Laser Hair Removal in Kansas City & Overland Park

The cost of laser hair removal is based on the area being treated. During your consultation visit, you will be given in writing your specific cost and the expected number of treatments necessary.

8-10 treatments* with a waiting period of 4 to 8 weeks between treatments. Note: Not all people are looking for complete hair removal. This is especially true for men wanting to thin out their body hair. The waiting period between treatments will be different depending upon the body area being treated. This will be determined during the consultation visit. Hair responds best to laser treatment during the early anagen (growth) phase. All of the hair is never in the growth phase at the same time. Hair in the catagen (regression) phase or the telogen (resting) phase is not thought to be affected by treatment. For these reasons, it always takes multiple treatments to successfully treat all unwanted hair.

In most cases, patients with “fairer” skin and “darker” hair are ideal for laser hair removal services. Having said that, hair removal can be performed on darker skin types as well as long as the hair is dark. The laser will not work on blonde, red or gray hair.

Black and brown hair responds best. This is because the target of the laser is melanin. Hair that has lost its (melanin) color (white & gray hair) will most likely not respond to laser treatment. Blonde and red hair may respond minimally.

The question to first ask to help determine skin type is: If your skin is exposed to the sun for the first time of the season (without the use of a sunscreen) how would it react? If the skin is affected by light (either burns or tans), it is safe to assume they are appropriate candidates for laser hair removal. Note: Other than skin type VI (Black skin), the laser can treat hair with varying degrees of effectiveness.

It is best for first-time patients to stop treating their hair by any method (shaving, clipping, etc.) at least 2 days before their consultation visit. This will allow the provider to examine the hair to determine if you are a candidate.

At your first visit and each subsequent visit, you must shave the area to be treated prior. In addition, there CANNOT BE ANY SUN EXPOSURE including tanning lotion and/or spray tan on the area to be treated.

Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that the hair will be permanently removed. The hair will be significantly reduced and may in fact be completely gone. Although we cannot promise permanent hair removal, the results of laser therapy have been excellent.

Yes, as long as you are a candidate for the procedure. Here are a few things that my disqualify you as a candidate: 1. Recent sun exposure including spray tans, tanning bed usage, or tanning lotion 2. Pregnant or breastfeeding 3. Recent use of antibiotics 4. Recent usage of Accutane 5. Red, blonde, white, or gray hair that contains insufficient melanin for treatment 6. Recent waxing, plucking, or bleaching of the hair to be treated

To prepare for laser hair removal, youll want to avoid the sun for 4-6 weeks before treatment, avoid plucking and/or waxing for six weeks beforehand, and stop the use of self tanning products, sunning, tanning beds, and/or bronzers before and after the treatments. Make sure to go over your medications with your providers as some can cause photosensitivities.

Laser hair removal uses a laser beam to damage hair follicles, which prevents hair from growing back. The laser beam is attracted to the melanin in the hair, while leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. The damaged hair follicles are unable to grow new hair. The existing hairs attached to the damaged follicles will gradually fall out.

Laser hair removal can be used on almost any area of the body, except for the eyelids and tattooed skin. Common areas include face, legs, bikini, back, chest and underarms.

Laser hair removal can be performed around tattoos, but its not recommended to perform it directly on the tattoo itself. The laser targets the melanin in hair follicles, but tattoos also contain pigment, which can lead to complications if the laser interacts with the ink. This can cause burning, pain, skin damage, or even reduce the color of the tattoo. If youre planning to get a tattoo, its best to get a full course of laser hair removal in the area before getting the tattoo.

Laser hair removal is safe and effective for most people when performed by a licensed professional.

No, laser hair removal is not generally considered safe during pregnancy. There are no studies that evaluate the safety of laser hair removal during pregnancy. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make skin more sensitive and susceptible to burns. The heat from the laser could also impact fetal development. Pregnancy causes increased hair growth, which can make laser hair removal less effective.

The main difference between laser hair removal and IPL is the type of light used. Laser uses a monochromatic coherent light source, which means a single wavelength or color of light. This light is more concentrated and targeted to the hair follicle. Laser treatments are often faster and more suitable for darker skin tones. Different lasers can be used for different skin types. IPL uses a broad spectrum of light with multiple wavelengths. This light is less specific than a laser and can target the melanin in the hair follicle and the surrounding skin. IPL is often more painful than laser and may require more treatments to achieve the same results. IPL may not be as effective for lighter skin tones or light hair.

Redness is the most common side effect and can feel like a mild sunburn. It can last for up to a few hours but usually subsides. Skin irritation, such as itching and a burning sensation during or after the procedure. Swelling is a mild side effect that usually subsides. The treated skin may become darker or lighter, especially for people with lighter skin. Crusting can occur around the treated area. There is a risk of infection when hair follicles are damaged, so the treated area should be treated as a wound until it heals. Pimples and acne can appear on the treated area after the procedure because the heat of the laser opens up pores. Other side effects include blisters and scarring, but these are less common. Blisters can occur if the wrong device settings are used or the client is on certain photosensitizing medications. Scarring can occur if the client is on certain photosensitizing medications or if there is an underlying skin condition like acne that wasnt disclosed before treatment.

Laser hair removal can help treat ingrown hairs by preventing and removing ingrown hairs.

Laser hair removal doesnt work on all hair colors. Laser hair removal works best on people with dark hair and light skin because the contrast between the skin and hair color makes it easier for the hair to absorb heat. Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in the hair follicles. The laser emits a concentrated beam of light that heats up and destroys the hair follicle. Laser hair removal doesnt work well on hair thats blonde, gray, white, or red because the hair roots dont have enough melanin for the laser to target. Laser hair removal doesnt work well on very fine hair because it doesnt pick up the laser well.

