Q. How does laser treatment differ from electrolysis, and is the treatment permanent?
A. The main difference between this technology and the traditional method known as electrolysis is that lasers can treat multiple hair follicles at a time, no longer requiring the need to identify and probe each individual hair follicle, as is done with electrolysis. In one second, we can literally achieve what takes hours with electrolysis. Both electrolysis and laser hair removal achieve permanacy of approxiamately 80 to 90%.

Q. Why proceed with laser hair removal and how many treatments are needed?
A. Simply because this is the most practical, least painful, most efficient, and probably the least expensive professional method available to remove unwanted hair. Laser hair removal works by destroying hairs that are in their active hair growth phase. Since no all hairs are actively growing at any given time, it is generally necessary to retreat the area at a later date (within a few months) to then destroy those hairs that were resting but are now growing. The number of initial treatments needed may vary, but usually at least 3 are required. Subsequent treatments may then need to be done, depending upon any of the following factors which can influence hair growth and responsiveness to laser therapy: hair location or hair type, hair color, skin color, hormonal influences, medications, and genetic background.

Q. Who are the best candidates for laser hair removal, and how does the laser actually work?
A. Since light energy is absorbed by the pigment malanin, which then is transformed into heat energy to disable the follicle, those individuals with course dark hair, and light skin color respond most optimally. In those people with darker skin color (more melanin in the skin), the skin tends to compete with the hair for the light energy resulting in the potential damage to the skin, not the follicle.

Q. What kind of laser or light source is used?
A. We currently utilize the most advanced laser developed for hair removal. This is a specially designed laser that allows light to penetrate to greater depths of the hair follicle than other lasers or other light sources. Specialized cooling involves gently freezing the surface of the skin just prior to each laser pulse, thereby allowing greater energy levels to be delivered to the hair follicle, with minimal energy absorption by the skin. This cooling effect also minimizes the discomfort during treatment.

Q. What are the adverse effects of laser treatments?
A. There is a mild pain associated with the treatments, which has been likened to the snap of a rubberband. For those wishing to minimize any discomfort, Ela-max cream can be used, however it must be applied an hour and a half before treatment, and occluded with Saran Wrap. Some degree of redness or swelling is common, but usually only lasts for a period of one hour to a few days, depending on the individual.

Q. Which areas can be treated?
A. Nearly any body hair can be treated including large areas such as backs and thighs, bikini areas and facial hair. The hair must be dark– light, white or red hair does not attract the laser energy.

Q. What preparation is needed before laser treatment?
A. For laser therapy to be successful, it is necessary to have some stubble present at the time of the treatment. Waxing, plucking, and bleaching should be avoided for at least several weeks prior to treatment. It is fine to trim or shave the hairs, but shaving should be avoided for about three days prior to treatment. If you are dark skinned or tanned, a bleaching cream, generally available by prescription, may be used for several weeks before treatment. Also, the treated area must be protected from the sun for at least six weeks prior to treatment (this also means no tanning booths or sunless tanners).

Q. How will I look after the treatment?
A. Generally some redness is expected, but can be covered wth makeup immediately. At the time of treatment, many of the hairs are burned off, and others are shed 1-2 weeks following the treatment.

Q. What else should I avoid after treatment?
A. The treatment areas should be handled gently, avoiding the use of abrasive cleaners or topical acne preparations. Ice compresses can be used to minimize swelling, and if blistering occurs, an anitbiotic ointment such as Bactroban (available by prescription from our doctors) can be applied.

Q. Are there any patients that cannot be treated, or any medical contradictions?
A. Very dark Afro-Americans may find treatment less effective, and run the risk of greater pigmentation changes. Patients with a history of keloid scar formation or poor healing should avoid treatment. Patients with known photosensitivity to light and pregnant females should also avoid treatment. An area with an active infection such as cold sores, should not be treated until the infection has healed. For best treatment results and to minimize bruising, it is important to avoid aspirin, ibuprofin, and other NSAID's immediately before and following laser treatments.