At Plastic Surgery Group of Memphis (PSG), we understand the frustration of constant hair removal routines. Our board-certified plastic surgeons and skilled aestheticians specialize in advanced laser hair removal techniques using the state-of-the-art Lumenis LightSheer® Laser. We offer personalized care and tailored treatments to help you achieve long-lasting, smooth skin with minimal discomfort.
Let’s face it: we all can be lazy sometimes. No one wants to wake up a few minutes earlier in the morning to shave their legs and underarms, but going without it for too long makes them feel like little cactuses, and it can feel just plain uncomfortable. Sometimes – or most of the time, who are we kidding – shaving can get annoying and tedious, and waxing is pretty painful – not to mention that it has to be done every few weeks.
Laser hair removal is a non-invasive treatment that uses concentrated light energy to target and disable hair follicles, resulting in long-term hair reduction. At PSG, we utilize the advanced Lumenis LightSheer Laser, which offers superior results for all skin types and hair colors. This innovative technology uses a unique vacuum-assist mechanism to enhance the penetration of laser energy and improve patient comfort during treatment.
Laser hair removal could be the best service for you if you’re looking for a more permanent solution to your unwanted hair woes, but some people don’t even know what it is, much less what it can do for you. Here at Plastic Surgery Group of Memphis, we want you to know exactly what you should know when considering laser hair removal.
Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses an intense beam of light – a laser – to remove unwanted hair. This laser penetrates through the skin into the hair follicle. It damages the hair follicle and prohibits it from further growth. Typically, it works best for people with light skin and dark hair, but anyone can try it. It doesn’t usually permanently stop hair growth on the first treatment and requires around five to six sessions (booking an appointment every four to six weeks is the most effective), but it does effectively slow hair growth even after the first meeting.
The Lumenis LightSheer® Laser selectively targets melanin in hair follicles. As the laser energy is absorbed, it heats and disables the follicles, preventing future hair growth. The vacuum-assist feature of the LightSheer® system gently draws skin into the treatment tip, bringing the targeted hair follicles closer to the energy source. This not only increases the treatment's effectiveness but also helps minimize discomfort by temporarily reducing nerve sensation in the area.
When you visit PSG for laser hair removal, our expert team will begin by cleansing the treatment area and may apply a cooling gel for your comfort. The Lumenis LightSheer® Laser handpiece is then passed over the skin, delivering precise pulses of light energy. The built-in cooling system helps protect the skin's surface while the laser targets the hair follicles beneath. Treatment times vary depending on the size of the area being treated, ranging from 15 minutes for small areas to an hour for larger areas.
Laser hair removal can be performed on almost any area of the body where unwanted hair grows. Common treatment areas include:
Our skilled providers at PSG will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific hair removal needs.
Laser hair removal with the Lumenis LightSheer® Laser offers numerous benefits:
Our experienced team uses advanced techniques to ensure optimal results and a comfortable treatment experience.
Ideal candidates for laser hair removal are individuals who:
During your consultation at PSG, our expert team will evaluate your skin and hair type to determine if laser hair removal is right for you and create a customized treatment plan. We're committed to helping you achieve smooth, hair-free skin through advanced laser hair removal treatments. Our experienced team of board-certified plastic surgeons and skilled aestheticians offers personalized care and cutting-edge techniques. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and discover how laser hair removal can simplify your beauty routine and boost your confidence.
One of the advantages of the Lumenis LightSheer® Laser is its minimal downtime. Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately after treatment. You may experience some mild redness or swelling in the treated area, but this typically subsides within a few hours.
What should I expect to do after I’ve finished my session?
Since your skin is super sensitive in the first few days after getting laser hair removal treatment, it’s important to take extra good care of it.
DO LATHER UP that sunscreen after your treatment. Sunscreen is important anyway, but since your skin is vulnerable right after a laser hair removal treatment (even if it doesn’t feel like it is), you’ll want to put some sunscreen on to protect your skin as much as you possibly can.
DON’T TWEEZE OR WAX any hair in the area that received treatment. Shaving is fine, but waxing or plucking out hair follicles hinders the process. Put down the tweezers and let the hair fall out on its own.
DON’T TAKE HOT SHOWERS OR BATHS for about a week after getting the procedure done. Lukewarm water is the way to go; your skin will thank you for it!
DO AVOID PERFUMES AND DEODORANTS as much as you can for 24 to 48 hours after the treatment. Fragrances tend to irritate sensitive skin as is, so stay away for a day or two. If you received the treatment on your face, try to limit makeup use for about a day or until sensitivity begins to subside.
Results are gradual and cumulative. You'll notice a reduction in hair growth after each session, with optimal results typically achieved after 6-8 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart. The exact number of treatments needed may vary depending on your hair and skin type, as well as the area being treated.
Most patients describe the feeling of getting this treatment as being snapped by a hot rubber band or a pinch. It’s very dependent on the individual’s pain tolerance. However, almost all patients would say that the improvement in stunting or stopping hair growth definitely outweighs the pain of getting the procedure done. The Lumenis LightSheer® Laser's vacuum-assist technology helps to further minimize any discomfort.
Laser hair removal is completely safe if it is done by a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon’s office. However, there are a few risks: there is always a risk of damage to the eye when dealing with lasers. Both you and the person performing the procedure need to wear goggles specific to the type of laser that will be used. There are also risks with scarring, discoloration, and blistering. Some swelling and redness are common, but burns or blisters mean that the technician has used the wrong type of laser for your particular skin. Some skin doesn’t take to laser treatment, so it’s best to have the physician conduct a small sample test on a small area of skin before going through with the procedure.
While laser hair removal provides long-lasting results, some hair regrowth may occur over time. Occasional maintenance treatments can help maintain your smooth, hair-free skin.
The Lumenis LightSheer® Laser is effective on a wide range of hair colors, but it works best on darker hair. During your consultation, we'll assess your hair color and skin type to determine the most effective treatment plan.
There are a few things you should do (or rather don’t do) in preparation for a laser hair removal session:
DON’T GO OUT IN THE SUN before a laser hair removal treatment. You cannot receive laser hair removal treatment if you have a sunburn or even if you have a tan. That even means staying away from tanning beds, spray tans and even tanning lotions. Getting treatments done in the fall or winter is the best idea; that way, you can be hair-free by summertime.
DO SHAVE THE AREA that is getting treatment before going to the session. Laser hair removal is different from waxing in that you don’t need to let your hair grow out before treatment. That being said, you should not have a session if you’ve had a wax recently. The laser has to target the pigment in your hair follicle, and the laser can’t do that if there isn’t a follicle there!
DO ALLOW YOUR PHYSICIAN to perform a test patch on your skin at your first appointment. Unfortunately not everyone’s skin takes to this treatment well, and some may end up with scarring or discoloration, so it’s best to get a sample test to make sure your skin reacts well.
DON’T BOOK AN APPOINTMENT to get a full-body laser hair removal treatment; most places won’t let you anyway. Your body can only handle so much laser light and heat absorption!