Cosmetic Plastic Surgery
Skin Rejuvenation
Lasers
Bikini Laser
Is bikini laser hair reduction right for you? If you want a smooth and clean bikini line and are tired of shaving, waxing and other hair removal methods, talk to us about how bikini laser treatment can permanently reduce unwanted body hair.
Best Uses
- Hair reduction on the upper thighs, pubic region, and buttocks
- Treatment for inflammation and infection of hair follicles in the pubic region
Description
We use two different lasers for bikini hair reduction, the Alexandrite (Alex) (755 nm) for light/medium skin tones and the Nd:YAG (1064 nm) for darker skin tones.
About the Procedure (Board Certified)
Successful laser hair removal requires preparation before the procedure. The laser targets visible hair, so you will be instructed to avoid plucking, waxing, or electrolysis three weeks before the procedure to allow stubble to form. Shaving is allowed before procedures. Dr. Farella recommends avoiding tanning in the sun or sun booth for two months prior to treatment because tanning stimulates skin pigments and makes discoloration more likely. Liquid self-tanners also should be avoided as they turn the skin into a target for the laser beam.
During the procedure, a hand-held instrument is pressed onto your skin so that its laser beams can pass into and destroy the hair follicle. Your skin will be cooled at the same time for protection from burns and to help limit pain. Goggles are worn to prevent accidental eye exposure to the laser beam.
Results
Laser hair removal works differently on each person. In general, it removes most but not all of the hair from the treated area. Dr. Farella sees the best results in people with light skin and dark hair. However, the YAG 1064 allows darker skinned individuals to benefit from laser hair reduction.
Repeat treatment usually is needed. Hair goes through three different stages of growth and not all hairs are actively growing at the time of the treatment. As follicles come out of the shedding or resting phase and into the active growth phase, they produce new hairs that were not present during earlier treatments. We recommend four to six treatments spaced four to six weeks apart. Darker skinned individuals may need more than six treatments. The exact number depends on your skin color, coarseness of hair, gender, and desired results.
Discuss with Dr. Farella the advisability of laser hair removal if you have polycystic ovaries, medical problems, or medications that promote hair growth. Laser hair removal will be much less effective until the underlying condition is treated.
Anesthesia and Pain
The hair removal laser causes a stinging feeling on the skin. A topical anesthetic may be applied to your skin to lessen discomfort during the procedure.
Recovery
Immediately after treatment, your skin may be red and bumpy for up to an hour and might be sensitive for a couple of days. Sun exposure should be avoided for several weeks, followed by diligent use of sunscreen.
Risks and Complications
With any procedure, risks and complications can occur but generally are rare. Side effects from laser hair reduction are more likely in patients with darker skin tones. Changes in skin color may be temporary or permanent. Superficial or deep burns from use of an inappropriate wavelength or pulse duration can cause scarring. A trained and experienced physician can modify treatment settings based on skin type and response at the selected settings to minimize complications.
FDA Approval
Hair removal lasers have been in use since 1997 and the Food and Drug Administration approved laser hair treatment for "permanent hair reduction."
We use the Apogee 6200 Alex laser by Cynosure for lighter skin types and the CynergyTM YAG 1064 laser for darker skin types.
Information on this page is not a substitute for medical consultation or advice. Please contact us to schedule an appointment to discuss the best treatments for you.
Call for a complimentary consultation:
(914) 752-2669
Lexington Avenue Suite 104
Mount Kisco, NY 10549
(914) 290-4700
311 North Street Suite 408
White Plains, NY 10605
(718) 548-5200
3333 Henry Hudson Parkway Suite 1-A
Riverdale, NY 10463
