Overview
Laser hair removal has recently become very popular. The reason
is that with the advent of new lasers the procedure has become
quite effective. Along with this increased effectiveness is
the ability to treat larger areas In fact, it is not uncommon
for some of our patients to have full body hair removal. The
procedure involves using a laser to destroy that part of the
hair shaft that adds color to the hair. This means white hair,
or hair that has no color, is not effectively treated with the
laser. The way the laser works is that when actively growing
hair is struck with the laser beam it is either destroyed
or sent into a resting phase. Not all hairs are actively growing. Most hairs are actively growing but a smaller percentage of
hairs are in a resting phase. If the hair is our struck by
the laser when they are in a resting phase they are not affected
by the laser. This is why multiple treatments are necessary
in order to catch each hair when it is in its active phase.
The laser has a very cool tip that is gently slid over the
skin on a film of cool gel. This cool tip effectively diminishes
pain, redness, and swelling. The procedure is relatively painless.
On average, three treatments are needed to address the majority
of hairs in their active phase. Most people comment that this
is all that is necessary, but sometimes a small number of
hairs persist and further treatment is necessary. The treatments
are spread out over about six weeks so that hairs that were
previously in their resting phase have had time to go into
active phase.
After the procedure, the treated skin has a pink glow to
it and may be mildly irritated. This will go away in two or
three days.
 Benefits
People who have used various forms of hair removal such as
plucking, waxing, electrolysis, shaving, and depilatories
understand the significant benefits of a gentle, permanent
hair removal procedure and the rashes, bumps, etc. involved
with these procedures. The benefits of laser hair removal
can be summarized as follows.
- Is a permanent form of hair removal.
- Requires only a few treatments.
- Can be performed over very large areas including full
body.
- The procedure is relatively painless.
- The procedure is very safe and effective.
- Can be used on all hairs except white hair.
- Is relatively low-cost.
Are
you a good candidate?
Good candidates for laser hair removal are those people that
are tired of the other forms of hair removal and are looking
for something more permanent. These type of people would like
to be able to wear a bikini without having to worry about
hair. Good candidates for laser hair removal include people
who:
- Want a permanent solution to hair removal.
- Have a large area that needs to be treated.
- Unattractive hair in almost any location including the
face.
- Are tired of shaving the under arms or legs every day.
- Hate the unattractive hair on the upper lip.
- Hate the rash or irritation from shaving.
- Have hair on their back, chests, forearms, or essentially
anywhere on the body.
- A man with excessive hair on his back or anywhere.
- People who have used the drug Accutane within the last two
years should not have laser hair removal performed. This
drug delays skin healing and may pose a problem after laser
hair removal.
People who have used the drug Accutane within the last two
years should not have laser hair removal performed. This
drug delays skin healing and may pose a problem after laser
hair removal.
Possible
complications
Overall, complications associated with laser hair removal
are minimal and rarely significant. After the treatment there
may be a 2 or 3 day period of redness and/or irritation especially
if the hair being removed is particularly thick. Other complications
include inadequate removal of hair but this is usually addressed
by repeating the procedure when the hair is in its active
phase.
Do's
and Dont's prior to surgery
There are not a lot of do's and don'ts pertaining to laser
hair removal. As mentioned above, people who have used the
drug Accutane should not have the procedure done until two
years have elapsed since the drug was stopped. Creams and
medications that irritate the skin such as Retin-A, glycolic
acid, alphahydroxy acids, etc. should not be used one week
prior to treatment to minimize irritation. Anesthesia
ICRS only uses board certified anesthesiologists to make
sure you have the best anesthesia possible. The anesthesiologist
will discuss with you what type of anesthesia is best for
you. He will take into consideration your medical history,
the procedure, and your personal wishes.
No anesthesia is necessary for laser hair removal.
After
the procedure
Immediately after laser hair removal your skin will be mildly
red and irritated. Usually nothing is necessary for pain management. It is very important to stay out of the sun for about two
weeks as it will irritate the treated skin and may cause it
to hyper pigmented. Apply sunscreen if the skin is to be exposed.
Hair treated with the laser may take several weeks to fall
out, so be patient. It will take a a month to determine which
hairs, if any, are still growing and need to be re-treated.
Recovery
time
There is no down time from work. In fact, it is often done
during lunch break.
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