July 21, 2009 | Medical Spa
5 minute read
Let’s be honest—while hair on your head can be your crowning glory, unwanted body hair isn’t always welcome. Whether it’s on your legs, arms, back, or underarms, excessive or unwanted hair can be frustrating and time-consuming to manage. The good news? Laser hair removal has advanced dramatically, and it’s now possible to achieve long-term results on all skin types, including darker complexions and tanned skin.
At Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in Eugene, we offer the latest in laser hair removal technology using the Lumenis LightSheer XC, an FDA-approved laser system designed to safely and effectively treat unwanted hair in all skin tones. Whether you’re preparing for the summer months or simply looking to ditch razors and waxing for good, laser hair removal could be your answer.
Why Laser Hair Removal Is Superior to Other Methods
Temporary hair removal methods like shaving, waxing, plucking, depilatory creams, and even electrolysis can provide short-term results, but they require constant upkeep. Electrolysis, though often touted as permanent, involves treating each individual follicle one at a time—making it a tedious and often uncomfortable option for large treatment areas.
Laser hair removal offers the best of both worlds: long-term reduction with minimal discomfort and zero downtime. Instead of removing hair one by one, laser energy targets hundreds of follicles at once, making it a faster, more effective solution—especially for larger areas like the legs, back, or chest.
How Laser Hair Removal Works
Laser hair removal involves using a focused low-energy beam of light that penetrates the skin and is absorbed by the melanin (pigment) in the hair shaft. This light energy heats the follicle, damaging it and inhibiting future hair growth.
Here’s why it works:
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Selective targeting: The laser only targets hair pigment, leaving surrounding skin untouched.
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Hair growth cycles: Because hair grows in different stages (anagen, catagen, and telogen), multiple sessions are necessary to treat all follicles effectively.
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Progressive results: Most patients notice a visible reduction after the first session, with permanent reduction achieved after several treatments.
Meet the Lumenis LightSheer XC: Laser Hair Removal for All Skin Types
When laser hair removal first became available, treatments were only effective on patients with light skin and dark hair. Older lasers, such as the ruby and alexandrite lasers, posed risks for people with ethnic skin tones or tans, such as burns or discoloration.
That’s why the Lumenis LightSheer XC is a game changer.
Key Advantages:
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Longer wavelength: Safely penetrates deeper into the follicle without damaging surrounding tissue.
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ChillTip™ technology: A cooling system that protects the skin and enhances comfort during treatment.
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Speed and efficiency: Treats larger areas quickly, such as full legs or backs.
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Safe for darker skin: Ideal for African-American, Asian, Hispanic, and tanned skin tones, which were previously difficult to treat.
If you’ve been told in the past that laser hair removal isn’t right for your skin type—that’s no longer the case.
What to Expect During and After Treatment
Laser hair removal is a non-invasive, in-office procedure that requires no downtime. Each session typically lasts 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area.
During treatment:
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You’ll wear protective eye goggles.
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A cooling gel or tip will be applied to your skin.
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The technician will use the handheld LightSheer device to deliver precise pulses of laser light.
After treatment:
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You may experience mild redness or swelling, similar to a sunburn—this typically fades within a few hours.
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You can return to work or normal activities immediately after your session.
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Avoid sun exposure and apply sunscreen to protect the treated areas.
How Many Treatments Will You Need?
Because laser hair removal is most effective during the active growth phase of the hair cycle, most patients require 4 to 8 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Factors that influence the number of sessions include:
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Hair density and color
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Treatment area
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Skin type
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Hormonal influences
With each session, you’ll notice fewer and finer hairs, and eventually, many follicles will stop producing hair altogether.
Common Treatment Areas
Laser hair removal can be performed almost anywhere on the body, including:
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Face (upper lip, chin, sideburns)
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Underarms
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Arms
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Legs
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Chest
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Back
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Bikini area
Because of its precision, the LightSheer laser can be used even on sensitive areas, ensuring safe and effective results.
Is Laser Hair Removal Right for You?
The best way to determine if you’re a candidate for laser hair removal is to schedule a consultation with our experienced providers at Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in Eugene. We’ll evaluate your skin type, hair color, and treatment goals to develop a customized plan that delivers results.
Thanks to technological advances, even patients with darker skin tones or tanned complexions—previously considered poor candidates—can now safely undergo treatment.
Benefits of Laser Hair Removal at Aesthetic Plastic Surgery:
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Performed by trained professionals in a medical setting
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Advanced, FDA-cleared LightSheer technology
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Comfortable sessions with minimal discomfort
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Proven results with long-term satisfaction
Ditch the Razor—Permanently
If you’re tired of shaving, waxing, and constant maintenance, now is the time to explore the convenience and long-term benefits of laser hair removal. With the Lumenis LightSheer XC, all skin types can safely achieve smooth, hair-free skin without downtime or irritation.
Contact Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in Eugene today to schedule your consultation and find out if this treatment is right for you. Your path to carefree, hair-free skin starts now.
Call (541) 687-8900 or visit our homepage to learn more about laser hair removal and other non-invasive treatments we offer.