laser hair removal
Almost everyone has unwanted hair somewhere on their body. Unfortunately, traditional hair removal routines can be tedious, painful and expensive over time. Shaving may last a day, waxing a couple of weeks, but none of them last forever—and therein lies the true beauty of laser hair removal..
At Infinity Med-I-Spa we offer the best and most modern technology to assure comfortable and effective treatments for achieving smooth, hair-free skin quickly, efficiently, and affordably. The Cynosure Apogee Elite laser contains two laser systems – a 755 nm Alexandrite laser and a high powered 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser. By providing two different wavelengths, the Apogee Elite laser can be used to treat patients with all skin types. The addition of the YAG laser allows us to treat patients of darker skin types for excessive hair growth, especially of the face, arm pits and bikini lines. Patients with pseudofolliculitis (razor bumps) on the beard, face or neck now have this option to consider. The Apogee laser also incorporates the use of the Smart Cool system by Cynosure. This helps cool down the heat from the laser source and makes it more comfortable for the patient.
Definition
Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses a laser — an intense, pulsating beam of light — to remove unwanted hair. During laser hair removal, a laser beam passes through the skin to an individual hair follicle. The intense heat of the laser damages the hair follicle, which inhibits future hair growth. Laser hair removal is most effective for people who have light skin and dark hair. Although laser hair removal effectively slows hair growth, it doesn’t guarantee permanent hair removal. It typically takes several laser hair removal treatments to provide an extended hair-free period. Periodic maintenance treatments might be needed as
Why It’s done
Laser hair removal is used to remove unwanted hair. Common treatment locations include legs, armpits, upper lip, chin and bikini line. However, it’s possible to treat unwanted hair in nearly any area — except the eyelid or surrounding area. Hair color and skin type influence the success of laser hair removal. For example, laser hair removal is most effective for people who have light skin and dark hair because the laser beam targets the pigment (melanin) in the hair. However, advances in technology have made laser hair removal an option for people who have darker skin. Laser hair removal isn’t generally effective for white, gray, red or blond hair — although treatment options for lighter hair continue to be investigated.
How you prepare
Before laser hair removal, schedule a consultation with the doctor. The doctor will use this visit to:
- Review your medical history, including medication use
- Discuss risks, benefits and expectations, including what laser hair removal can and can’t do for you
- Take photos to be used for before-and-after assessments and long-term reviews
At the consultation, be sure to discuss a treatment plan and related costs. Laser hair removal is typically an out-of-pocket expense.
The doctor will also offer specific tips to prepare for laser hair removal. For example:
- Stay out of the sun. A tan increases the risk of side effects, such as skin lightening. If you have a tan — either from sun exposure or sunless tanning products — wait until the tan fades completely before undergoing laser hair removal. Some doctors recommend staying out of the sun for up to six weeks before laser hair removal.
- Avoid plucking, waxing and electrolysis. These hair removal methods can disturb the hair follicle and interfere with laser hair removal. Shaving is OK, however, since it preserves the hair shaft and follicle. In fact, shaving might even be recommended. Some studies suggest that shaving before laser hair removal improves results.
Risks
Laser hair removal doesn’t guarantee permanent hair removal. Some hair could be resistant to the laser treatment or grow again after treatment — although the new hair growth might be finer and lighter in color. The most common side effects of laser hair removal include:
- Skin irritation. Temporary discomfort, redness and swelling are possible after laser hair removal. Any signs and symptoms typically disappear within several hours.
- Pigment changes. Laser hair removal might darken or lighten the affected skin, usually temporarily. Skin lightening primarily affects those who have darker skin.
- Rarely, laser hair removal can cause blistering, crusting, scarring or other changes in skin texture. Laser hair removal isn’t recommended for the eyelid or surrounding area, due to the possibility of severe eye injury.
What you can expect
Before laser hair removal, the hair in the treatment area might be trimmed with a pair of scissors. You might also be fitted with special goggles to protect your eyes from the laser beam.
During the procedure
The doctor will hold a hand-held laser instrument above your skin. Depending on the type of laser, a cooling device on the tip of the instrument.
When the doctor activates the laser, the laser beam will pass through your skin to the tiny sacs (follicles) where hair growth originates. The intense heat from the laser beam damages the hair follicles, which inhibits hair growth. Some discomfort in the skin is possible, and you’ll likely feel a sensation of cold from the cooling device.
Treating a small area, such as the upper lip, might take only a few minutes. Treating a larger area, such as the back, might take several hours.
After the procedure
You might notice redness and swelling for the first few hours after laser hair removal.
To reduce any discomfort, apply ice to the treated area. Your doctor might also suggest an aloe gel or other type of cream or lotion, as well as over-the-counter pain relievers. If you have a skin reaction immediately after laser hair removal, the doctor might apply a steroid cream to the affected area.
After laser hair removal, avoid sun exposure — both natural sunlight and tanning beds. When your skin has healed, use sunscreen whenever you’re in the sun.
You might also prepare yourself for possible hair shedding in the first few weeks after treatment. Don’t mistake this for hair regrowth.
Results
Results of laser hair removal vary greatly from person to person.
Multiple treatments can prolong the duration of hair loss — up to years in some cases — but hair regrowth is still possible. For best results, you might need four to six treatments spaced a number of weeks apart. Additional periodic maintenance treatments — perhaps once every six to 12 months — might be needed as well.