Laser Hair Removal

Many of us have spent much time, energy and money removing unwanted hair. Shaving, plucking, waxing, sugaring and depilatories all remove hair temporarily. These methods last for a few days to a few weeks but the hair inevitably comes back. Laser hair removal is a technique in which light is used to permanently eliminate hair. Once the follicle is treated it can no longer grow a hair. Here are some of the commonly asked questions we get in our office about laser hair removal.

FAQs

Who is a candidate for treatment?

Laser hair removal can be used in all skin colors and on all areas of the body. It can also be used regardless of gender. The only hairs that can not effectively be treated by laser hair removal are pure white hairs.

What is the experience like?

Eye protection will be provided to shield the eyes from the laser light. During each treatment the laser is slowly passed over the desired area. Sensitive areas such as the bikini area will be slightly more uncomfortable to treat than areas such as the legs or back. After the treatment there is no pain. Over the next few weeks the dead hairs will fall out.

Are there any side effects?

In the weeks that follow a treatment some people notice inflammation around some of the treated follicles similar to what is experienced with “razor burn”. This is short lived and only treated if it is bothersome to the patient. However, it is important to remember that all lasers are potentially dangerous devices if the practitioner is not appropriately trained in their use.  Therefore, it is important to seek out a skilled professional when receiving laser treatments to avoid complications such as burns

How many treatments are required?

Usually, six treatments are required for elimination of all hairs in a given area. This is because hairs grow in what can be thought of as “crops”, meaning that some hairs are resting while others are growing. Only follicles that are active and contain a growing hair will be damaged by the laser. How long it takes for the new “crop” of hairs to appear depends on the area of the body being treated, and so treatments are scheduled accordingly. Visits are scheduled at intervals of 4-8 weeks depending on the body area.

What about electrolysis?

Electrolysis is a treatment that uses electricity to permanently remove hair. The biggest downside to the treatment is the risk of minute depressed scars that often form at each treated hair follicle. Additionally, hairs are treated one at a time which results in a more uncomfortable and lengthy procedure. This makes laser hair removal a superior treatment. Electrolysis may be an option for pure white hairs without any color as pigment is required for a laser to “see” a hair

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Our goal is to educate and empower you to make the right decisions for your health.