What is Laser Hair Removal? 

Are you tired of having to shave, wax, and pluck? Laser hair removal will remove the unsightly hair from your face, underarms, back, legs, bikini area, and elsewhere on the body. Using the advanced Cutera® Xeo, we can effectively eliminate unwanted hair for you. Best of all, it’s a non-invasive, painless procedure that is safe for almost all skin types and hair colors. Our team would be happy to set up a one-on-one consultation with you to go over your specific hair removal goals, as well as to discuss laser hair removal costs. 

How is Laser Hair Removal Performed? 

Before the treatment, the area to be treated will be cleansed. It is best if you shave the hair in the treated area at home yourself. It will be less painful if there are no hairs on the skin. Do not wax or pluck; shave only.

​The laser treatment will take place in a room set up specifically for laser treatments. Everyone in the room must wear protective eyewear during the procedure. To perform the procedure, the skin is held taut and the skin is treated with the laser. Many patients say that the laser pulses feel like warm pinpricks or a rubber band being snapped against the skin. 

A laser removes hair by vaporizing it. This causes small plumes of smoke that have a sulfur-like smell.
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How long your treatment lasts depends on the size of the area being treated. Treating the upper lip takes minutes. If you are having a large area like the back or legs treated, your treatment may last more than an hour.

Our team of licensed professionals will perform your laser hair removal treatment. Using Cutera® Xeo, the laser hair removal procedure works by directing bursts of light at the hair follicles to destroy them and, in effect, inhibit any re-growth.  Most areas require six to nine treatments for optimal results.

Am I a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is generally a safe and effective procedure for almost anyone who wants to get rid of unsightly hair on their face or body. However, results will vary depending on your hair growth cycle, thickness and color, and treatment area. The best candidates tend to be those with dark, coarse hair and light skin. If you have blonde, grey, or red hair, it may be more difficult to treat. Also, pregnant women should not undergo laser hair removal.

What Kind of Post-Operative Laser Hair Removal Care Can I Expect?

​To avoid possible side effects, all patients need to protect their skin from the sun. After laser hair removal, you should: 

• Avoid direct sunlight from hitting your treated skin.
• Not use a tanning bed, sun lamp, or any other indoor tanning equipment.
• Follow your dermatologist’s after-care instructions, such as using a gentle cleanser and post treatment cream. 

The most common reported side effects of laser hair removal are swelling, soreness and redness of the treatment area. This often looks like a mild sunburn. Applying a cool compress can help reduce your discomfort. 

The best part about laser hair removal is that it requires little to no downtime, and you can resume normal activities immediately. You should, however, discontinue waxing or using depilatory creams after the treatment.

What are the Typical Results of Laser Hair Removal? 

Our patients love the convenience of laser hair removal, especially that they no longer have to undergo painful waxing or plucking. 

You will likely see the results immediately after treatment. The results vary from patient to patient. The color and thickness of your hair, area treated, type of laser used, and color of your skin all affect the results. You can expect a 10% to 25% reduction in hair after the first treatment. 
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To remove the hair, most patients need 2 to 6 laser treatments. After finishing the treatments, most patients do not see any hair on the treated skin for several months or even years. Laser hair removal tends to be long lasting, but the duration depends on the treatment area. Upper body hair removal typically lasts from 7 to 11 weeks; mid-body results last 10 to 16 weeks; and leg treatments last from 11 to 17 weeks. When the hair regrows, there tends to be less of it. The hairs also tend to be finer and lighter in color. 

How long will the results of laser hair removal last?

Most patients remain hair free for months or even years. When some of the hair regrows, it will likely be less noticeable. To keep the area free of hair, a patient may need maintenance laser treatments. ​

How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost?

Laser hair removal prices are based upon on the size and number of the areas to be treated, so they will vary from patient to patient. We recommend calling our office, where a member of our friendly and knowledgeable staff will help you schedule an appointment to discuss your specific case.
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Note that laser hair removal can end up costing less than waxing over time. Please call us today and let us answer any questions you may have about this procedure.

Is there Downtime? 

No, laser hair removal generally does not require any real downtime. Immediately after having laser hair removal, your treated skin will be red and swollen. Despite this, most people return to their everyday activities. ​

When will I see the results after having laser hair removal?

You can begin to see hair fall out in approximately 1-3 weeks post-treatment. Laser hair removal can only damage hair that is in its active growth stage. Although hair will appear thinner and less noticeable with just one treatment, you'll need to return for multiple follow-up appointments to see optimal results.

What are the possible side effects?

The most common side effects are minor and last 1 to 3 days. These side effects include: 

• Discomfort
• Swelling
• Redness

​Other possible side effects are rare when laser hair removal is performed by a dermatologist or under the dermatologist’s direct supervision. Other possible side effects include:

• Blistering
• Herpes simplex (cold sores) outbreaks
• Infections
• Scarring
• Skin lightening or darkening

In time, skin color tends to return to normal. Some changes to skin color, however, are permanent. This is why seeing a medical doctor who is skilled in laser treatments and has in-depth knowledge of the skin is so important. 
It is also important to follow your dermatologist’s instructions. Following both the before-treatment instructions and after-treatment instructions will greatly reduce your risk of side effects. 

When is it safe to have another laser treatment for hair removal?

This varies from patient to patient. Removing hair often requires a series of laser treatments. Most patients can have laser hair removal once every 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the area being treated. Your dermatologist will tell you when it is safe to have another treatment. 
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Most patients see some hair regrowth. Your dermatologist can tell you when you can safely have laser treatments to maintain the results. 

What is the safety record for laser hair removal?

Lasers play an important role in treating many conditions that affect the skin, hair, and nails. In recent years, many advances have been made in laser medicine. Dermatologists have led the way in making these advances. 
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One such advance is that more people can safely have laser hair removal. In the past, only people with dark hair and light skin could safely have laser hair removal. Today, laser hair removal is a treatment option for patients who have light-colored hair and light skin and patients who have dark skin. Laser hair removal must be performed very carefully in these patients. Dermatologists know what precautions to take to provide laser hair removal safely and effectively. 

PREMIER LASER HAIR REMOVAL IN IMPERIAL VALLEY. Our office is located in El Centro, CA and serving patients in El Centro, Brawley, Imperial, Calexico, Yuma, and Calexico.