The Benefits of Laser Hair Removal

laser hair removal in Salem

If you’re tired of needing to constantly shave to keep yourself looking and feeling great, then laser hair removal in Salem may be right for you. Laser hair removal ranks as one of the most commonly perform cosmetic procedures in the U.S., and our team of Salem laser hair removal experts have plenty of experience using only the latest and most advanced technique.

At Valley View Dermatology, our laser hair removal technicians focus high-intensity light beams on areas of your body that feature unwanted hair. The pigment in the follicles absorbs the light emitted by the beam, destroying the hair at the root.

Advantages of Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal makes a great choice for anyone looking to eliminate unwanted hair from their underarms, arms, legs or face.

Laser hair removal treatments offer a number of advantages when compared to shaving and waxing that include:

  • Improved precision. Our technicians can selectively target dark, coarse hairs while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged. Unlike waxing and shaving that remove all of the air from a treated area, laser removal provides far more precision and control over what hair stays and what goes.
  • Improved speed. Each pulse from our laser hair removal wand takes only a fraction of a second and has the ability to treat multiple hairs all at once. Our technicians can treat an area the size of a quarter every second. Small areas of the body such as the upper lip can be completely treated in just 60 seconds, while larger areas, such as the back or legs may take up to an hour to complete.
  • Improved results. While shaving and waxing are only temporary solutions to removing unwanted hair, laser removal can offer permanent results. Most patients enjoy permanent hair loss after between three to seven treatments.

Getting Ready for Laser Hair Removal in Salem

Laser hair removal treatments involve more than just simply eliminating unwanted hair like shaving or waxing. The procedure is far more complicated and requires advanced training to perform. When done incorrectly, laser hair removal does carry potential risks. That’s why you should always have the procedure done by a high accredited and trained team, such as what you’ll find at the Dermatology Clinic.

If you have scheduled a laser hair removal treatment, you need to limit any waxing, plucking or electrolysis for at least six weeks prior to your appointment. These types of treatments actually remove the hair roots, which laser removal actually targets. Without the hair root in place, laser treatment will be far less effective.

You also need to avoid any excessive sun exposure for at least six weeks before and after your treatment.  Sun exposure also makes laser hair removal less effective and increases the risk for complications to develop.

What to Expect During Treatment

Prior to treatment, your hair will need to be trimmed down to a few millimeters above the skin. The laser equipment will then be adjusted according to the location, thickness and color of your hair and skin.

Depending on the location of the hair being removed, you may need to wear eye protection. The outer layers of your skin will also need to be protected with a cold gel or special cooling device. This will further help the laser light to penetrate the skin.

Next, our technician will use short pulses of laser light to treat the desired area. Once the hair has been removed, our technician will keep an eye on the treated area to ensure that no unexpected side effects develop.

After completing the procedure, our technician may provide you with an ice pack, anti-inflammatory cream or lotion or cold water to ease any discomfort. You may schedule your next treatment four to six weeks later, and can continue to receive treatments until the unwanted hair has been removed.