Yes, You Can Remove Hair There

While traditional hair removal techniques can get the job done, they can be time-consuming and deliver less-than-desirable results that don’t last long. And, side effects, such as razor bumps, ingrown hairs, and rashes, can interfere with your ability to achieve an ideal silky, smooth appearance.

Laser hair reduction is a safe and effective alternative to traditional hair removal methods. This noninvasive procedure uses concentrated beams of light to stop hair growth without chemicals or damage to the surrounding skin. The results leave you with permanent reduction of hair growth in treated areas.

You’ll enjoy optimal results from laser hair reduction when it’s administered by experienced professionals. Karl Trippe, MD, and the staff at Waco Primary Care in Waco, Texas, provide safe and effective laser hair reduction services with the Cynosure® Icon™ system. This state-of-the-art treatment eliminates unwanted body hair with minimal discomfort and time.

In this blog, Dr. Trippe discusses how laser hair reduction works and some of the most popular areas where patients request treatment.

How laser hair reduction works

Laser hair reduction involves the use of a handheld tool that delivers pulses of laser energy beams to targeted hair follicles. The light causes a heating reaction, which stops the growth cycle of the treated follicle, causing the hair to die. The affected hair falls out within a couple of weeks.

Hairs undergo three phases of growth: a growing stage, a dormant stage, and a shedding stage. Every hair in a treated area is in one of these stages during treatment.

Laser hair reduction is most effective on hairs in the growth stage. Since every hair in a treated area won’t be in the same stage during a session, you’ll need 3-6 treatments, spaced 4-6 weeks apart, to ensure that you treat all hairs in their growth stage.

This relatively painless treatment achieves smoother, hair-free skin with no downtime. Results can be long-lasting, though you may need periodic touch-up sessions to remain hair-free. When administered by trained professionals, laser hair reduction doesn’t damage the surrounding skin.

Popular treatment areas

The Cynosure Icon system can be used to reduce hair growth on virtually any area of your body. The best results are achieved in areas where there is a contrast between your hair color and skin. Based on a physical examination and consideration of your goals, our team recommends a treatment plan to accommodate your personal needs.

Chin, jawline, and neck

Many women utilize laser hair reduction to treat the annoying peach fuzz that develops on the chin, jawline, and neck. Darker hair that grows on the upper lip can also be treated. For men who have to shave more than once a day, laser hair reduction can lessen the amount of time they spend shaving.

When laser hair reduction is administered on any facial area, you will have to wear goggles to protect your eyes.

Underarms

Underarm hair is an embarrassment for many women and some men. Laser hair reduction can free you from the chore of underarm shaving and the risk of unsightly ingrown hairs, bumps, and razor burn. Instead, laser hair reduction can leave you feeling comfortable to wear sleeveless tops and bathing suits at any time.

You may also notice a decrease in body odor after laser hair reduction on your underarms. This occurs because hair absorbs and retains sweat, so removing it lessens the amount of sweat present on your body.

Upper and lower back

Many people get laser treatments to eliminate back hair. And while many patients get treatments so they can feel more comfortable when baring their back or wearing more revealing clothing, having too much back hair can also present a functional problem.

Coarse, heavy back hair can act as an extra level of insulation and elevate your body temperature. The effect can increase sweating, make your back feel damp, and make hair stick to your clothing.

Arms and legs

According to the results of a British survey, women spend about 1,728 hours, or 72 days, shaving their legs in their lifetime. Laser hair reduction can dramatically reduce the amount of time required to maintain bare underarms. It can also save you from spending so much money on razors, shaving cream, waxing, and other hair removal products.

Abdomen and chest

Men and women often request laser hair reduction on their abdomen and chest to improve their appearance and resolve any annoyances hair in these areas may create. Removing hair in these areas may also be an advantage for athletes who compete in cycling, swimming, or bodybuilding.