Christopher J. Davidson, MD
Fraser Medical Building
332 Washington Street, Suite 100
Wellesley, MA 02481
Phone: (781) 237-7700
Monday–Friday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Unwanted body hair can be both frustrating and embarrassing for our patients from Boston, Wellesley, Natick, Framingham, and throughout the western suburbs of Boston. While temporary relief can be found from shaving or waxing, the frequent process can be quite time-consuming. The results will fade quickly, allowing the unsightly stubble to return. Making matters even worse, the side effects of home treatment can include itching, razor burn, and painful, ingrown hairs. Luckily, there is a more effective way to permanently address areas of undesirable hair: laser hair removal in Boston.
This is a noninvasive method to remove unwanted hair from virtually anyplace on the body. Both men and women can find permit results with laser hair removal, leaving the skin smooth and clear, without unwanted regrowth. The most commonly treated areas include the back, neck, legs, arms, face, bikini line, and under the arms.
Want to talk to someone about laser hair removal in Boston? Call Dr. Christopher J. Davidson’s practice at (781) 237-7700 or request a consultation.
Laser hair removal works by sending a brief pulse of energy down the hair, damaging the follicle. This will cause the hair to fall out and prevent future growth. The hair on the face and body goes through three stages: growth (anagen), transition (catagen), and resting (telogen). As individual hairs are all growing at a different rate, and are in multiple stages, several laser sessions will be required.
Men and women can both benefit from laser hair removal. Patients can range from late teens to late 60s and beyond—anyone with pigment remaining in the hair. White or blond hair does not respond well to treatment. An ideal candidate for laser hair removal will be in generally good health, understand the treatment process, and hold realistic expectations for their results. It is also vital that patients be willing to commit to multiple treatment sessions in order to guarantee optimal results.
A laser hair removal session will take less than 30 minutes to complete. The procedure is not considered painful, although patients report feeling a firm pinch during treatment. To ensure a faster and less painful procedure, patients are encouraged to shave the targeted area immediately before each laser hair removal session. The laser handpiece is chilled, keeping the discomfort at a minimum. Additionally, a topical anesthetic may be used to increase patient comfort.
Protective eyewear will be worn by the patient during treatment. As the handpiece is passed over the targeted area, brief laser pulses will be emitted. These travel through the skin, not affecting the healthy tissue, as they are attracted to the pigment (melanin) in the hair follicle. The concentrated light energy will damage the hair follicle, causing the hair to fall out and stopping any further growth.
Dr. Christopher Davidson's patient first approach to aesthetic medicine means that every decision he makes is aimed at achieving the optimal outcome for the patient. This is apparent, not just in the beautiful, natural-looking results he creates, but also in the compassionate care he delivers through every step of the process.
No downtime is required after the laser hair removal treatment. Normal activities, such as work or school, can be resumed the same afternoon. Immediately after a session, the treatment area may be red or irritated, though these should diminish over the first few hours.
In one to two weeks, as the hair begins to fall out, the results from treatment can be seen. Hair grows in three phases, and the laser treatment works during the active growth cycle. Due to the fact that the laser treatment will only address hair in the active growth cycle, multiple treatments, performed four weeks apart, will be required for the best results. After each procedure, patients can expect to see between a 10 to 25 percent reduction in hair growth.
When performed by an experienced, reputable provider, laser hair removal is exceptionally safe. However, there is always a small chance for a complication to occur. These can include bruising, infection, folliculitis, blisters, hyperpigmentation (dark spots), and scarring. The experts at Dr. Davidson’s office provide patients with amazing laser hair removal results in Boston, along with a small chance for complications.
At your laser hair removal consultation, Dr. Davidson or one of his trusted estheticians will review your medical history and perform a quick skin evaluation. They will also recommend the ideal products and other treatments that will enhance and maintain your beautiful, smooth skin.
Laser hair removal is a noninvasive procedure designed to permanently reduce unwanted body hair.
For laser hair removal, Dr. Davidson uses the ClearScan. This device employs a beam of laser energy to selectively target small areas, such as the hair follicle. The laser energy is then absorbed by the melanin, never by healthy tissue. The ClearScan has the ability to treat both light and tanned skin.
The automated ClearScan device moves quickly and evenly across the skin, treating many hair follicles at one time. The computer determines the optimum pattern for each patient’s hair/skin, allowing for efficient, safe hair removal.
Laser hair removal can benefit almost any area of the body. Most commonly treated are the legs, bikini line, underarms, chest, face, and neck.
Yes, all skin types and tones can have successful laser hair removal.
Yes, tanned skin can be safely treated with the ClearScan. It is important to discuss any recent tanning, prolonged exposure to the sun, and the use of tanning products with your physician or esthetician.
Yes, all types of hair can be removed with the ClearScan hair removal system. “Shaving bumps” and ingrown hairs will still respond to the laser energy, preventing hair regrowth.
The exact number of hair removal treatments will depend on the patient’s individual situation. Up to six or eight treatments are normally recommended, spaced a month apart.
First, if a topical anesthetic is requested, this will be placed on the skin about 30 minutes before the laser hair removal procedure. Next, the ClearScan laser will gently pass over the treatment area. A continuous cooling feature ensures comfort and safety during treatment.
Laser hair removal is safe, when performed by an experienced provider. Although rare, temporary pigment changes along the treatment area are possible.
Some redness and slight swelling may be seen immediately after treatment. This should subside within a few hours. Patients are instructed to keep the area clean and always wear a sunscreen with at least SPF 15 when going outdoors.
Want to talk to someone about laser hair removal? Residents of Wellesley, Framingham, Natick, Newton, and throughout Greater Boston choose Dr. Christopher J. Davidson’s practice for their treatments. Call us at (781) 237-7700 or request a consultation.
