Excessive or unwanted facial or body hair may make some people feel self-conscious or uncomfortable. Penn dermatologists offer solutions to men and women with unwanted body hair. Facial or body hair is removed using state-of-the-art laser techniques and intense pulsed light (IPL) devices in a safe way with less complications and more effective results.
Laser hair removal is a common cosmetic technique that removes or reduces unwanted hair related to:
- Hormonal problems
- Heredity
- Medications
- Metabolic problems
What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal works through the use of state-of-the-art laser technology that disables active hair growth in the deeper layers of the skin and may require a one-time or multiple treatment application. Laser hair removal is often more effective and less cumbersome than other methods such as electrolysis, waxing, shaving or bleaching.
Laser hair removal does not require advance preparation. At Penn Dermatology, patients are carefully examined by a dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon for the best and most effective laser hair removal treatment approach.
What To Expect During Laser Hair Removal
The treatment may take several minutes or several hours, depending on the area of the body, skin or hair pigmentation and other factors. During the procedure, a Penn dermatologist uses a low-energy, hand-held state-of-the-art laser device to eliminate or reduce unwanted hair.
The pigment in the hair follicle absorbs the laser's energy that passes through a patient's skin. The treatment works by selectively destroying hair follicles resulting in significant hair reduction in the treated areas. Laser hair removal most often requires follow-up treatment sessions for optimal results. With each treatment, a percentage of the hair follicles are permanently eliminated.
In most cases, no anesthesia is necessary and there is minimal or no "down time." Some temporary redness or swelling may occur in the treated areas. Patients with darker skin, blonde, white or gray hair may not respond as well to the treatment due to lack of pigmentation.