Hair growth in unwanted places can be bothersome for many. As we age we tend to grow more hair, and it tends to be thicker. This is caused by a variety of factors including the tendency to gain weight as we age, and changes in hormonal balances. This can be bothersome for many and can cause them to seek out ineffective and often expensive treatments.
Laser treatments is a very effective method that works on the premise that any dark object, i.e. a black or brown hair follicle, will absorb light and be preferentially heated. This heating will cause a stunning or inactivation of the hair follicle. Sometimes this is permanent.
When we treat a patient for excessive hair, we evaluate the hair color in relation to the skin and can tailor a light frequency to about 75% of skin coloration variables. In most cases we cannot treat those with light hair and dark skin. The exception is when we use an infrared laser that emits a color of light that the follicle absorbs. The skin still absorbs some of the energy but the follicle absorbs most of it. Additionally, very darkly pigmented people absorb too much laser energy in their skin and are not ideal candidates.
Our equipment is the most versatile system available. This system allows us to tailor the treatment to the patient. It is called a Lumenis Lightsheer and it allows the physician to treat a variety of skin conditions.
No one type of hair removal system is perfect for every skin type. For instance no system will do a good job on gray or white hair. These folks will need to get electrolysis or continue with the old, painful standby, waxing.
An ideal candidate, one who has dark hair and light skin, usually should expect a 70% reduction of dark hair after each treatment. We generally do 3-5 treatments on most patients, for a variety of reasons. The cost is based on the area size.
The Procedure
- Performed in a series of treatments designed around your unique hair and skin type
- Sessions can last from 20 to 60 minutes depending on the area of treatment
- Patients can go right from their treatment to work, school, the gym, errands or any other daily activities
The pain has been likened to the snapping of a rubber band against the skin.
One of the things I like to emphasize is that if you get a rubber band snapped against your skin 50 or 100 times the pain although mild, becomes wearing. Because of this we sometimes apply a thin layer of local anesthetic gel 3-4 hours before your treatment, which minimizes the pain.
Immediately after the treatment you may have some reddening and hypersensitivity of the skin. This lasts up to one day. We then have you come back in 2-4 weeks depending on skin type.
How long does it last?
Generally you will experience an 80% overall hair reduction after 2 years. This does not mean that new hair will not grow. It means that 80% of the follicles that were active at the time of the treatment have not returned. It does not mean you will not grow more hair.