Laser Hair Removal

The laser hair removal system a work using the principal of selective photothermolysis, in which a carefully timed pulse of laser energy passes through the skin and is absorbed and converted to heat energy at the hair follicle. Because of 800nm wavelength laser light penetrates deeper.

Laser Hair Removal works best in lighter skinned, darker haired patients. Because the target chromophore in hair follicles is melanin pigment, less laser energy is absorbed by the skin and more by the hair follicle. Tanned skin also "robs" laser energy as it passes through the skin to the hair follicle. The Diode lasers are less dependent on skin color than the ruby and alexandrite lasers. Because the pigment in the hair is the target for the laser energy, gray or white hair (which lacks pigment) cannot be effectively treated with any laser or light-based device.

Multiple laser treatments are necessary for best results: Laser energy has its greatest effect on growing, or anagen hair follicles; as the dormant, or telogen hairs become active, usually within 3 weeks to 3 months, some new hair growth will be observed. Usually at least 3 treatments over the course of a year will be necessary for satisfactory, long-lasting results. The female face, armpits, and bikini lines are areas which respond fastest to laser treatments- backs, arms and legs usually need more treatments over time. The scalp is very resistant to treatment.

Repeated laser treatments appear to induce a permanent reduction in the amount of visible hair: Although current studies have shown a "permanent" reduction in hair growth, some hair regrowth may occur over time, although this is usually much slower and much finer than before treatment. Imagine a garden overgrown with weeds-after the first few weeding sessions, only occasional "touch-ups" are needed. True "permanent" "total" hair removal may be possible with repeated treatments over time.

• The area to be treated may be clipped or shaved, and a cooling gel is applied. For small, curved areas, such as the chin, a grid is marked out directly on the skin, and on larger, flatter areas, such as the bikini line, chest, or back, a transparent plastic guide grid is placed over the gel to assure even treatment.
• Laser pulses are then applied over the marked area. Discomfort ranges from absent, in light-skinned individuals with coarse hair, to mild stinging in patients with darker skin or more hair follicles. An anesthetic cream can be used before treatments in extremely sensitive patients.
• In the weeks following treatment, hair shafts may extrude from the damaged follicles, and may mimic the appearance of regrowth. These may be left to fall out, or they may simply be plucked. The area can be treated again when dormant follicles become active, usually about a month on the face, and longer for other body areas.

Hair does not have to be grown out, and should not be plucked or few weaks before this removes the hair shaft and decreases the effect of the laser. Please inform us if you are taking any medications, using any prescription creams or ointments such as Renova or Retin-A, or if you are pregnant.