Saratoga Dermatology and Medical Spa
54 Seward Street
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
tel: (518) 581-2860
fax: (518) 581-7358
Monday–Thursday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Laser Hair Removal Before-and-After Photos
Before
After
Photos courtesy of Candela. Your results may differ.
How Laser Hair Removal Works
Using a laser to permanently reduce unwanted hair requires highly trained providers who can target hair follicles without damaging the skin. Bursts of laser energy target hair follicles at their roots, limiting the growth of new hair to produce permanent hair reduction. The Candela Gentle® laser used at our practice for hair removal is considered the “gold standard” because it can effectively treat a range of skin and hair colors and usually requires fewer treatment sessions.
Lasers are useful for removing unwanted hair from the following areas:
- Face
- Legs
- Arms
- Back
- Chest
- Underarms
- Bikini line
Because the laser energy targets the dark pigment in the hair follicles, this treatment tends to work best on dark hair against light skin. We recommend getting hair removal treatments in the fall, winter, or spring when your skin is lightest. After evaluating your skin and hair, Dr. Buhac can recommend the best treatment plan after your consultation.
What to Expect
Our experienced laser technicians provide detailed instructions for you to follow before coming in for your initial treatment. In most cases, we use the laser on smaller test spots to see how the skin reacts. We then reexamine the skin and schedule a full treatment session several weeks later.
On the day of your appointment, shave the treatment area and don’t use makeup or other creams or oils. The procedure usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the area or areas targeted. Your provider moves a small, hand-held device that delivers the pulses of laser energy across the treatment area. Some patients experience the sensation similar to that of a rubber band snapping the skin as the laser pulses.
Because hair grows in phases, it takes several treatment sessions spaced about a month apart to get the permanent hair reduction results that most patients want. Your skin may feel and look like it’s sunburned for about a day or 2 after each treatment. There’s no need to take time off from work or other normal daily activities. Cool compresses and moisturizers can help relieve any lingering discomfort. It’s also okay to wear makeup the day after the laser procedure.
Patients considering laser hair removal travel from Albany and surrounding areas to have the procedure done at our practice. Request a consultation with one of our dermatologists using the online form, or call our office at (518) 581-2860 to schedule an appointment.