Work backwards from the season

Laser hair removal is a course rather than a single appointment, so the right time to begin is earlier than most people expect. Bellava’s usual plan starts with six treatments spaced four to six weeks apart, which stretches over several months. Each session also needs four weeks out of the sun and tanning beds beforehand. Put those together and autumn and winter become a sensible time to start. Once the first series is done, a touch-up every six to twelve months deals with new hair from follicles that were dormant the first time round.

What it offers over shaving and electrolysis

Speed. Each pulse treats many hairs at once, so it is faster than electrolysis: about 15 minutes for an upper lip, up to an hour for full legs or a back.
Fewer ingrown hairs. Because the follicle itself is damaged, hairs are less likely to grow inward and irritate the skin.
Range. Small, medium or large areas, from the face and neck to the underarms and hands, the legs and feet, the bikini area, and the back, chest and shoulders.

Darker skin is not ruled out

The laser’s energy is drawn to the pigment in each follicle, so dark hair on lighter skin is the simplest combination. Bellava’s IPL system can be set for darker skin as well, with lower energy and a cooling handpiece, so the follicle is treated while the skin around it is protected against burns and pigment changes.

On the day

Shave the area a day or two ahead, arrive with clean skin free of lotion, makeup and powder, and mention any medication, as some make skin more sensitive to light. Protective eyewear stays on throughout upper-body treatments. As the handpiece glides over the skin, each pulse feels warm, or like the snap of a rubber band, and optional cooling keeps it comfortable. Mild redness or swelling usually fades within a few hours. For a day or two afterwards, keep out of direct sun and skip workouts that make you sweat.

Who treats you

Bellava’s licensed medical estheticians, Semira Crecco-Donnelly and Natalina McEwan, perform laser hair removal. Semira has more than 20 years in the field, and Natalina’s laser work includes IPL and Aerolase as well.

Yorktown Heights patients ask

Can I keep shaving between sessions? Yes; shaving is what the laser needs. It is waxing and electrolysis that must stop a month beforehand, because they disturb the follicle.

Is the result permanent? After the full series, treated areas show permanent hair reduction, and maintenance sessions keep them smooth.

How far is Bellava? About eight miles, roughly 18 minutes without traffic by Routes 202 and 35 and the Saw Mill River Parkway, and it is open on Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm.

Can I book online? Yes. Press Book Now to schedule a free consultation or a session.

Laser Hair Removal for Yorktown Heights, NY