Clarity™ II laser by Lutronic. This advanced laser features adjustable wavelengths for each specific skin type and hair color to effectively destroy the hair follicle while minimizing the risk of discoloration or skin damage.

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How laser hair removal works

Laser hair removal uses a powerful laser beam of light that harmlessly passes through the skin and is then attracted and absorbed by pigment in hair bulbs that are in their active growth phase. 

As the light energy is absorbed, there is sufficient heating to damage the hair bulb and prevent future hair growth. Multiple laser hair removal treatments are necessary because the treatment is only effective for the hairs that are in the active growth phase. It is estimated that 85% of the hairs are not in the active growth phase at any given time. 

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Is laser hair removal permanent?

The thickness of your hair, how much hair you have, and your skin type will factor into how permanent your results are. Generally, repeated laser hair removal treatments result in 90% to 95% hair loss.

Key benefits of laser hair removal

  • Convenience of not having to shave or wax
  • No more irritation or razor burn
  • Lasers provide perfect precision
  • Minimal discomfort
  • Long-lasting results

Laser advantage hair removal

how laser hair removal works infographic

Before your appointment

  • Avoid sun exposure for three days.
  • For six weeks before your appointment, do not tweeze or wax any hair in the area that will be treated.
  • Shave the targeted areas immediately before the laser hair removal session using a clean new razor.

During your appointment

  • You may need to get undressed, depending on the area you’re having treated.
  • You will be given protective eyewear.
  • Your skin will be cleansed with wipes.
  • Any stray hairs in the area will be shaved.
  • The laser treatment will begin, and your specialist will ensure that you’re doing fine.

What does laser hair removal feel like?

While the handpiece is chilled to minimize any discomfort during the procedure, some patients may experience brief, intermittent “pinching” sensations as the laser energy destroys unwanted hair. Many patients compare the feeling to a hot rubber band being snapped on their skin or a tiny pinprick. 

How many treatments will I need?

Because hair grows in cycles, most patients need about six treatments (scheduled 4 to 8 weeks apart) for optimal results. At least 10% to 15% reduction in hair growth can be expected with each treatment.

Recovery

Patients may experience temporary redness (similar to a sunburn) in the treated areas. This can last from 24 to 48 hours. If your skin feels hot, we recommend using aloe vera.

For best results and most effective healing, avoid:

  • Sun exposure (for a week after treatment)
  • Other cosmetic skin treatments (for two weeks after treatment)
  • Puncturing the skin
  • Hot water (for at least 24 to 48 hours after treatment)
  • Anything that will cause you to sweat (for 24 hours after treatment)
  • Plucking, tweezing, or waxing out any hairs that you see
  • Makeup or perfume near the treated area (for 48 hours after treatment)

Laser Hair Removal FAQs

Is laser hair removal safe?

Laser hair removal is a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment for removing unwanted hair from any area of the body. When performed improperly, laser hair removal can lead to poor results, burns, and in some cases, even scarring. However, all of this can be avoided with an experienced professional. At HK Plastic Surgery, we employ highly trained physician assistants to perform laser hair removal to ensure patient safety.

Are there any side effects with laser hair removal?

Side effects are usually mild. After treatment, your skin may appear red (similar to a sunburn), but this will subside within 24 to 48 hours. Other side effects are.

What are alternative solutions to laser hair removal?

Depilatories, waxing, and shaving are the most common home remedies for unwanted hair removal. These methods are common, but must be repeated constantly. Electrolysis is effective, but it is tedious and uncomfortable, with one hair being removed at a time.

How long does a laser hair removal treatment take?

Each pulse of the laser takes a fraction of a second, and can treat multiple hairs at once. The length of your treatment time will depend on the area you’re having lasered. For example, the upper lip can take less than one minute, but the legs or back may take one hour.

Candidates for laser hair removal

If you’re considering laser hair removal in Sarasota or Tampa, it may be the perfect procedure for you. The best candidates for laser hair removal are women and men in good health with the desire to reduce or eliminate hair growth from the face, legs, back, arms, chest, and other areas.

Our Clarity II laser can achieve results for patients who have not had luck with other lasers. If you’ve previously been told that you are not an ideal candidate for laser hair removal, or you’ve tried other treatments with little to no results, we encourage you talk to us about Clarity.

Laser hair removal in Sarasota and Tampa from Holcomb - Kreithen Plastic Surgery & MedSpa

Dr. Holcomb and Dr. Kreithen, both medical specialists, merged their two separate practices in 2014 to establish Holcomb - Kreithen Plastic Surgery & MedSpa, an in-depth medical spa offering the most advanced non-invasive lasers and procedures, including laser hair removal. Cosmetic laser treatments are one of our main services, and we provide the most advanced lasers in the area. We offer an extremely sophisticated, comprehensive practice with very competent and compassionate team. If you’re in the Sarasota and Tampa area and you’re interested in laser hair removal, please contact us to schedule a consultation. 

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