Understanding Laser Hair Removal

For centuries unwanted hair growth has been a concern of men and women of all cultures leading to a loss of confidence and self-assurance. Factors that affect hair growth range from heredity to changes in hormone levels or glandular secretions. Until recently, the usual remedies for unwanted hair were plucking, shaving, threading, sugaring, waxing, or chemical depilatories, all yielding only temporary results. For long-term hair removal, electrolysis has been a popular and effective method but can be painful, and in some cases, treatment may lead to scarring. With electrolysis individual hairs are selected upon which an electric current passes through a needle to destroy the hair root's ability to grow. Treatments can be long and tedious, and it typically takes months or even years of regular repeat treatments to achieve success.

Now there's a more effective solution - laser hair removal, a newer, safer technology specially designed to reduce unwanted hair faster, less painfully and more reliably than electrolysis. Laser hair removal can remove unwanted hair in any anatomical area, however the most popular areas include the face, upper lip, bikini line, back, arms and legs. Additionally, laser hair removal has also been successful in helping to control ingrown hairs.

How it Works

A laser produces a beam of highly concentrated light that passes through the skin and targets the hair follicles where it is absorbed and transformed into heat, which then disables the hair follicle to eliminate or significantly impede the hair's re-growth. The laser's special contact-cooling hand-piece cools and protects the surrounding skin while bringing the laser energy as close as possible to the hair root. Each laser pulse treats about a half inch area, which can contain ten or more hairs, and will destroy all hairs that are in the active (anagen) growing phase. Since hair grows in cycles, not all of the hairs are in anagen at any given time. Although one laser session can produce long-term hair removal, as a rule multiple treatment sessions are necessary for optimal results.

What You Can Expect

The length of a laser session may be a few minutes to an hour or more, depending on the size of the area being treated. Because the laser tends to treat hair follicles that are in an active growth phase, more than one treatment may be required to disable hair follicles that subsequently enter this growth phase. The laser treatment itself can cause a slight tingling sensation best described as a rubber band snap. Most patients tolerate the procedure well, especially those who have tried other hair removal treatments such as electrolysis or waxing. Because some areas of the body are more sensitive than others, a topical anesthetic such as Emla may be applied 1 hour prior to treatment for added comfort.

The appearance of the treated area immediately after treatment will vary from patient to patient. The most common after-effects including redness and swelling, usually disappear in a short time (a few hours to one day). Most people return to normal activity right away. We will be happy to tell you more about your treatment and what you can expect during your consultation.

Are All Hair Removal Lasers the Same?

Different types of lasers produce different colors of light. The color of light produced by a particular laser is the key to its effect on hair follicles. The light emitted by the laser is absorbed by the pigment located in hair follicles. The laser pulses for a fraction of a second, just long enough to vaporize the pigment. It is important that the laser target the pigment inside the hair follicle and not the surrounding skin. A recent scientific advance in medical laser technology has given us TKS (Thermokinetic Selectivity^TM), a delivery method offering a safer and more effective treatment than with flashing-light and pulse light methods. TKS^TM lasing makes it possible for the laser energy to "selectively heat" just the hair follicle and not the surrounding skin. This is important because it helps protect the skin, while effectively treating the unwanted hair.

How Do I Know if I'm a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

Generally speaking, if you are concerned about unwanted hair, you are probably a candidate for laser hair removal. Your complexion type and how your skin reacts to sunlight are key factors in determining the benefits you may receive. The most dramatic results will occur for those with light skin and dark hair, but those with lighter hair and darker skin may also benefit from the treatment. This is another area in which the TKS^TM lasing process has also made a difference. The TKS^TM lasing process now makes it possible for patients who may have not previously benefited from laser therapy - those with lighter hair and darker skin - to receive greater benefit from the procedure. Other factors can influence the treatment process, but are generally best evaluated and discussed in person.

How to Prepare for a Laser Hair Removal Treatment

There are certain preparations that are necessary in order to adequately prepare and protect the skin before treatment begins. Please observe the following for best results:

• Wear sunscreen of at least SPF15 for 4-6 weeks prior to treatment (tanned skin does not allow for the maximum energy), and avoid recent sun exposure for 3 days prior
• Avoid waxing, threading or electrolysis for 3 weeks prior to treatment
• Avoid chemical depilatories, chemical peels or Tretinoin (Retin A) for 1 week prior to treatment
• Shave area 24-48 hours prior to treatment
• If skin has medium to dark pigmentation, patient may need to apply hydroquinone medication up to one week prior to treatment (your physician will advise)
• Apply topical anesthetic 1 hour prior as directed
• Advise your laser technician of any medications prior to treatment