ABOUT LASER HAIR REMOVAL
Laser hair removal is the permanent reduction of hair in the treated area. While the cooling system of the laser machine cools and protects the skins surface, heat generated from the laser targets the pigmented hair within the follicle. This generated heat , heats the hair shaft and causes the desired amount of damage to the hair follicle, stunting and prohibiting further growth. Because hair has different growth stages, it will be necessary to do multiple treatments, in order to affect all hair cycles during their growth stage.
Who is the best candidate for laser hair removal?
Individuals with dark, course pigmented hair.
How many treatments will i need?
The number of treatments each individual will need can vary for several reasons. First, is the number of hair cycles your body has: this can range anywhere from 8-10. Second is the amount of pigment in the skin. As all skin types can benefit from laser hair removal, lower frequencies are used on darker skin types in order to protect the skin, therefore requiring additional treatments. Third is hormones: As hormones generate new hair growth, any fluctuation due to puberty, pregnancy, or menopause will also play a role in treatment numbers.
What are the side effects?
The most common and expected side effects of laser hair removal are: temporary redness and sunburn sensation; swelling and redness of the hair follicles; and sometimes a hystamine reaction or mild blistering, or little to no side effects at all depending on each individual. All side effects should subside within a few hours to a few days, and are often remedied with aloe vera, polysporin, or cortizone.
What does it feel like?
Most people would describe laser hair removal as a rubber band snap against the skin. It is far more comfortable than waxing, and is much more efficient that electrolysis. For the most part, people are quite surprised of how quick and comfortable laser hair removal is.
Can all hair be treated?
No, all hair cannot be treated with laser hair removal. Because the laser is attracted to pigment those with blonde, red, or gray hair will not get the desired result.
What are the benefits?
The most enjoyed benefits of laser hair removal are: the reduction and even elimination of shaving, razor burn, in grown hairs, and visible stubble.
What would prohibit me from being a candidate for laser hair removal?
- Those who are on photosensitive medications such as antibiotics. Depending on the medication, it is recommended to wait 14 days once medication has ceased before beginning treatment.
- Those who are using Accutane (isotrenoin), or Tetracycline, should discontinue use one year prior to treatment.
- Those who are using exfolients, alpha or beta hydroxy products, Retin A, or glycolics should discontinue use 2 weeks prior to treatment.
- Those with a history of keloid scarring.
- Those with active infections: herpetic lesions and cold sores. This would require an anti-viral medication 2 days before treatment, and one week after treatment to avoid occurrence of a break out.
- Those who are pregnant.
- Those who have Lupis, Psoriosis, Eczema, Vitiligo, or auto immune disorders.
- Those who are prone to seizures or are taking anti-seizure medications.
- Those with Botox and other injectables should wait 2 weeks before doing laser hair removal if removing hair from injection site.