Laser Hair Removal in Princeton, NJ
For many men and women, unwanted hair is time-consuming, and even painful to remove. For men, ingrown hairs lead to Pseudofoliculitis barbae (PFB), a skin condition (linked to shaving) where small bumps under the skin can become inflamed or infected and lead to dark spots. With technological advancements in medical devices, laser hair removal provides an effective, permanent, and safe solution for dealing with unwanted hair vs. shaving, waxing, or other types of hair reduction.
As the outcome of laser hair removal largely depends on the experience and knowledge of the person performing the procedure, it is essential that an experienced medical doctor performs this procedure for best results.
O Medical and Aesthetics provides Laser Hair Removal for men and women of all skin types. During your initial consultation, Dr. Onumah will determine whether you are a good candidate for laser hair removal and if you are, she will tailor a customized laser hair removal treatment plan to achieve your individual cosmetic goals.
At O Medical and Aesthetics, all laser treatments are performed by Dr. Onumah an expert dermatologist or another medical doctor who has been personally trained by Dr. Onumah. Dr. Onumah has researched and published on the use of lasers in dermatology and in ethic skin. Contact our office today to book a consultation.
Dr. Onumah and our other medical doctors combine in-depth knowledge and experience of the use of lasers to treat all skin types in tailoring a treatment that is unique for you.
What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser Hair Removal is a non-invasive medical procedure using focused laser light to destroy the hair follicles over time leading to permanent hair removal for the hair follicles treated. It takes about 6 to 8 treatments from a dermatologist to destroy a hair follicle. The hair will grow back thinner and finer after each treatment.
While lasers permanently reduce hair growth, certain medical conditions may lead to new hair growth due to new hair follicles being formed. If this occurs, those new hair follicles also require treatment to achieve permanent hair removal.
Are all Hair Removal Lasers the same?
There are a number of different lasers used for Laser Hair Removal. However, not all lasers are equally effective, and not all lasers should be used on all skin types. Lasers commonly used for hair removal are the long-pulsed alexandrite, the long-pulsed Nd:YAG, and the diode. While Intense Pulsed Light(IPL) is also used for Laser Hair Removal, it is considered by many to be inferior for hair removal. Lighter skin types can be treated safely with an alexandrite laser. Darker skin types can only be safely treated using a long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser.
At O Medical and Aesthetics, our laser is the gold standard for laser hair removal in men and women of all skin types. We use a laser that has a powerful, long-pulse alexandrite (GentleLase) and a powerful long-pulsed Nd:YAG (GentleYAG), so that we can safely and effectively offer laser hair removal to all skin types.
Our lasers are designed to safely and effectively treat lighter and darker skin types.
Is Laser Hair Removal Painful?
Laser hair removal can cause mild to moderate discomfort. Most patients describe feeling a snapping sensation during the treatment. At O Medical and Aesthetics, our lasers are equipped with a cryogen cooling system that emits a pulse of frozen air to significantly cool the skin prior to each laser pulse on the skin. Most patients find the treatment very tolerable. However as pain tolerance varies from person-to-person, when needed, we also offer topical anesthetics and other techniques to further increase our patient’s comfort.
Who Are the Best Candidates for Treatment?
Laser Hair Removal is a safe and effective method to remove unwanted hair and lead to smoother healthy-looking skin for all skin types in NJ. However, there are certain factors that can prevent you from being a good candidate for this treatment.
- Not effective for blonde, white, or red hairs
- No waxing, plucking, tweezing, bleaching, or depilatory creams 3-4 weeks prior to treatment
- No photosensitive medications
- No tanning/spray tans/tanning lotions or creams prior to or post-laser treatment
- Pregnant women cannot receive laser hair removal treatments.
Why see a Dermatologist for laser hair removal treatments?
It is advisable to see an expert dermatologist for this service, as dermatologists are trained in the treatment of hair, skin, and nails, usually including specific laser training. As lasers can be dangerous in the wrong hands, possible injuries include burns, blisters, infection, or dark spots, it is not suggested to visit a “medical spa” for laser services, including Laser Hair Removal as the credentials of the technicians cannot be assured. While laser hair removal will often cost slightly more in a dermatologist’s office, it is best to know you are being treated safely and effectively.
Before & After
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FAQ
What is the Recovery and Downtime after Laser Hair Removal?
There is no downtime after a treatment session. Immediately after the procedure, the treated area may be red and a small amount of swelling may occur around the hair follicles. The area may tingle for a day or two. The treated area may become crusty over the first day or two after treatment. During this time, cleanse and moisturize your skin following the post care regimen that Dr. Onumah recommends for you. Avoid picking at or manipulating the treated area. Do not tan during this period, and wear sunscreen with the SPF recommended by Dr. Onumah.
How does laser hair removal compare to electrolysis?
Laser hair removal treatment at O Medical and Aesthetics is a much faster process than electrolysis. In the latter, a needle is inserted into the hair’s follicle and an electric shock causes the follicle to burn, thereby reducing hair growth. With laser hair removal, a cool light will scan the skin area and then treat all the hair with the laser beam. This is also faster, more convenient, and less painful.
Are there any side effects of laser hair removal treatments?
There are no adverse side effects to laser hair removal treatments in New Jersey. Some patients may possibly experience skin irritation, including redness and small swelling around the areas treated. This is completely normal and typically disappears in a few days. It is critical to protect the areas treated until the skin heals by covering the treated areas or using sunscreen to avoid any pigment changes after the treatment.
Why see a Dermatologist for laser hair removal treatments?
It is advisable to see an expert dermatologist for this service, as dermatologists are trained in the treatment of hair, skin, and nails, usually including specific laser training. As lasers can be dangerous in the wrong hands, possible injuries include burns, blisters, infection, or dark spots, it is not suggested to visit a “medical spa” for laser services, including Laser Hair Removal as the credentials of the technicians cannot be assured. While laser hair removal will often cost slightly more in a dermatologist’s office, it is to know you are being treated safely and effectively.
How many laser hair removal treatments do you need?
It’s important to remember that hair grows in cycles, typically around four to six weeks, depending on the body part. Hair removal only works on actively growing hair, so it may take a few sessions to effectively treat a specific area. As we are each different, the exact number of treatments needed will vary. Several treatment sessions of Laser Hair Reduction are required for a sustained result, typically 6 to 8 treatments spaced several weeks apart, but sometimes more. Maintenance treatments may also be required.
Is Laser Hair Reduction Permanent?
Laser hair removal is permanent for the hair follicles that are destroyed. However, over a lifetime, new hair follicles may develop in the same area previously treated resulting in new hair growth. Although the laser treatment slows hair growth and provides an extended period of reduced hair growth, it cannot be assured that hair growth will never recur in the future.
Need more information on laser hair removal treatments in NJ? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Onumah today or phone us at 609-250-7198