Laser Hair Removal

Non-Surgical Laser Treatments Laser Hair Removal

For many people, summertime is a constant battle against unwanted hair on the legs, arms, and bikini area. Some try to keep up with this hair growth with constant shaving; others suffer through painful waxing sessions for a few weeks of smooth skin. You might even tweeze unwelcome hairs when they appear.

What all these methods have in common is that they’re uncomfortable, inconvenient, and short-lived. That’s why many patients turn to laser hair removal at the Langdon Center.

What is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is a more effective, long-lasting alternative to traditional hair removal methods like waxing and shaving. While these traditional methods target the hair itself, laser hair removal targets the hair follicles beneath the skin surface. The laser energy heats up hair follicles and damages them so that they stop producing hair. This results in much longer-lasting hair removal than only removing a hair shaft that will grow back within a few days or weeks. 

Although long-lasting results are the primary advantage of laser hair removal, it also has less discomfort and side effects than traditional methods of hair removal. Many people deal with nicks, razor bumps, and ingrown hairs from shaving, especially in delicate areas like the underarms or bikini area. Waxing is painful and can lead to ingrown hairs, infections, or burns. Alternatively, most people experience little to no discomfort or side effects from laser hair removal with the Vectus® laser.

Anywhere you have unwanted hair, laser hair removal can probably treat it. The most common treatment areas for laser hair removal are:

  • Upper lip and chin
  • Underarms
  • Bikini line
  • Legs
  • Back and shoulders
Microneedling Guilford

Frequently Asked Questions

To safely treat almost all skin types and tones, we use the new Vectus® diode laser by Palomar for laser hair removal at the Langdon Center. The Vectus® uses the advanced SkinTel® device to directly measure the patient’s skin pigment level. The SkinTel® wirelessly transmits this “Melanin Index” data to the Vectus® laser, whose computer then determines the optimal and safest settings for hair removal treatment. 

We also use the Apogee Elite™ laser by Cynosure. With these two lasers, we can safely treat patients of all skin types. These systems use intense pulses of light energy that pass through the skin to the hair follicle, where the energy is absorbed and transformed into heat, disabling the follicle while leaving the surrounding area unaffected. 

A treatment normally takes between 15 and 30 minutes, although time varies depending on the treatment area. We will give you protective eyewear, and then Dr. Langdon or one of our nurses will move the laser device over your treatment area to target unwanted hair.

Laser hair removal has minimal side effects and doesn’t require any downtime. Your skin may be a little red afterward, but this typically subsides within 30 minutes. Pigmentary changes, blisters, and “hot spots” are rare but occasionally occur. Having your laser hair removal done by an experienced professional like Dr. Langdon minimizes these risks.

Your skin will be extra sun-sensitive after laser hair removal, so you’ll need to avoid sun exposure or wear sunscreen. You should apply a gentle moisturizer but avoid harsh chemicals, perfumes, and deodorants in the treatment area.

The laser energy only affects hair follicles that are in the growth phase. Because not all of your hair is in the growth phase simultaneously, you’ll need multiple laser hair removal sessions for optimal results. We typically recommend packages of at least three treatments spaced a few weeks apart.

You can expect to see hair reduction after each laser hair removal session. The treated hair will start to fall out within two weeks of the treatment, and most people see optimal results after several sessions.

Laser hair removal offers long-lasting results compared to temporary hair removal methods such as shaving, tweezing, or waxing. After your initial series of treatments, the treated area will likely show reduced hair for several months or even years. Any hair that does grow back is typically lighter and thinner. Many people have an annual maintenance treatment to keep their skin smooth indefinitely.

Because we offer multiple advanced laser technologies, we can safely treat almost any skin type and tone. With the new SkinTel® technology, we can accurately determine the level of melanin pigment in the skin. However, laser hair removal is not usually successful for gray, red, or blond hair. Ideal candidates typically have light to medium skin tones and dark hair. 

Tanned skin can be unsafe to treat, so always inform us if you have been tanning or exposed to the sun within the last three weeks. We may alter the device settings or may need to delay the treatment. 

Take the next step.

To learn more about laser hair removal or to schedule your consultation with Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Langdon, please fill out the form on this page or call The Langdon Center at (203) 453-8625. We look forward to working with you! The Langdon Center serves patients in the Guilford & New Haven, CT areas.

Discover our before & after gallery

Real Patients, Real Reviews.

Request a consultation with The Langdon Center today.

If you have any questions or would like to gather more information prior to your visit, please fill out our contact form or give us a call at 203-453-8625

Fill out the form.

Chat with a team member.

Schedule appointment.

  • Request a consultation with The Langdon Center today Form

  • Should be Empty:

Stay up-to-date. Subscribe to our Newsletter.