Laser Hair
Removal
Permanent hair reduction. No razors, no wax, no appointments every few weeks. Just smooth, lasting results from a single series of physician-supervised treatments.
We are actively adding laser hair removal to our services at Superior Health Medical and Wellness and will be offering treatments soon. Check back for availability, or contact us to be notified when appointments open.
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a medical treatment that uses concentrated pulses of light energy targeted at the melanin pigment inside each hair follicle. The light energy is absorbed by the melanin, converted to heat, and used to thermally disable the follicle at the papilla, the structure responsible for producing new hair growth. Once the follicle is sufficiently damaged, it no longer produces a new hair shaft, resulting in permanent hair reduction in the treated area.
Modern laser systems use wavelengths and pulse durations calibrated to deliver energy specifically to the follicle while leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. This selective targeting is what allows laser hair removal to be both effective and safe across a range of skin tones and hair types when performed with the appropriate device and settings for each patient.
Because laser hair removal only affects follicles actively in the anagen (growth) phase at the time of treatment, a series of sessions is required to achieve complete hair reduction across the entire treatment area. Hair follicles cycle through growth and resting phases asynchronously, meaning that at any given time only a portion of the follicles in a treatment area are in anagen and susceptible to laser treatment. Multiple sessions spaced appropriately apart capture each follicle during its active phase.
Areas We Will Treat
Laser hair removal can be performed on virtually any area of the body where unwanted hair is present. Common treatment areas include the full face including upper lip, chin, and sideburns, the underarms, bikini and full Brazilian area, full legs including thigh and lower leg, arms and forearms, back, chest, and abdomen.
Treatment parameters including the laser wavelength, spot size, and energy density are adjusted for each area based on the hair density, hair color, and skin tone of the treatment zone. Facial areas require more conservative settings than body areas. Dr. Akers will assess the appropriate treatment protocol for each area at your initial consultation.
What to Expect From Treatment
A standard laser hair removal series involves six to eight sessions for most body areas, spaced four to eight weeks apart depending on the treatment zone. Each session progressively reduces the number of active follicles, with most patients achieving 80 to 90 percent permanent hair reduction after completing the full series. Touch-up sessions may be needed annually as dormant follicles occasionally reactivate over time.
During treatment, patients typically experience a mild snapping or warming sensation at the treatment site. Modern laser systems include integrated cooling mechanisms that significantly reduce discomfort. Treatment times range from a few minutes for small areas like the upper lip to 45 to 60 minutes for large areas like the full back or legs. There is no downtime: mild redness and warmth in the treated area resolve within a few hours.
The best candidates for laser hair removal have hair that is darker than their skin tone, as the melanin contrast between hair and skin is what allows selective targeting. Advances in laser technology have significantly expanded the range of treatable skin tones, and Dr. Akers will assess your specific hair and skin characteristics at consultation to confirm candidacy and select the appropriate device and settings for your treatment.
