Laser Hair Removal in New Jersey

Welcome to Associates in Plastic Surgery's Laser Hair Removal page. We have one of the most comprehensive treatment programs for removing hair. Unwanted hair growth used to be difficult to treat and involved messy creams, plucking, painful waxing, or electric current (electrolysis). However, the laser has revolutionized the process of hair removal by eliminating hair in a safe, quick, and effective manner. 

Laser hair removal works by selectively targeting the hair follicle. The hair follicles in the active growth phase are destroyed, and the skin is left unaffected. On average, five treatments are needed for the face, with four weeks between treatments, and three or four sessions are needed for the body, with six to eight weeks between sessions. Because not all hairs grow on the same growth cycle, multiple sessions will ensure that all your unwanted hair is eliminated. After the initial sessions, only an occasional touch-up procedure is necessary to treat any remaining hairs.

The type of skin is an important factor in laser hair removal. The ideal candidate has light skin and dark hair. The highest settings can be used in these patients. In patients with dark skin, we have additional machines to treat them while still protecting the skin. The presence and type of hair is important as well; light-colored hair is difficult to treat consistently. Various technological advances claim to treat light colored hair, but nothing has been consistent yet. The hair must be clipped or shaved for treatment to be effective. If the hair has been waxed or plucked, then no pigment will be available to concentrate the heat and destroy the hair follicle.

1. The Palomar Medilux works well for patients of all skin types. The treatment area is large so many hair follicles can be treated at once, shortening the procedure. The Palomar Medilux also has a handpiece that safely treats darker skin.

2. The Medlite is an Nd:YAG laser that is even safer for dark skin. Darker skin patients as well as those prone to significant pigment abnormalities can achieve a nice result with minimal risk of complications.

3. The Gentlelase is an Alexandrite laser that gives excellent results, especially to people of lighter skin types.