MidAmerica Plastic Surgery: Ryan Diederich, MD
4955 South State Route 159 #1
Glen Carbon, IL 62034
(618) 288-7855
Monday: 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
The Spa at MidAmerica Plastic Surgery
4955 South State Route 159 #1
Glen Carbon, IL 62034
(618) 288-7855
Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m.–7 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Laser Hair Removal
Request Your ConsultationIn Glen Carbon, IL, we perform laser hair removal using a sophisticated system that many consider to be the “gold standard” for safe and effective treatments. Women and men tired of shaving, waxing, or using tweezers to remove unwanted hair travel to our practice for laser hair removal from Maryville, Edwardsville, and throughout the greater St. Louis area. Laser hair removal is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments performed every year throughout the U.S. because it produces long-lasting results that meet and exceed patients’ expectations.
If you’ve been thinking about putting an end to the time-consuming, daily ritual of shaving your legs, or feel self-conscious about hair on your body, request a consultation at MidAmerica Plastic Surgery to discuss the laser hair removal procedure. Or give us a call at 618-288-7855 to schedule an appointment.
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ryan Diederich
Dr. Diederich is a Southern Illinois native realizing his dream of giving back to the community. He helps patients feel and look their best with his surgical skills and compassionate care.
Learn MoreHow does laser hair removal work?
Our med spa uses the Gentlelase Pro Alexandrite laser. The Alexandrite laser, also known as the Alex laser, works by producing intense beams of light at a specific wavelength. This wavelength of light precisely targets the dark pigment in the hair follicles which absorb the light from the laser, thus destroying the follicle. This destroyed hair follicle can no longer produce hair. The laser is so precise that it destroys the hair follicle without damaging the surrounding skin.
Lasers control light emission by precisely measuring light, time, energy levels, wavelength, pulse duration, line width, active area and beam diameter. The lasers at MidAmerica Plastic Surgery were selected because they are the best on the market for hair removal. The Gentlelase pro makes treating large areas of hair easier and more comfortable. The laser is so precise, it can remove hair from sensitive areas such as the nipples, chest, face, and bikini line. At the same time as the treatment, a gentle mist of cool liquid is applied to the area making the treatment more comfortable than most other systems.
What does laser hair removal feel like?
Treatment with laser hair removal is more comfortable than you may think. At MidAmerica Plastic Surgery, Dr. Ryan Diederich is committed to having the latest technology to make for the most comfortable experience. The Alex is the most patient-friendly laser available. Before the laser ejects the light beam, it first sprays the skin with a cryogenic super-cooling spray. This patented cooling spray is the gold standard for laser comfort, and provides immediate relief. The discomfort from the laser is minimized or eliminated. The Gentlelase laser is the best laser for patient comfort.
Try Our Medical Spa
Treatment Planner
With so many treatments to choose from, it can be difficult to know how to address your concerns. We created our interactive treatment planner to help! Simply choose a condition you want to treat, and it will give you a list of possible treatment options with links to the details.
Discover Your Treatment OptionsHow long is one laser hair removal treatment?
Most treatments take less than 30 minutes!
Why so many treatments?
To obtain significant laser hair reduction, most patients will need 6-8 treatments over a 12 month period. More than one treatment is needed because hair grows and matures in cycles. We have to disable all the hair follicles, and since they are active at different times, we have to treat the area more than once. At any time, a certain percentage of the hairs are in the resting phase. The laser is unable to treat the resting phase and we must space treatments so that hair is in the correct stage of growth in order to be successfully removed.
How effective is laser hair removal?
With the type of lasers we use, 90% of patients have a permanent hair loss after 6-8 sessions.
Common Treatment Areas
Popular treatment areas for women include: underarms, legs, and bikini area.
Laser Hair Removal in Men
Men typically respond well to unwanted hair on back, abdomen, chest, and the back of neck.
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Before Treatment
For the 6 weeks before laser hair removal you should limit plucking, waxing, and electrolysis. By removing hair in this fashion the laser does not have a target for treatment. Please shave the day of or the day before your appointment. It is also helpful to limit sun exposure for 6 weeks before the treatment to get the best results and limit complications. For bikini line area please wear light-colored underwear because the laser can interact with dark colors.
After Treatment
After treatment, you may experience slight redness and swelling at the procedure site. This irritation should only last a few hours, and is actually a sign that the treatment was successful. Slight irritation at the hair follicle indicates follicle destruction. You can use moisturizers or ice to soothe these symptoms. You may resume your normal activities after treatment, but protect your skin from sun exposure. Makeup can be used the day after laser hair removal.
Blisters are rare but more likely in people with darker skin coloration. Sunscreen can be beneficial after treatment.
Risks
- Blisters
- Swelling
- Redness
- Scarring
- Skin color change
- Bruising
*This article is intended as a guideline only. This is not intended as medical advice. There are no guarantees written or implied from the information presented here. Only a consultation can provide an appropriate evaluation and discussion regarding any procedure. Refer to your physician for medical decision making and advice.