Laser Hair Reduction: What to Expect During Your Treatment

Laser hair reduction is becoming an increasingly popular way to remove unwanted hair. With long-lasting results, laser hair reduction allows you to keep unwanted hair away without daily shaving or painful waxing. 

What To Expect During Laser Hair Reduction

Before the laser is administered, the treatment area is cleansed. Next, you and your esthetician will put on protective eyewear to prevent eye injuries from the laser. Then, the laser will be turned on and directed at the treatment area. 

What Type of Laser is Used?

At St. Louis Skin Solution, we can use two different laser systems for hair reduction: the LightSheer Duet and the Lyra. These lasers can both provide a dramatic reduction in unwanted hair, but work slightly differently. 

LightSheet Duet

The LightSheer Duet is a state-of-the-art diode laser that features vacuum-assist technology. It creates a larger beam of concentrated light than the Lyra system and pulses for a fraction of a second during treatment. The pigment in the targeted follicles absorbs the light from this laser, which heats the follicle. This process damages the hair shaft and bulb, which inhibits future hair growth. The handpiece of this laser system has a large spot size, so it can treat many hair follicles at once.  

Lyra

The Lyra is a ND Yag laser with a long pulse of 1064-nm. Since the Lyra has a longer pulse duration and wavelength, it’s an excellent choice for patients with darker skin tones. These features allow for deeper penetration of the light from the laser, along with reduced scatter. 

What Does it Feel Like?

Laser hair reduction may cause some mild discomfort when the laser is turned on. Many patients describe the sensation as a rubber band snapping against the skin. However, any discomfort will fade immediately. 

How Long Does it Take?

The duration of laser hair reduction will depend on the size of the treatment area. It typically takes 60 minutes or less, and no recovery downtime is required after the treatment. 

To schedule your appointment for laser hair reduction, contact St. Louis Skin Solution today!