Laser Hair Removal

Our office is one of the busiest facilities for Laser Hair Removal in Westchester County – for good reason.

All Laser Hair Removal [LHR] is performed under the instruction of Dr. Joshua Fink and his experienced staff.

Dr. Fink and his team perform several hundred laser procedures each year and can thoroughly explain both the benefits and risks of Laser Hair Removal. Laser Hair Removal, sometimes referred to as Permanent Hair Reduction, is an ideal choice for both men and women who want to get rid of unwanted hairs on nearly any part of the body. Laser Hair Removal is often the preferred method of hair removal because it is safe, effective, and more permanent than any other method such as waxing, plucking, threading or shaving. The lasers we use are FDA-approved, virtually pain free, and cause little or no downtime.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

The laser emits a beam of light at a wavelength that targets the melanin (color) in the hair. The light beam is absorbed by the pigment, which damages the follicle enough to retard future growth.

When the correct laser is used, LHR is safe for all skin types and shades. Multiple sessions, typically 4-8 weeks apart, are necessary to obtain the desired response. LHR works best on thick, dark hair. LHR does not work on blonde, grey or very thin hair, and results vary for those with red hair.

Why Are Multiple Sessions Needed?

Multiple laser treatments are necessary because at any given time, a certain percentage of hairs are in the resting or telogen phase, rather than a growth phase called anagen. Laser Hair Removal is not effective on resting hairs, which is why several treatments are necessary in each area to achieve maximum results.

Certain parts of the body will respond more rapidly whereas others might take longer to show results. The area that takes the longest to respond is men’s backs. For women, the bikini, Brazilian and underarm area respond the fastest while the legs and arms can take a bit longer. Chin hair in woman can be the hardest area to treat, and may not completely respond.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

After three to seven treatments initially, most individuals report that their expectations have been met and the hair growth pattern is significantly less. In some areas, in addition to the decrease in the number of hairs, the hairs become very fine and light in color. Fine hairs will not respond to the laser.

Who Will Perform The Laser Treatments?

Laser Hair Removal treatments will be administered by Dr. Fink, Jodi Bellatoni, LPN, or our Aestheticians Marissa Martinez and Heather Tarantion. Dr. Fink is always available to answer any questions.

Important Guidelines

1. Timing: Treatments are typically scheduled 4-8 weeks apart and it is vital that you stay on schedule with your treatments. Timing is important because the laser synchronizes the growth cycles and only works on hairs that are in the growth phase. If patients let too much time lapse between appointments, results will not be as desirable.
2. Do not tan. Tanning of any type changes the laser settings and is the most common cause of blistering after laser hair removal. Do not use self-tanners one to two weeks before a treatment. We will not utilize the laser on anyone that is tan and therefore at risk of burning.
3. No plucking, waxing, electrolysis, bleaching or depilatories should be performed between treatments. Shaving is fine anytime between treatments.
4. Makeup, lotions and deodorant should be removed prior to treatment. We can do this prior to treatment in the office.
5. Certain creams, supplements and medications can interfere with laser treatments – it is very important that you let us know what you are using!

Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?

There may be mild discomfort during the treatment, but almost all patients tolerate laser hair removal with ease.

Results: What To Expect from Laser Hair Removal

Is Laser Hair Removal 100% effective? No. Typical responses are 80-90% reduction in hair growth. Although the procedure is referred to as laser hair removal, it is really laser hair reduction. As a general rule of thumb: If you currently have to shave every day/every other day; then after you finish a LHR package, you might have to shave 1-2 times per month.

We have often been asked, “Are results guaranteed?” No, they are not. There are too many variables to guarantee results including missed appointments, a greater percentage of fine, thin hair, hormonal influences, etc. No hair-removal system anywhere is "permanent."

Call us today to schedule an appointment 914.393.4127. Dr. Fink directly contacts and schedules each and every one of his patients.