Laser hair removal is effective for men. Laser hair removal can permanently reduce hair growth on the face and body. Laser hair removal is less likely to cause razor burn, bumps, or skin irritation than shaving or waxing. Laser hair removal can help reduce ingrown hairs, which are often caused by shaving thick hair. Laser hair removal can save time by permanently reducing hair growth in targeted areas. Laser hair removal treatments are quick without downtime, and you can return to work immediately.

Laser hair removal can help lighten dark underarms by reducing the appearance of dark hair and hyperpigmentation. Laser hair removal targets hair follicles at the root, preventing hair from growing back and making the skin appear lighter. Laser hair removal can help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation from ingrown hairs by preventing their recurrence. Removing hair and follicles can help improve the contrast between the skin of the underarms and the rest of the body. However, laser hair removal is not a skin-lightening treatment and is not suitable for skin bleaching. Some people may experience temporary underarm darkening after treatment, which is sometimes called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This darkening may be caused by irritation from the laser treatment. This hyperpigmentation can be treated and often lightens over time.

Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds for at least two weeks after treatment. Your skin will be more sensitive to the sun and at risk of sunburn. Avoid harsh soaps, medicated washes, scrubs, oils, retinols, scented lotions, and peels. These products can aggravate skin irritation and acne breakouts. Avoid hot baths and showers for 24–48 hours after treatment. Hot water can irritate the treated area and increase the risk of complications. Avoid tight, restrictive garments over the treated area(s). Tight clothing can rub against the treated area and irritate the skin. Avoid swimming for 24–48 hours after laser hair removal. Your skin will be more sensitive than usual, so its best to avoid any bacteria or chemicals that might be in the water. Avoid any other hair removal treatments after receiving laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal is generally safe for sensitive areas like the genitals. The lasers are designed to target hair follicles without damaging the skin. If you have skin conditions like acne or eczema, or a history of skin allergies or sensitivities, you should let your practitioner know before starting treatment. People with darker skin tones may be more likely to experience skin discoloration after laser treatments. To minimize irritation, you can apply aloe vera gel or a soothing lotion to the treated area. You should also avoid hot baths or saunas for 24–28 hours after treatment, and drink plenty of water.

Scarring is a rare but possible side effect of laser hair removal, but its typically not an issue with most qualified practitioners. To reduce the risk of scarring and other side effects, you can choose a skilled practitioner, care for the treated area, treat the skin as if it had been sunburned, keep it moisturized and protected from light, avoid sun exposure for at least two weeks before and after treatment, and follow post-treatment instructions like avoiding hot showers or baths and wearing loose, comfortable clothing.

Yes, the contrast between skin and hair color is important for laser hair removal. The laser is attracted to the melanin in hair follicles, so the best results are for people with dark hair and light skin. However, newer lasers like the Gentle Max Pro are more precise and can treat almost all skin types. Laser hair removal is less effective for hair colors that dont absorb light well, such as red, gray, blond, and white.

The FDA considers at-home laser hair removal devices to be cosmetic, not medical, and there arent large studies on their safety and effectiveness. Theres also a risk of misuse or injury without supervision from a healthcare provider. At-home devices are less powerful than professional devices and may not be as effective. They may also not be strong enough to remove all hair.

Laser hair removal can significantly reduce hair growth, but it usually doesnt result in permanent hair removal. It is a permanent hair reduction. After the first treatment, you can expect a 10% to 25% reduction in hair. Most patients need 6 to 12 laser treatments to remove hair. You might need maintenance treatments after the initial round of treatments. When hair does regrow, it tends to be less and thinner. If you notice hair regrowth, you can get a touch-up session. Hormonal changes, such puberty or menopause and certain medications can influence hair regrowth. Laser treatments damage hair follicles, but they dont kill them. If a follicle is damaged but not completely lost, the hair will gradually recover.

No, you should not combine laser hair removal with waxing or plucking. You should avoid plucking, waxing, or threading for at least four to six weeks before your first laser hair removal appointment. Laser hair removal works by targeting hair follicles, so removing hair before treatment prevents the laser from working. You should avoid plucking or waxing for at least three weeks after a laser session. Plucking or waxing too soon can damage the follicles and lead to complications like infection, hyperpigmentation, or scarring. Instead of waxing or plucking, you can use gentle hair removal methods like shaving or trimming to remove any remaining hair after a laser hair removal session.

Laser hair removal doesnt directly damage pores, but it can indirectly affect their appearance. The heat from the laser can irritate the skin and cause inflammation, which can lead to clogged pores. The heat from the laser opens pores, which can allow debris to clog and create pimples. Red bumps can develop as an inflammatory response to the procedure. The heat from the laser can stimulate collagen production, which can tighten and firm the skin, making pores appear smaller.

Lasers that have wavelengths between 700 and 1400 nm are most effective for hair removal because they absorb melanin the most and interfere the least with other pigments. We have the Gentle Max Pro laser which has both Alexandrite laser and Nd: Yag laser. Alexandrite laser has a wavelength of 755 nanometers (nm) and is often used for lighter skin tones and larger areas of the body, such as the back or legs. Its effective for a wide range of skin tones, but may not be ideal for very dark skin or facial hair. The Nd: Yag laser has a wavelength of 1064 nm and is effective for darker skin tones.

Keep the area clean. Avoid putting on makeup, deodorant, or other cosmetics directly after sessions. Use cooling creams or aloe vera as suggested by our doctor. Avoid picking or popping acne spots. Apply non-comedogenic makeup lightly if you must wear makeup.