Laser Hair Removal

We own one of the few FDA approved lasers that "permanently reduce hair growth." Our laser is one of the most technologically up to date and precise lasers on the market. We are very happy to announce that the FDA has recently authorized users of the Coherent LightSheer system to use the word "PERMANENT" as it pertains to the amount of hair loss in treated areas. This decision was not made lightly, and only after years of reviewing statistical scientific data on the results obtained with the LightSheer system. This is a claim very few other lasers in the world are allowed to use regarding hair removal.

Before

After

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Laser Hair Removal - Testimonials

I was recommended this facility by friend, but I thought all Laser Hair Removal services were the same. I had it done 5 years ago at a Spa and all the hair came back. So needless to say I was hesitant about investment so much money and time again. BUT, it's been a year since I had Laser Hair Removal at CPW by Jessica and it is virtually all gone!! What I learned was that it's about having the most efficient device (Jessica's stuff is top of the line) and the right licensed professional doing the actual work. Run to Jessica...she's amazing and you'll be addicted to go back for more.

Miriam Q.

I never thought that I was the type of person to go to an "Aesthetic Center" until discussing my frustrations with upper lip hair with a friend. She told me to stop with my home waxing and tweezing and go see Jessica Plotnick at CPW Vein and Aesthetic Center. As soon as I met Jessica, any concerns I had about laser hair removal were immediately alleviated. Jessica has a delicate yet no-nonsense demeanor--just what I needed to feel comfortable with someone working on my face. So glad I decided to go. I actually look forward to going back to see Jessica and to feel pampered. Also so happy to be done with tweezing!!

Laurie G.

I recently took my teenage son to see her to zap his unibrow. She was AMAZING with him. He was so nervous and awkward, but she made him feel relaxed and took extra care of him in a discreet manner. A true GEM in NYC's sea of med spa doctors. This is the Place to Go - women, men and even teens. You will not be disappointed.

Julie K.

Jessica Plotnick is AMAZING! Great laser hair removal. She is kind, compassionate, knowledgeable and does everything with the highest level of professionalism. She was able to answer all my questions and work with my crazy schedule

Julie S.

I can not more emphatically recommend Jessica and her practice for all things cosmetic. In addition to being a truly warm and charismatic professional who makes it totally a non-event to be having a conversation while you are half naked, she is an expert in her field, constantly evolving to take advantage of the latest technologies and best practices. Make an appointment today, Life changing. Wish I had done this 25 years ago!

Robin K.

Patient, talented, kind, professional... I have been seeing Jessica Plotnick for the last few months, and I can't say enough good things! (Who knew laser hair removal was absolutely pain-free?) Bonus points for her 75 Central Park West location, one of the most convenient and charming offices I have seen!

Natalie Z.

Questions and Answers

How do I prepare for my treatment?

We recommend that before you come in for your treatment:

Shave the area completely within 24 hours of your appointment time
Do not wax/pluck/thread or use a depilatory cream within 3 weeks of your appointment
Do not apply any creams or lotions to the area
Do no tan or use fake tanner
Stop taking any photosensitive medications

What is the Lightsheer Laser system?

The Lightsheer laser is a diode array type of laser which is distributed by Lumenis and is approved for permanent hair reduction by the Food and Drug Administration- a claim that virtually no laser hair removal system can make. The LightSheer system was designed from the ground up for effective hair removal, providing unsurpassed safety, efficacy, and reliability. Its advanced high-power diode technology delivers a performance that is unmatched by any other high-tech hair removal systems. Both in rigorous scientific trials as well as extensive clinical practice, the LightSheer system has emerged as the gold standard in laser hair removal. Unlike any other laser, it has the ability to offer superior results to the widest variety of skin types. The LightSheer(TM) Diode Laser System has become the most popular laser hair removal device worldwide.

How does the laser eliminate the hair?

The Lightsheer laser generates light at an 810 nm wavelength which targets the melanin pigment which is contained within the hair follicle and shaft. The patented Chill Tip cooling handpiece is designed to protect the outer layer of skin by decreasing the surface temperature and preventing thermal injury from the laser beam. The Chill Tip also has a mild anesthetic effect which helps to minimize the discomfort of the procedure.

How does hair grow?

Hair growth is divided into three distinct phases - growth (anagen), regression (catagen) and a resting state (telogen). The location on the body determines what percentage of the hairs present are actively growing at a given time. Typically, anywhere from 33 - 90 percent of the hair on the body is in the anagen stage at a given time. It is in this stage that the laser treatment effects the hair follicle.

What affects the appearance of body hair?

Body hair is affected by numerous factors including body location, age, hormone levels, ethnicity and medication use. These factors influence the color, length and coarseness of body hair as well as the actual number of hairs in the active growth phase.

How does the LightSheer system remove hair?

