About Face: The Blog of
Arthur N. Falk, MD

Tired of daily shaving? Electrolysis too painful? Poor results with creams and lotions?

Consider laser hair removal and end the stress of unwanted body hair

At the Albany, New York Center for Facial Plastic Surgery & Laser Skin Care, cosmetic surgeon Dr. Arthur Falk provides all-inclusive laser hair removal for every skin type. Laser hair removal employs energy to target growing hair follicles, rendering them inactive. Generally, a series of four to six treatments is necessary.

No one device is ideal for all individuals. In fact, people with white or gray hair may not qualify for laser hair removal, since pigment must be present to destroy hair follicles. Dr. Falk reports that the "safest" hair removal laser for all skin types is the 1064 nm Nd:YAG. Other lasers, such as the 880 nm diode lasers (Lightshear), 775nm Gentlelase (Candela) or a pulsed light device may be more appropriate for individuals with light skin and hair color. Most important, Dr. Falk tailors each laser hair removal treatment to your individual characteristics.

The laser light produces heat; therefore, you may feel a sensation during treatment that many patients characterize as “snapping.” Most patients tolerate this sensation easily. For patients who require extra help, a numbing cream may be used. Whether or not the treatment causes discomfort may depend on the body area being treated, your skin type, thickness or density of hair, and your own pain threshold.

If unwanted hair is affecting your confidence, please contact us at The Center for Facial Plastic Surgery & Laser Skin Care, serving Albany, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, and Troy, New York, to schedule your consultation.