Laser Hair Removal
What can Laser Hair Removal do for you?
Laser Hair Removal is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. Laser Hair Removal is a non-invasive, cost-effective and convenient alternative to more tedious and frequent methods used to remove unwanted hair from the face and body. Laser Hair Removal involves the use of a laser to disable and destroy active follicles at the root without harming or damaging the surrounding skin.
Laser Hair Removal is commonly used to address unwanted hair growth in the face, upper lip, bikini line, and neck areas. Laser Hair Removal can be used to treat large areas of the body including the back, chest and legs. The results of a laser treatment can last for many weeks, and in some cases the results can be indefinite or permanent.
What to discuss with your doctor
When meeting with your dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon, it’s important to discuss your expectations and concerns regarding Laser Hair Removal, and to ask any questions you may have. While the risks involving treatment are minimal, your doctor will inform you of any complications.
Be sure to discuss your medical history with your doctor. Patients taking certain medications may be excluded from treatment while those suffering from skin disorders such as Psoriasis, Cystic Acne, and Dermatitis are not considered ideal candidates for treatment. Patients taking photosensitive medications may be asked to postpone treatment. Likewise, patients who are tanned will be asked to postpone treatment until their tan fades. This procedure is not appropriate for those with pacemakers or metal within their body near the considered area and women who are pregnant.
Laser Hair Removal offers varying levels of effectiveness based on a patient’s hair and skin color. Those with darker, coarse hair and lighter skin often see better results than those with dark skin or patients with light colored hairs. This is due to the way the lasers work on the hair follicles. After an initial exam, your doctor will be able to discuss the expected results of treatment with you. Depending on your expectations and needs, your doctor may recommend additional or alternative treatments to remove unwanted hair.
What happens after you meet your doctor?
After your initial consultation, your doctor will prescribe a pre-treatment regimen which will include discontinuing the use of beta-carotene and any medications that could affect the treatment. You’ll be instructed to stop tanning and to avoid sun exposure for a determined period of time prior to Laser Hair Removal treatment. In addition, you’ll be instructed to stop the use of any self-tanning and depilatory products and to stop waxing. You may be asked to shave the prior to treatment with enough time to allow stubble to re-grow.
Laser Hair Removal is performed in a physician's office or laser hair treatment facility by a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, licensed RN or other licensed physician. Depending on the amount of treatment needed to remove unwanted hair, the procedure can take several minutes to one or more hours to perform.
During the procedure, a numbing lotion will be applied to the treated area and a low-energy laser beam will be used to neutralize the hair follicles while preserving the skin in the surrounding area.
The laser passes through the skin and is attracted to the melanin in the hair where it is absorbed by hair follicles in an active growth phase. Unfortunately, hair follicles that are in dormant stage of growth are not affected by treatment. Typically, minimal pain is experienced and anesthesia is not required. During the procedure, the surrounding skin will be cooled with a gel or spray to prevent damage to the skin.
There are several types of lasers currently used to remove unwanted hair. Each laser is FDA-approved and proven effective and safe when used to remove unwanted hair or for permanent hair reduction. The most common lasers are: Pulsed Light, Alexandrite, Ruby, Diode and the Neodymium or ND: Yag. Read more about the most common lasers used for cosmetic procedures.
What to expect after treatment
With virtually no recovery or down-time, patients can return to work and normal activities immediately. Your doctor will advise you to not exercise, use a Jacuzzi or go sun tanning for at least 24 hours and to not use waxing or depilatory creams after treatment.
After Laser Hair Removal treatment, you’ll be advised to gently cleanse the treated area with a mild soap. Your doctor may prescribe a lotion, antibiotic ointment or other topical regimen for use following treatment.
Healing normally begins within a few days of treatment. Your doctor’s office will schedule a follow-up visit for evaluation. Depending on the situation, the results of Laser Hair Removal can last many weeks and in some cases the results may be indefinite.
Laser Hair Removal typically does not result in a 100% reduction of unwanted hair after just one treatment. Additional sessions may be necessary depending on your needs and the area treated. Additional treatments are typically scheduled after hair has time to regenerate itself which generally takes 10-12 weeks.
How Do I Find The Right Doctor or Surgeon?
Deciding to renew your appearance is a big decision. And finding the right doctor to perform the procedure is important. Your doctor should explain the procedure, the benefits, the potential risks and complications, and answer all your questions, so you can decide if a procedure is right for you. Click here to find the top doctors in your area today!
