Are you a good candidate for Laser Hair Removal from your Dermatologist in New Orleans?
By Dr. Mary Lupo
If you want a convenient long-term solution for unwanted body hair, you are probably a great candidate. However, there are a few things to consider:
- Realistic expectations – The results are lasting, but not instant. Although you will notice an improvement after the first session, it will take several appointments to achieve full results. Despite the name, this procedure doesn’t actually remove hairs; it prevents them from growing. Light is readily absorbed by pigment within the hair follicle. The concentration of energy causes a reaction that renders the follicle incapable of growing new hairs.
- Skin tone – In our practice, laser treatment is safe for all skin tones. Older versions of the technology were only safe for very light tones, because skin pigment also absorbed the laser energy in excess. However, technology has advanced greatly. The state-of-the-art lasers we use at Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology are designed to target hair follicles with precision, avoiding skin damage, even in darker skin types.
- Hair color – Dark, coarse hairs respond to treatment more quickly. The smaller and lighter a hair is, the less pigment the follicle contains. Therefore, more sessions may be needed for effective treatment. Blond hairs that are completely devoid of pigment may not respond to lasers at all. During your consultation your dermatologist will tell you if you are a candidate, and recommend alternatives if necessary.
- Be prepared – You will need to avoid sun exposure prior to treatment. It is best to not have a tan when you begin treatment, or acquire one during the process. Sun exposure also increases your risk of skin cancer, so we hope you are already protecting your skin.

Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology
Mary P. Lupo, M.D. - Connect on Linkedin
Our mission at the Lupo Center is to provide patients with innovative, effective, and ethical care to make each person look and feel their personal best. To fulfill our goal, we provide state-of-the-art medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatments to all patients.
Board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology Mary P. Lupo, MD, has been a leader in the field of non-surgical rejuvenation since 1983. She travels internationally to teach her innovative techniques, and her reputation brings in patients from around the country. She started the first formal residency training program for injectables and peels in 1983 at Tulane Medical School and served as past president of the Women’s Dermatologic Society, adjunct professor of dermatology at Tulane, and a founder of Cosmetic Boot Camp. Dr. Lupo holds membership in many prestigious dermatology associations, participates in clinical trials for the approval of new drugs and devices, and acts as an advisor for numerous aesthetic-minded companies.
Dr. Lupo was recently recognized as a trailblazer for women in dermatology and for her dedication to educating dermatology residents and fellows.
She has also received the following awards:
- 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 from the 𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - Recognizes full-time academicians who have dedicated their careers to educating dermatology residents and fellows;
- 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐦𝐚 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐝, 𝐌𝐃 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 and 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 from the 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧'𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 - Recognizes dermatologists of national prominence who have been trailblazers for women in some aspect of dermatology.
Dr. Lupo has authored over 90 published articles and book chapters and has spoken on various dermatological topics at nearly 480 national and international meetings and seminars.