Laser Hair Removal

The use of lasers for hair removal has been studied for a number of years. Hair bearing areas are treated with a focused beam of concentrated laser light which is selectively absorbed by the melanin in the hair shaft, as well as in the surrounding hair follicle. This causes thermal destruction of these anatomical sites and disrupts the hair follicles ability to regenerate. This causes permanent hair reduction. Unlike electrolysis, which involves careful insertion of a needle into each and every hair follicle, lasers treat multiple follicles with each pulse.  The result is a much quicker treatment, leaving you with more free time to enjoy the things you really want to be doing without all the painful waxing, electrolysis or razors!

Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?

Hair is natural to your body and it grows in stages. At any given time, not all hairs are growing. Lasers are most effective at targeting growing hairs. In practice, no laser destroys all of the hair follicles. Some follicles are destroyed, while others are miniaturized into fine hairs, and others are shocked into prolonged dormancy. Multiple treatments are needed for best results, and the best interval for re-treatment depends on the hair cycle growth patterns in that area of the body. It is possible that with a sufficient number of treatments, true "permanent hair removal" can ultimately be achieved, but not for every single hair present in a given area. Be advised that the FDA cleared these lasers for "permanent hair reduction," and not "permanent hair removal," which is advertised by many clinics.

Is Laser Hair Removal safe?

Laser hair Removal is a safe, comfortable and effective method of hair reduction. Treatments are administered by highly trained professionals whose  primary concern is your safety and comfort.  Your treatment safety is enhanced by additional precautionary measures, such as the use of protective eyewear.  As with any medical treatment some side effects are possible.  However, extensive clinical experience with the laser demonstrates that side effects are mild and infrequent.

How Does it Feel?

Laser Hair Removal treatments provide a comfortable way of getting rid of unwanted hair.  During treatment you may experience a slight tingling sensation.  After treatment you may experience a slight amount of swelling and the feel of a mild sunburn.  In any case, when discomfort does occur it is typically reported to be far less than the discomfort caused by waxing, electrolysis and other hair removal techniques.

Is Laser Hair Removal for me?

Dr. Rox Anderson of Harvard Medical School states “Laser hair removal can remove more hair efficiently over a larger region of the body  for far less money and far less pain.”  Laser hair Removal can also work on a range of skin tones and complexions.  So if you have unwanted hair that you would like to get rid of permanently, then chances are Laser Hair Removal is definitely for you.

Does it take long?

The length of time required for your treatment ranges from a few minutes to a couple of hours, depending upon which part of the body is being treated.  Generally you will require fewer treatments of shorter duration than you might require with other hair removal techniques.

Pre-treatment preparation:

1. Patients who are tanned should wait for their tan to fade for best results.

2. Patients on Accutane should be off Accutane for one month prior to treatment. Stop any medications with sun protection warnings a few days before treatment. Topical retinols should be stopped a day before treatment.

3. The hair should not be plucked or waxed before treatment as this removes the hair shaft from the follicle and reduces some of the melanin which the laser hair removal process would like to target. Shave or clip your hair short within 24 hours of your appointment.

Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal

Redness and swelling are common following laser hair removal, especially at higher energies, and resolve in minutes to hours. Occasionally superficial blistering can occur, and these patients can experience transient pigmentary changes such as lightening or darkening of the skin, which may last weeks or rarely longer. The risk of infection or scarring is extremely low. During the weeks after treatment, damaged hair follicles are extruded and shed, which is sometimes misinterpreted as early regrowth.