The process of laser hair removal is quite simple. Laser Hair Removal is a light based treatment used to permanently reduce hair anywhere on the face or body.
There are a number of different hair removal devices available utilizing a wide range of technologies including laser energy, intense pulsed light, and radiofrequency. Dr. Christine Lee will choose from one of many devices in order to most effectively treat your unwanted hair.
It is a relatively painless procedure that can be done during an office visit, and can cover a larger area of hair than electrolysis can. Laser Hair Removal is much faster than electrolysis. At each Laser Hair Removal treatment, all the hair is treated, whereas with electrolysis, only small sections are treated each time. Because of this, many more sessions are required with electrolysis than with laser treatment. Laser hair removal also eliminates ingrown hairs which are typical after waxing and plucking and can help people who suffer from folliculitis.
Specific areas of hair growth are easier to remove than others. Underarms, bikini lines, and legs are easier to treat, whereas more treatments are needed to remove facial hair, due to the effect of hormones. The average number of treatments ranges from five to ten visits. This is because at any given time, only a fraction of hairs are in the growing phase (anagen cycle). Only anagen hairs can be effectively removed with laser because the resting phase (telogen) hairs do not have mature pigment at their follicle bulb which is the target for the light. Thus, one treatment will sometimes only get 10% of the hairs because only those hairs have enough pigment to be destroyed. The FDA has approved all of our lasers for permanent hair reduction. Data has shown that about 30-90% of the hair does not grow back for one year after the end of the treatment cycle. Of course, this assumes the appropriate treatment and the correct number of treatments for each individual, all of which can be variable. No one can guarantee 100% permanent hair removal, as people do need occasional maintenance or touch-up treatments.
Individuals with all skin types and hair color can be safely treated. Patients who are pregnant or who have taken Accutane in the last 3 months cannot have Laser Hair Removal. In addition, patients with pacemakers or defibrillators should not have treatments with radiofrequency devices. Patients who are tan should postpone treatments until the tan fades to minimize risk of side effects. Also, patients who have recently waxed, plucked, or bleached should postpone treatments to maximize the results.
If you are considering what to do about your unwanted hair, talk to Dr. Christine Lee and her staff today to see if laser hair removal is right for you.
Laser Hair Reduction - FACTS
- Dark, coarse hairs are the most effectively treated
- Multiple treatments are necessary for optimal hair reduction
- You will never be 100% hair free! Your body will occasionally create new hair follicles
- Lighter, finer hairs can be treated, but it will take more treatments and some hairs will be completely unresponsive
- Laser hair reduction is a medical procedure and can only be performed by a M.D. (or a R.N. or P.A. under the direct supervision of a M.D.)
