Shaving, waxing, and plucking can become frustrating when unwanted hair keeps returning. Laser hair reduction in Chicago can reduce that ongoing upkeep by using light energy to disrupt follicles responsible for hair growth. At Northwestern Plastic Surgery, our minimally invasive services include laser-based treatments performed with attention to your skin type, hair characteristics, and goals. Ariana De Jesus, our aesthetician and laser technician, has worked in skincare since 2018 and has experience caring for a range of skin types and concerns.
How Does Laser Hair Reduction Work?
Laser hair reduction directs light energy toward pigment in the hair. The absorbed energy affects the follicle while the hair is actively growing, which is why a series of appointments is needed rather than a single visit.
Our aesthetic services include the Cynosure Elite+ Workstation, which combines a 755 nm Alexandrite laser with a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser. Having both wavelengths allows us to work with a broad range of skin types.
Hair color is also an important factor. White, blonde, red, and gray hairs do not contain enough pigment to respond effectively to the laser.
Common areas for hair reduction include the:
- Face
- Underarms
- Arms
- Legs
- Chest
- Back
- Bikini area
The amount of time needed for an appointment depends largely on the size and number of areas being treated.
How Does Laser Hair Reduction Work?
Laser hair reduction directs light energy toward pigment in the hair. The absorbed energy affects the follicle while the hair is actively growing, which is why a series of appointments is needed rather than a single visit.
Our aesthetic services include the Cynosure Elite+ Workstation, which combines a 755 nm Alexandrite laser with a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser. Having both wavelengths allows us to work with a broad range of skin types.
Hair color is also an important factor. White, blonde, red, and gray hairs do not contain enough pigment to respond effectively to the laser.
Common areas for hair reduction include the:
- Face
- Underarms
- Arms
- Legs
- Chest
- Back
- Bikini area
The amount of time needed for an appointment depends largely on the size and number of areas being treated.
Am I a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Reduction?
Candidacy depends on more than where unwanted hair grows. Hair pigment, skin tone, recent sun exposure, and the area you want treated can all influence whether laser hair reduction is appropriate.
Because the Cynosure Elite+ includes two wavelengths, it can accommodate a wider range of skin tones than systems built around a single laser. However, very light-colored hair generally does not respond well because there is too little pigment for the light energy to act upon.
During your consultation, we can evaluate your skin and hair and explain what kind of reduction may be realistic.
What Can I Expect During a Session?
You may feel brief warmth, pinching, or stinging as the laser pulses. Most patients do not need local anesthesia or pain medication, although comfort measures may be discussed for more sensitive areas.
Hair grows in cycles, so appointments are typically spaced about four to eight weeks apart at Northwestern Plastic Surgery. The number of visits varies based on factors such as hair thickness, location, growth pattern, and individual response.
Temporary redness or mild swelling may develop afterward. Most people can return to their normal routine right away. Over the following days, some treated hairs may appear to continue growing before they shed.
What Kind of Results Can I Expect?
Laser hair reduction is best understood as long-term hair reduction rather than a promise that every follicle will stop producing hair permanently. As a series progresses, regrowth may become finer, lighter, or less noticeable.
Some people benefit from occasional maintenance, particularly because hormones and natural changes in hair growth can influence new or returning hair.
Laser hair reduction is also different from laser skin resurfacing. Hair-reduction technology works with pigment associated with the follicle, while resurfacing is used for concerns involving the skin itself, such as tone or texture.
Why Choose Northwestern Plastic Surgery for Laser Hair Reduction in Chicago?
Successful laser hair reduction depends in part on selecting appropriate settings for the person being treated. Ariana De Jesus brings years of skincare and laser experience to this process and has worked with patients with different skin types and concerns since 2018.
The Cynosure Elite+ also gives us access to both Alexandrite and Nd:YAG wavelengths. Rather than treating every patient the same way, we can consider your skin tone, hair color, treatment area, and goals before recommending a course of care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Hair Reduction
There is no universal number. Hair growth cycles, density, color, and the area being treated all affect how many visits may be useful. We can give you a more realistic estimate after evaluating your hair and skin.
Yes. Shaving cuts the hair at the surface while leaving the follicle intact, making it a practical way to manage regrowth between visits.
Waxing and plucking pull the hair from the follicle. Because the laser relies on pigment associated with the hair in that follicle, removing it can interfere with treatment.
Recent tanning or significant sun exposure can change how your skin reacts to laser energy. Let us know about recent sun exposure or self-tanner use so we can determine when it is appropriate to proceed.
Some regrowth can occur over time. Hair that returns may be finer or less noticeable, and occasional maintenance may help manage new growth.
Reduce the Time You Spend Managing Unwanted Hair
If shaving or waxing has become an unwelcome part of your routine, we can help you find out whether laser hair reduction is a good fit for your skin and hair. Contact us at Northwestern Plastic Surgery in Chicago or call 312-695-6022 to discuss your options with our team.