Laser Hair Removal Image
Laser Hair Removal

Laser Hair Removal in Pittsburgh, PA

64 Procedures ( View All )

Overview

Hair removal utilizing laser technology is an effective way of permanently reducing and eliminating hair growth in areas where it is no longer desired. The plastic surgery office of Pittsburgh cosmetic surgeon, Dr. James Fernau, offers the latest in hair removal with Isolaz—an advanced laser system that offers safe and effective results. The intensity applied during an Isolaz laser hair removal session primarily depends on the hair growth, the thickness of the hair, and the area in which is being treated. It is great treatment for both men and women on common areas such as the legs, arms, back, face and bikini.

What are the Benefits of Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal offers a number of benefits over traditional methods of hair removal like shaving and waxing. These advantages include:

  • Precision: Laser technology allows for precise targeting of individual hair follicles. This helps to avoid any unwanted damage to the surrounding skin.
  • Speed: Laser hair removal is a relatively quick procedure, with sessions lasting anywhere from a few minutes to an hour depending on the size of the area being treated.
  • Long-term results: Unlike traditional methods, laser hair removal offers long-lasting outcomes. After completing the recommended number of sessions with Dr. Fernau, patients can expect to see a significant reduction in hair growth in the treated area.
  • Cost-effective: While laser hair removal may seem like a more expensive option upfront, it ultimately saves money in the long run by eliminating the need for regular waxing appointments.

How Isolaz Works

Laser hair removal typically takes multiple treatment sessions to attain the desired results. This is to ensure that the hair follicles are completely destroyed. At any given time, a certain number of hairs are in a resting phase, rather than a growth phase. Because the laser treatment is not effective on hair follicles that are not actively growing, multiple sessions are needed. Dr. Fernau recommends between 5-7 treatment sessions, spaced 3-4 weeks apart. During the procedure, the skin is stretched slightly so that the laser can precisely target the hair follicle roots. When this happens, the follicle absorbs the heat and ultimately falls off and stops regrowing.

Laser Hair Removal Video

During/After Surgery

Isolaz uses a vacuum that is placed directly on the skin, which loosens and extracts each hair from the follicle. Compared to other laser treatments, Isolaz is for the most part, painless. Because of the vacuum, patients will feel slight pressure on the area that is being treated, but the harsh sting that comes with other lasers does not occur. That is one of the most prominent advantages to Isolaz. Sessions may last from 30 minutes up to an hour for larger areas. Patients should avoid exercise for about 24 hours to allow the skin to calm, and sun exposure should be avoided during treatment. The majority of our patients noticed significant improvement in the amount of hair that remains. For some, treatment removes the hair totally and permanently.

Expected Cost

There is no standard cost for laser hair removal as the fees vary depending on a number of factors, including the size of the area being treated and the amount of hair to be removed. In addition, costs will also vary based on how many sessions are required to attain the desired results. The estimated fee averages between $200-$600 per session.

Request Consultation

Plan Your Procedure

Average Cost  
$200 - $600
Recovery Time  
1-2 Days
Average Procedure Time  
30 Minutes - 1 Hour
Post-op Follow-up  
1 Week
Procedure Recovery Location  
Out-Patient
Contact Us

Laser Hair Removal FAQs

Best Candidate?

Individuals with light skin and dark hair generally are the best candidates for laser hair removal. That being said, individuals with varying skin tones and hair color can also be considered for this treatment, but in order for the laser to “find” the hair and effectively treat it, it has be able to “see” it. Therefore, those with light skin and very light blonde hair may not be the best candidates for this procedure.

Can I Only Have 1 Session?

The series of treatments is designed to ensure that all hair growth is permanently suppressed. There will be significant reduction, but not all hair follicles are destroyed in the initial session and some may continue to grow. The additional sessions ensure that the remaining growing hairs will also be terminated. 

How Long Is Recovery?

There is no downtime following laser hair removal and patients can usually resume their normal routine. There will be tingling and slight redness on the treated area that subsides after a few hours. Afterwards, the skin may look and feel like it’s sunburnt. Cooling creams or ice packs may provide relief to the burnt feeling. Sun exposure must be limited several weeks before and after treatment.

Is This Permanent?

Once the follicle is removed, the hair cannot regrow. However, with a single treatment, not all follicles are destroyed and those that survive normally will still grow hair. This is the reason why follow-up treatments are required to completely remove all growing hair the initial treatment missed.

Related Procedures

*Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person. Images may contain models.