Laser Hair Removal in McLean and Northern Virginia

Laser hair removal has become one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the United States. It is a convenient method for removing unwanted hair from the body and face. This treatment usually leaves the skin feeling and looking smoother while providing long-lasting results compared to other common hair removal options. Skilled plastic surgeon Dr. Alex Mesbahi at Mesbahi Plastic Surgery offers safe, effective laser hair removal with Forever Bare BBL™ for men and women. This system can be used on the face, chest, arms, back, legs, and bikini line. If you are tired of using over-the-counter methods, such as hot wax, razors, and creams that provide short-term results, call our office in McLean, VA, Washington, D.C., or Beverly Hills, CA to learn more about laser hair removal.

Habitual waxing or shaving is inconvenient. Laser hair removal performed by the providers at Mesbahi Plastic Surgery in McLean, VA provides a wonderful alternative to the old-fashioned techniques for eradicating undesirable body hair. Benefits of laser hair removal are:

• Able to be effective for a variety of parts of the body and for various types of hair
• Makes skin more supple and more moisturized
• A efficient treatment with minimal or no discomfort for most individuals
• Less painful than shaving or waxing
• Gives long-lasting outcomes
• Avoids ingrown follicles

Laser hair removal is a gentle treatment that is effective for many people. In your initial consultation, we will go over your needs, concerns, and goals so we can determine if you are a good candidate for this treatment. Ideal patients for laser hair removal:

• Have unwanted hair on their face or body
• Want to stop using other techniques for hair removal (waxing, shaving, bleaching, creams)
• Have dark hair and light skin
• Are in overall good health

At the start of your appointment, we will cleanse the target areas to remove any dirt, oil, and lotion. Once the skin is prepped, the Forever Bare BBL system will be gently applied to the skin to target unwanted hair follicles. This is repeated until the target area has been fully treated. The advanced laser technology disables the hair follicles to disrupt hair growth. However, since hair grows in stages, multiple sessions are generally needed to target dormant follicles once they reach the skin's surface. 

On average, patients need 3 – 5 treatments over a period of 3 – 4 weeks to attain optimal results. Your sessions will be staggered to give the treated areas a chance to heal. This also allows time for follicles that were in the dormant phase to cycle into the active growth phase so they can be treated. The state-of-the-art technology we use at Mesbahi Plastic Surgery targets the hair follicle alone, preserving the skin in the area being treated.

Although this procedure is relatively gentle in nature, your skin may look like it has a sunburn, but this is normal and will dissipate in a few days. We also recommend anti-inflammatory creams or ice packs to help reduce redness and any mild discomfort. Once your session is complete, you are free to go back to your daily activities, but you will need to refrain from strenuous exercise and direct sun exposure for at least 24 hours to allow the treated areas time to recover. Any direct sun exposure can negatively impact your results. 

How much does laser hair removal cost?
A laser hair removal treatment varies in cost based on the coverage area being addressed on the body, plus how many sessions are needed to attain optimal results. To help you consider the benefits of choosing laser hair removal, estimate the energy and time you are spending on shaving, waxing, or other temporary methods. By comparison, laser hair removal is generally less expensive overall and can save you time and energy long-term. Our team will develop a custom plan with the number of sessions we suggest and costs.

Is laser hair removal permanent?
Laser hair removal is an effective treatment for long-lasting improvements. While you can enjoy the results of the procedure for years, it's technically semi-permanent, since some hair follicles may be unaffected. Regardless, patients find most of their hair follicles will be dormant once their plan is finished and if some hairs are still growing, it is very easy to address. Additional laser sessions can also be scheduled to address any stragglers or new growth as well.

Why do I need multiple laser hair removal sessions?
Hair growth happens in phases. While some follicles are in a live growing phase, other follicles are dormant. Because each follicle grows in a different stage, multiple treatment sessions are typically recommended to target each hair follicle when it is in a growing phase. Spreading out your treatments over several weeks to help you get better is recommended to achieve smoother results.

Does laser hair removal hurt?
Your laser hair removal session can cause minor discomfort, but it is not too painful. Most patients may feel a small snap when the laser targets and removes the hair follicle. We may apply a local anesthetic to the surface of the skin before the treatment. For patients who have experienced getting waxed, they think laser hair removal feels more comfortable.

Is laser hair removal safe?

The advanced technology we use at Mesbahi Plastic Surgery is considered very safe. Our providers are highly trained and skilled in using the Forever Bare BBL system to provide optimal results while ensuring your safety. However, it's important to follow post-treatment care instructions to minimize any potential risks or complications. We will provide detailed instructions on how to care for your skin after treatment.

How do I prepare for laser hair removal?

Before your treatment, Dr. Mesbahi recommends avoiding direct sun exposure and tanning beds for a few weeks. This is because the laser targets pigmented hair follicles, and if your skin is tanned, it may increase your risk of burning or scarring. You should also avoid plucking or waxing. Shaving is okay, as it does not disturb the hair follicles. A cool compress can also help reduce any inflammation and discomfort after your session.

If you're tired of spending time and money on shaving, plucking, or waxing, make a consultation to learn more about laser hair removal treatments at Mesbahi Plastic Surgery. Laser hair reduction can eliminate unwanted hair on the face and body in addition to creating a soft, smooth skin texture. We offer locations in both McLean, VA, Washington, D.C., or Beverly Hills, CA to best serve our clients. Reach out to our practice today to schedule your laser hair removal appointment.