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Laser Hair
Removal
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 its increased effectiveness came 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 is in a resting phase. If the
hair is struck by the laser when it is in a resting phase
it is 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 persists and further treatment is
necessary. The treatments are spread out over about 6 weeks
so that hairs that were previously in their resting phase
have had time to go into an active phase.
After the procedure, the treated skin
has a pink glow to it and may be mildly irritated. This will
go away in 2 or 3 days.
 Dr. Cruise's philosophy regarding Laser Hair Removal
 It is wonderful to have a procedure that provides safe and permanent hair removal. This is a very popular procedure because it affects so many people. People do not like to be burdened with continual shaving, waxing or other modalities of hair removal. They like the idea that their upper lip or under arms or their legs don't need to be shaved. The same applies to men. Sure they could have their back shaved or waxed every so often but they like the idea that shaving is not even necessary.
The downside of laser hair removal is that it requires at least 3 treatments each and sometimes more depending on whether or not the patient desires to treat every last hair. Overall satisfaction is high and the procedure is rather quick and painless.
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 without the rashes,
bumps, etc. The benefits of laser hair removal can be summarized
as follows.
- It 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.
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.
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 other parts of the body.
People who have used the drug Accutane
within the last 2 years should not have laser hair removal
performed. This drug delays skin healing and may pose a problem
after laser hair removal.
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 2 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
1 week prior to treatment to minimize irritation. You should
shave the area usually 2 days before the treatment. If you
have a quick hair regrowth 1 day is recommended.
Anesthesia
No anesthesia is necessary for laser
hair removal. Some topical naming cream might be applied.
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 2 weeks as it will irritate
the treated skin and may cause it to hyper pigmented. Apply
sunscreen if the skin needs 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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