The light emitted by the LightSheer laser is absorbed by the pigment located in the hair follicle. The laser is pulsed, or "turned on", for only a fraction of a second. The duration of each pulse is just long enough to disrupt the hair follicle The laser energy is converted to heat, which results in thermal damage to the hair follicle.

How does LightSheer compare with other hair removal methods?

Shaving, waxing, and depilatory creams are all temporary methods which must be repeated on a regular basis. Hair removal with LightSheer offers longer lasting results.

How do LightSheer treatments compare with electrolysis?

Electrolysis is a tedious, invasive and painful process that involves inserting a needle into each hair follicle and delivering an electrical charge to destroy them one at a time. Electrolysis often requires years of treatments at regular intervals. LightSheer delivers light energy non-invasively to hundreds of hair follicles simultaneously. So, in a few minutes, LightSheer can effectively treat an area that would take over an hour with electrolysis.

Is the Laser safe?

Yes, the LightSheer System was developed from years of research at Wellman Laboratories of Photomedicine, one of the world's leading and most respected medical research institutions. The laser parameters were carefully defined to inhibit the re-growth of the hair by studying the anatomy of the hair follicle and precisely matching the laser output to the size, depth and location of hair follicles. A unique component of the LightSheer system, the Chill Tip actively-cooled handpiece was designed to conduct heat away from the skin before, during, and after each pulse. Remember, the Lightsheer system emits NO RADIATION. It emits light; it is not an x-ray.

Is it painful?

Most patients say the treatments are absolutely painless. On occasion, the upper lip can be slightly uncomfortable and you may feel a tingling or stinging sensation during treatment. Most patients tolerate this very well without the need for anesthetic. We are more than happy to apply a topical anesthetic in the office before the procedure if necessary or prescribe one if you prefer.

How many treatments are required?

The LightSheer laser works by disrupting hairs that are in the active phase of growth at the time of treatment. Since other hairs will enter the growth phase at different times, additional treatments will be necessary to disable all hair follicles in a given area. Treatments are usually given at intervals of approximately 4-6 weeks, or whenever new hair growth is first noticed. Most patients need four to eight treatments for maximum results.

Are the results permanent?

We are very happy to announce that the FDA has recently authorized users of the Coherent LightSheer system to use the word "PERMANENT" as it pertains to the amount of hair loss in treated areas. This decision was not made lightly, and only after years of reviewing statistical scientific data on the results obtained with the LightSheer system. This is a claim very few other lasers in the world are allowed to use regarding hair removal.

What happens after treatment?

Most patients leave without any sign of having had a treatment. Sometimes, the treated area may become slightly red and puffy. This reaction subsides quickly- for some within minutes and others within a day or so and then the areas return to normal. Patients often describe the sensation of a mild sunburn or somewhat sensitive for the first day or so. You may return to normal activity immediately.

Around 3-10 days after treatment you may experience what seems to be hairs re-growing. Most of these hairs, however, are dead, treated hairs that are being shed and are not regrowing. In between treatments you should not wax or pluck your hairs because this decreases the ability of the laser to destroy actively growing hairs. However, you may shave, trim or bleach the hairs as often as you like.

Who is a good candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

The perfect candidate has dark hair and light to medium skin tone. Darker hair absorbs more of the laser light. And lighter skin interferes less with the movement of the laser light into the hair follicle. The unique longer wavelength of this laser allows darker skinned patients to be treated but we typically will do a test spot before treating an entire area.. White hairs and light blond hairs respond least to the laser therapy. Rule of thumb is that the hair has to be darker than the skin.

Who is not a good candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

You are not a good candidate if:

Your skin is darker than the hair.
You have been taking Accutane or have been on Accutane for the past 6-12 months.
You are pregnant.
You are tan (fake or real) or sunburnt--wait until the tan fades so you will get optimal results.
You have a history of cold sores. You can still be treated but we recommend to start taking an antiviral medication one day before treatment and for 3 days after treatment in order to prevent an outbreak. If necessary, we at CPW Vein & Aesthetic Center can provide you with a prescription for an antiviral medication.

Recovery

Do not apply any products on the treated areas of your skin, except sunscreen; and if you experience itching you may apply a small amount of hydrocortisone cream 0.5%. You may also apply a soothing aloe-vera or vitamin E gel. Avoid Retin-A, alpha-hydroxy acids, glycolic acids, astringents etc. You may wash gently with soap and water, but do not rub or scrub the area.
Do not expose treatment areas to direct sunlight. Do not use tanning beds at any time during your treatment intervals with this laser. Wear a sunscreen daily if the areas to be treated will be exposed to sunlight.
For three weeks before your first laser treatment and then throughout your laser treatments you absolutely should not wax or pluck any hairs.
Do not pick or manipulate the skin in the treatment areas.