Get rid of unwanted hair with laser hair removal treatments in Montclair, NJ

Unwanted hair can be more than just a nuisance. It can affect your self-confidence and prevent you from putting your best foot forward in both work and social scenarios. While there are a variety of over-the-counter hair removal products available today, they are only temporary – the hair always grows back, sometimes by the end of the same day! Not to mention the unwanted side effects such as nicks, cuts, razor burn, and skin irritation. At image Dermatology ® P.C. in Montclair, NJ, Dr. Jeanine Downie can help you thin out or get rid of unwanted hair with laser hair removal treatments.

How laser hair removal works

Each hair on the body consists of a follicle that lies beneath the surface of the skin. Within the follicle, a hair bulb contains living cells that are nourished by blood vessels; these cells divide over time and cause hair to grow. Hair actually grows in a cyclical process that is composed of three phases. In the growth phase, also called the anagen phase, hair is actively growing. This is the phase that laser hair removal treatments target. In the transitional (catagen) phase, the hair follicle reduces in size and the growth of hair slows. The final phase in the cycle is the resting (telogen) phase when hair growth is halted, and old hair becomes detached from the follicle. The growth phase begins again when the new hair begins to grow where the old hair resided.

Laser hair removal works by using a device that emits a beam of light that the pigments in the hair absorb. When the hair absorbs the light, it eliminates the hair follicles, stopping hair from growing or delaying future hair growth. The devices used at image Dermatology ® P.C. are safe and FDA approved, and do not damage the surrounding skin in the treatment area.

Areas that can be treated

One of the best parts about laser hair removal is its versatility – whether you are trying to hide hair on your upper lip or tired of shaving your legs, it may be a great option for you. Common treatment areas include:

• Underarms
• Face
• Neck
• Ears
• Back
• Full bikini line
• Legs
• Fingers
• Toes
• Nose

Smaller treatment areas such as the ears or upper lip can be done just in a few minutes. Larger treatment areas require more time, but we can target multiple areas simultaneously for your convenience. No downtime is necessary after your appointment, so you can get right back to your day.

What to expect during treatment

First, we will cleanse the skin in the treatment area, and we will protect your eyes with goggles and use a cooling spray or cooling device to keep your skin comfortable. Then, Dr. Downie will adjust the laser to the correct setting for your skin and hair color, thickness, and location on your body. She will then use the device to deliver pulses of light to this area. You may feel a slight stinging sensation from the laser.

How many treatments are necessary?

Because it can only target hair in the active growth phase, multiple treatments are necessary to achieve optimal hair removal. The number of sessions that are needed varies depending on the thickness of your hair, the color of your hair, and other factors such as hormonal fluctuations and your stress level. Some hair can eventually grow back, so occasional maintenance treatments may also be necessary for the best long-term results.

Good candidates for laser hair removal

Previously, laser hair removal was limited to only patients with certain skin tones and hair colors, but Dr. Downie has equipped her office with the latest laser technologies and has the expertise to safely and effectively accommodate all skin colors. Because the laser targets pigments in hair, laser hair removal does not work on gray or white hair, so we encourage younger patients to consider treatment before the inevitable change in hair color occurs.

Schedule your consultation today

If you’re ready to ditch the razors, waxes, and creams, call image Dermatology ® P.C. today to schedule your personalized consultation. With expertise in treating patients with virtually all skin types and colors, Dr. Jeanine Downie can help you get rid of your unwanted hair with terrific results. Our Montclair, NJ office can be reached by calling (973) 509-6900.

Dr. Jeanine Downie
image Dermatology ® P.C.

Dr. Jeanine Downie is an experienced and popular dermatologist in Montclair. She possesses extensive experience and training in all aspects of dermatology, including cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery. Dr. Downie provides modern and cutting-edge dermatology treatments to everyone in your family in a professional, competent and compassionate manner while ensuring that your individual and unique needs are met. Having received rigorous academic training, she completed her residency in Dermatology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City and also served as Chief Resident. She continues to upgrade her skills set and share her knowledge through professional affiliations and lecturing assignments on behalf of several renowned medical societies such as The Skin Cancer Foundation and The American Academy of Dermatology, among others. She also frequently interacts with the public through popular television shows such as Good Morning America, The Today Show, and The Dr. Oz Show, to name a few.