Laser emits a narrow beam of concentrated light into the hair follicle. The energy is absorbed by the dark pigment in your hair follicles. The heat generated by the light energy breaks apart the follicle. Over the next two months, hairs gradually fall out.

Hair grows in cycles with a resting period, and a cycle may take six months or longer. The number of treatments you need depends on the area of your body, the density of your hair growth and your hair growth cycle. Laser treatments are most effective on hair in a growing period. You may have to return for three to six visits, six to eight weeks apart.

The length of each treatment session depends on how large of an area you have. If you just want the hair on your upper lip removed, the process may only take a few minutes. But if you want to have the hairs on your back or legs removed, the treatment can take an hour or more.

Laser hair removal is not painless. You might feel a burning or stinging sensation, or it may feel like a rubber band snapping. However, the process is usually less painful than electrolysis.

Removal of Unwanted Hair with APOGEE 5500

How does a laser or light-based system remove hair?
The system emits a gentle beam of light that passes through the skin, to the hair follicle, where it is absorbed.  Upon absorption, the energy is transformed into heat, which can disable the follicle, while leaving the surrounding tissue unharmed.

How do I know if I'm a good candidate for laser or light-based hair removal?
Generally speaking, if you are concerned about unwanted hair, you are probably a candidate for hair removal.  Laser or light-based systems are a faster, easier alternative for hair removal.

Is the treatment painful?
Most individuals describe the treatment as a series of slight pin pricks or rubber band snaps to the skin.  The majority of patients tolerate this sensation without anesthetics.  Additional comfort is provided by applying cooling to the area to be treated.  Within about 30 minutes of treatment, the area may become pink or red; this may last from a few hours to one day.

How long does it take?
With this procedure numerous hairs are removed at the same time.  The amount of time needed depends on the size of the area to be treated.   The lip usually takes less than one minute; other areas, such as the leg, may take significantly longer.

How many treatments will be necessary?
Hair grows in cycles. The laser or pulsed light only affects hair when it is in its early growth phase. In fact, the system will disable follicles that are actively producing hair at the time of treatment. At any time, some hair follicles are dormant. Repeated sessions will be necessary to treat these follicles when they re-enter the growth phase.


Before & After

Axilla	Courtesy Suzanne Kilmer, M.D.
Pre-treatment	Treated area