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Laser Hair Removal
2006-11-17
• How does the process work?
Through a process called Selective Photothermolysis laser light is passed through the skin and is absorbed by pigment in the hair follicle. The heat generated by the laser light both injures the follicle and inhibits future growth, while leaving the skin unharmed.
• What may I be asked before treatment?
A treatment specialist will likely run through your medical history to see if you have had any issues that may impact the procedures safety. For example: have you had keloid scarring, used Accutane in the last 6 months, etc.) In addition the specialist will request that you not wax, pluck, or tweeze for four weeks preceding the treatments as doing so may reduce the effectiveness of the treatments. Note: shaving should not affect results. B
• What can I expect during treatment?
Laser light will be delivered through a hand held wand attached to a laser console. You may experience a stinging sensation as the laser pulse is delivered. To reduce discomfort, the cooling system automatically removes heat from the surface of your skin before, during and after the laser exposure. You should not need general anesthesia or pain medication, but a topical anesthetic cream may be applied to sensitive areas. The process can take from just a few minutes for an upper lip to several hours for a full back and legs.
• How many treatments will the patient need for hair removal?
Hair growth involves several cycles and, thus, some hairs may be affected during a single treatment and some may not. We have seen that after several treatments most terminal (mature) hairs are replaced with finer hairs of lighter color. Some hairs are completely eliminated. Although complete hair removal may not be achieved, the hairs become less visible and, thus, less bothersome. The number of treatments needed to obtain optimal results varies with hair density, color and growth cycle as well as skin type, though it is common to have 3-4, and possibly as many as 8, treatments; one every 4-8 weeks. Results will improve with each subsequent treatment.
• What can I expect after treatment?
The treated area is cleansed and you are free to return to your normal routine. Some patients may experience a slight reddening around hair follicles, though this will typically disappear within a few minutes. It is always recommended that you avoid sun exposure or use sunscreen following treatment.
Several days after treatment injured hair follicles will begin to fall out, a process that can be sped up by lightly rubbing the skin with a towel. It may seem that some hair continues to grow for several weeks after the procedure, but many of these will also fall out. What hair that is not eliminated will likely be replaced by thinner, lighter, significantly less noticeable hair.
• How "permanent" is "permanent" following the course of epilation treatment?
Since the procedure is very new and people go through so many stages in their lives it is impossible to completely determine at this time. However, we have seen up to 2 years with no hair re-growth following several treatments.
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