Laser Hair Removal
It is important to note that hairs vulnerable to the laser are those in the growing phase. For example, the area with the highest percentage of growing hairs is the beard region of the face. The area with the lowest percentage of vulnerable hairs is the eyebrows. Thus, it will take far fewer treatments to achieve significant hair removal on the cheeks, chin and upper lip than it will on the eyebrow areas.
Is this procedure right for you?
The ideal candidate for this procedure is someone with dark hair and light skin. Blond and gray hairs are not seen by the laser. The skin should not be tanned. The more pigment in the skin, the more the laser’s energy is transferred to the skin, instead of the hair. In addition, it is best if there is no recent injury to the hair unit, as from waxing, plucking and electrolysis. The morning of the procedure the hair should be shaved so that the dark hairs on the surface will not absorb the laser’s energy and cause a superficial burn.
Unlike electrolysis, where one hair at a time is treated, multiple hairs within the laser’s treatment field (9mm) are treated with each pulse. Multiple pulses can be delivered within seconds. Thus, the advantages of laser hair removal over electrolysis are the speed of the session and the significantly lower number of sessions required. The disadvantages include the inability to remove lighter hairs.
The patient may feel varying degrees of pain/heat/burning because of the local heat generated by the laser, however, it has a cooling device which dramatically eliminates these effects for the majority of patients. Anesthetic preparations applied topically can be used in certain locations and in highly sensitive individuals to further reduce discomfort.
During laser therapy the eyes are shielded to protect them from injury. Risks to the skin include transient redness, crusting and blistering. Although it is very unlikely that any permanent changes in the skin will be seen, it should be mentioned that in rare cases, scarring, and changes in pigmentation (darker and/or lighter areas) have been reported.
At this time the technology of laser hair removal is rapidly evolving. We ask that all who are considering such therapy first be evaluated by the physician or physician assistant. The number of total treatments, “touch up” treatments and suggested time intervals in between will be discussed. It is very important to treat the hairs at the recommended intervals so the maximum results are achieved.
If you have had a history of cold sores or fever blisters prophylactic antiviral therapy may be started the day prior to the treatment and continued for a time after treatment.
Pre-treatment instructions for laser hair removal
- Avoid the sun 4-6 weeks prior to and after treatment until your physician allows it.
- You MUST avoid bleaching, plucking or waxing hair for 6 weeks prior to treatment.