Laser Hair Reduction & Hair Bumps

Reduce Unwanted Hair and Recurrent Ingrown Hairs

Laser hair reduction uses targeted light energy to damage hair follicles and reduce future hair growth.

At Kessel Dermatology, we use the Excel V+™ laser by Cutera for hair reduction on select areas of the face and body.

Laser treatment can also be particularly helpful for patients who develop recurrent ingrown hairs and irritated hair bumps from shaving, waxing, or plucking.

What Areas Do We Treat?

At Kessel Dermatology, we offer laser hair reduction for:

• Face
• Neck
• Underarms
• Bikini line

We do not offer laser hair reduction for larger body areas such as the legs, chest, or back.

How Does Laser Hair Reduction Work?

Laser hair reduction works by directing laser energy toward pigment within the hair follicle.

The pigment absorbs the energy, which generates heat and damages the follicle, reducing its ability to produce new hair.

Because hair grows in cycles and the laser is most effective when hair is in an active growth phase, multiple treatments are necessary to target follicles as they enter that stage.

What Hair Colors Can Be Treated?

Because the laser works by targeting pigment within the hair follicle, laser hair reduction is effective only on brown, dark brown, and black hair.

Blonde, red, gray, and white hair do not contain enough of the appropriate pigment for the laser to effectively target the follicle.

Hair color will be evaluated before treatment to determine whether laser hair reduction is an appropriate option for you.

Can Laser Treatment Help With Hair Bumps and Ingrown Hairs?

Yes. Recurrent ingrown hairs can develop when hairs curve or grow back into the skin, resulting in inflamed bumps, irritation, and sometimes discoloration or scarring.

Shaving, waxing, and plucking can contribute to the problem in patients who are prone to ingrown hairs.

By reducing the amount and thickness of hair growing in the treated area, laser hair reduction can help decrease the frequency of ingrown hairs and associated inflammation.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

Laser hair reduction requires a series of treatments because individual hairs are in different stages of the growth cycle at any given time.

The number of sessions needed varies depending on the treatment area, hair color and thickness, skin type, hormonal factors, and individual response, but typically six to nine sessions are recommended.

Maintenance treatments may occasionally be needed over time.

Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?

We prefer the term laser hair reduction rather than permanent hair removal.

Laser treatment can produce a significant long-term reduction in hair growth, but it cannot guarantee that every treated follicle will permanently stop producing hair.

Hair that does regrow may be finer, lighter, or less noticeable than it was before treatment.

What Should I Expect During Treatment?

Before treatment, your skin type, hair color, and treatment area will be evaluated to determine whether laser hair reduction is appropriate for you.

During treatment, pulses of laser energy are delivered to the hair follicles. You may feel warmth or a sensation similar to a light snap against the skin.

Excel V+ incorporates cooling technology to help protect the skin and improve comfort during treatment.

Treatment time varies depending on the size of the area being treated.

What Should I Do Before Laser Hair Reduction?

For the laser to effectively target the hair follicle, the hair should remain present beneath the surface of the skin.

Before treatment:

• Avoid waxing, plucking, or threading the treatment area as directed before your appointment.
• Shaving is permitted and may be recommended before treatment.
• Avoid tanning and excessive sun exposure before treatment.
• Tell us about medications or topical products you are currently using.

Specific pre-treatment instructions will be provided based on your skin and treatment area.

What Should I Expect After Treatment?

Temporary redness, warmth, or mild swelling around the hair follicles can occur following treatment and generally resolves with time.

Sun protection is important following laser treatment, particularly when treating exposed areas such as the face.

You will receive specific aftercare instructions based on the area treated.

Is Laser Hair Reduction Right for You?

Laser hair reduction is most effective when there is sufficient pigment within the hair for the laser to target. At Kessel Dermatology, we treat brown, dark brown, and black hair.

Your skin type, hair color, hair thickness, and treatment area will be evaluated to determine whether laser hair reduction is appropriate for you and to select appropriate laser settings.

Schedule a consultation at Kessel Dermatology to determine whether laser hair reduction with Excel V+ is right for you.

Learn More About Excel V+