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How Laser Hair Removal Works
The laser emits energy at a wavelength absorbed by melanin, the pigment in the hair shaft. That energy travels down the hair to the follicle and converts to heat, damaging the structure responsible for producing new hair.
Only follicles in the active growth phase respond, and at any moment only a portion of your hair is in that phase. This is why a series is required rather than a single treatment. Ultimate Image uses Venus Velocity, a diode laser system with contact cooling for comfort.
Who Laser Hair Removal Is For
Suitable for patients who want to stop shaving, waxing or plucking. Commonly treated areas:
- Underarms, bikini and legs
- Back and chest
- Upper lip, chin and jawline
- Neck and shoulders
The laser targets pigment, so it works best where there is contrast between hair and skin. Very light or grey hair responds poorly. Diode systems are safe across a wide range of skin tones, and your provider will confirm settings for your skin at consultation.
What to Expect
Shave the area the day before, but do not wax or pluck for four weeks beforehand, since the follicle needs to be present for the laser to work. Sessions range from a few minutes for the upper lip to about an hour for full legs.
Each pulse feels like a brief snap, moderated by the cooling applicator.
Aftercare
Mild redness and bumps around the follicles are normal for a few hours. Avoid heat, hot showers, saunas and strenuous exercise for 24 hours, and use sun protection on treated areas.
Treated hairs shed over the following one to three weeks, which can look like regrowth but is not. Continue shaving between sessions if needed, but never wax or pluck.
Session Length
Five minutes to one hour depending on area
Downtime
Five minutes to one hour depending on area
Session Count
Typically six to eight, spaced four to six weeks apart
Results Timeline
Shedding over one to three weeks after each session
Results Duration
Permanent hair reduction, with occasional maintenance
Device or Brand
Venus Velocity diode laser
FDA Status
FDA cleared for permanent hair reduction
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sessions will I need?
Most patients need six to eight, spaced four to six weeks apart, because only actively growing follicles respond to each treatment.
Is it permanent?
It produces permanent hair reduction rather than total permanent removal. Most patients are left with far less, finer hair, and many return for occasional maintenance.
Why can't I wax before treatment?
Waxing and plucking remove the follicle the laser needs to target. Shaving is fine because it leaves the follicle intact.
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Dr. Todd A. Besnoff, MD
Medical Director
Top Doctor in Tampa Bay
Dr. Besnoff has been referred to as one of the Top Doctors in Tampa Bay (as seen in the recent Tampa Bay Magazine Top Doctors issue) and Top 100 Aesthetic Provider in America! Dr. Besnoff has assisted and/or performed hundreds of thousands of surgical procedures since 1995 in specialties such as plastic surgery, gynecology, tissue donation and life-saving emergency treatments. In fact, Ultimate Image has been known to have performed more BOTOX® / Dysport® treatments in Tampa Bay than any other provider.