HOW LASER HAIR REMOVAL WORKS
Laser hair removal works using a principle called Selective Photothermolysis. When the laser is pulsed (turned on for a millisecond), a beam of light is emitted onto the skin. The light energy passes harmlessly through the skin, but is absorbed by the pigment in the hair, which disables the hair follicle and impairs its ability to grow. The growth cycle of hair has three stages, and the laser disables the hair in the active growth stage at the time of treatment. Because not all hair is in the same stage of growth during treatment, additional treatments are necessary to disable all the hair follicles in an area.
Most patients require at least 3-6 laser treatments to achieve the desired results, but some might need up to 8 for maximum results. Skin tone, hair coloring, and coarseness of hair can all affect how many treatments will be needed. Treatments are usually given at intervals of 4-6 weeks, or when new hair growth is noticed.
The time for a treatment depends on the area being treated. The upper lip takes only ten seconds, the underarm only a few minutes, while the back or legs can take an hour.
DOES LASER HAIR REMOVAL HURT?
Laser hair removal may cause some temporary discomfort, a feeling similar to being snapped by a rubberband. Some areas of the body are more sensitive than others and different people have different levels of skin sensitivity. Applying a topical anesthetic prior to treatment can lessen the discomfort.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER TREATMENT
Within 30 minutes of the treatment, the skin area treated may become pink or red, similar to a mild sunburn. This takes a day or so to go away. If necessary, the doctor may prescribe a topical cream to apply to the treated areas.
Bandages are not necessary as the laser does not damage the skin, but the areas should be handled with care. Avoid Retin-A, alphahydroxy acids, glycolic acids, and astringents. Avoid tanning and use sunscreen on any treated areas exposed to the sun. When cleaning the treated areas, use mild soap and water.
About 3-10 days after treatment, hairs will begin to surface. Most of these hairs were treated and are “falling out,” they are not regrowth. The hair follicles need to purge the hairs that were under the skin. Although shaving is okay between treatments, do not wax, pluck, or bleach. Using a loofah may help remove the hair as it falls out.
CHOOSING A HAIR REMOVAL CENTER
Before deciding on treatment, consider the following questions:
Is this laser FDA approved for hair removal on my skin type and hair color?
What is the spot size of the laser? A laser with an 18mm spot size is quicker and more effective.
Is the laser equipped with a Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD)? This provides the safest and most consistent method of cooling the skin and ensures patient safety and comfort.
Is there a board-certified physician on site? Many laser hair removal centers operate without a physician. A center without appropriate medical supervision may not be the safest environment for a laser procedure.
Are treatments sold in a package or one at a time? Laser hair removal centers should charge for just one treatment at a time, although multiple treatments are required for complete removal of the hair. A reputable facility will offer individual treatments and not insist on payment for multiple treatments up front. Businesses that want your money up front for multiple treatments may not have the confidence that their lasers will perform effectively.
Are complimentary consultations and spot tests available? You should be able to meet the technician and experience a pulse or two before committing to a treatment.
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