Discussing Laser Hair Removal

There are a lot of ways to "get rid of" extra hair, but none of them are ideal. Shaving is time consuming, waxing is expensive, and chemical hair removers can burn your skin. Even after all of that, your hair grows back and you have to start over again. If you're sick of this problem, you may want to consider laser hair removal. Cathleen Barenski, CRNP, from The Vein Center at GBMC spoke with Gina Crash, co-host of Today's 101.9 Morning Show, about this state-of-the-art hair removal process.

Laser hair removal is a game changer. It's different than other hair removal methods because of its permanence. Within six to eight sessions, 98% of the hair in the treated area will be gone and will not grow back. While other methods remove hair that has already grown in, laser hair removal stops the hair from growing in the first place.

The most commonly treated areas are the underarms, bikini area, and legs, but it can be done on almost any part of the body. Before your first session, you will have a free consultation with one of the experts at The Vein Center. This includes a detailed skin typing process that determines the correct laser for your skin and hair color. Each laser targets specific pigments in your hair follicles, so different colors require different laser settings.

One of the most common questions is whether or not laser hair removal is painful. The short answer is “no.” While the treatment isn't always comfortable, it is far from painful. Patients often describe the sensation as similar to being snapped by small rubber bands. Ms. Barenski, who was specially trained to deliver laser treatments, uses a cooling wand throughout the session to reduce discomfort and prevent thermal injury. Treatments generally last 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the area and the density of the hair. The area may feel slightly sore for a few hours afterwards.

If you're interested in learning more, sign up for a free consultation here or call The Vein Center at GBMC at 443-849-6123.