It’s summer, the time of year when you want to feel the sun on your skin. But if you have unwanted facial and body hair, it can be embarrassing to bare your skin.
Staying covered up isn’t always practical, and other hair removal options like waxing, plucking, shaving, or creams can be painful or take lots of time.
At New Canaan Podiatry, we want you to feel good about the skin you’re in. Board-certified podiatrist Jennifer Tauber, DPM offers laser hair removal to men and women in New Canaan, Connecticut, to help you say goodbye to unwanted hair.
You may be wondering if laser hair removal is right for you. Keep reading to learn what’s involved with this popular treatment and whether you’re a candidate!
What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is an effective way to permanently reduce unwanted face or body hair by taking advantage of cutting-edge laser technology. At New Canaan Podiatry, Dr. Tauber uses a handheld instrument from the Fontona laser platform to direct energy at the cells of protein at the root of your follicles that support hair growth.
These cells are located below the surface of your skin, and as they absorb the heat from energy, the hair’s growth cycle is interrupted and the hair is eventually shed. With Dr. Tauber and the FRAC3® technology of the Fotona laser, you get an effective treatment that reduces hair growth without damaging your skin.
What areas can laser hair removal treat?
Under the experienced hands of the team at New Canaan Podiatry, laser hair removal can safely treat most areas of your body where you have unwanted hair. The most common treatment areas include:
- Face
- Underarms
- Arms
- Legs
- Back
- Bikini area
- Chest
- Shoulders
Dr. Tauber evaluates your hair and skin to create a personalized laser hair removal treatment package to help you say goodbye to shaving, plucking, or waxing.
Am I a candidate for laser hair removal?
While many people are candidates for laser hair removal, different factors may affect your results. Because of the way the laser energy interacts with your hair follicle, your skin color and hair type play a role in the effectiveness of the laser treatment.
Skin color
People with light to medium skin tones respond best to laser hair removal. In addition, the more contrast between your hair color and skin tone, the better your candidacy for laser hair removal.
Hair type
Ideal candidates for laser hair removal have dark, coarser hair. Fine, thin hair responds less well to laser hair treatment.
If you have fine hair or dark skin, however, it doesn’t mean you aren’t a candidate for laser hair removal. It does mean your results may not be as dramatic as those who fit the ideal candidate model. Dr. Tauber works with you to manage expectations and design a course of treatment.
How long does laser hair removal take?
At New Canaan Podiatry, Dr. Tauber customizes a laser hair removal plan for you based on your hair and hair removal goals. Because your treatments are customized, the duration and number of treatments you require vary.
Different factors, such as the area you’re having treated, how much hair removal is required, and your hair and skin color come into play when designing your plan. For example, treatment time can range from minutes for your upper lip to about an hour for a larger area, like your back.
Every hair on your body is at a different point in the growth cycle. As such, it takes multiple laser hair removal sessions to effectively remove even small areas of hair. New Canaan Podiatry offers laser removal packages that include four to eight monthly sessions. Although, for patients with thicker or coarser hair more treatments may be required.
What can I expect from laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal treatments stop new hair growth, so you can expect results to last. New hair sometimes grows back for a variety of reasons, including changes in hormone levels. The good news is that after laser hair removal, any new hair will be much thinner and can be easily removed with a quick touch-up session.
If you’re ready to learn more about laser hair removal and whether you’re a candidate for treatment, contact New Canaan Podiatry to book an appointment today.