Laser Hair Removal

As a rule of thumb, people with dark hair and fair skin generally respond very well. The more popular areas being:

• The underarms
• Bikini area
• Arms or legs
• Back and chest
• Upper lip
• Beard area (used for preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae or "razor bumps").

The procedure:

Prior to the procedure, avoid tanning, waxing or plucking the area for up to two to four weeks before. Preferably shave or use a depilatory cream instead if required. Let some hair grow out prior to the treatment or consultation so that our dermatologist can assess that extent and nature of hair growth.

The light energy emitted by the laser will create a snapping sensation like a rubber band. There is no bleeding and no open wound is created. A stream of cold air flows over the treatment area to reduce any discomfort. Anesthetic cream may be used an hour before the treatment to alleviate any discomfort on sensitive areas such as the bikini area.

After the session:

Some redness and swelling will be experienced around the hair follicles, lasting for a few hours up to a couple of days. Mild scabbing can also sometimes occur, lasting for about two weeks. Do not pick or peel scabs if they occur. Apply medicated creams as directed, which may be prescribed to ease irritation. In few instances, increases or decreases in pigmentation may occur which will resolve themselves in a few months’ time. Complications, such as blistering, scarring, infections and allergies to applied medications rarely occur. Sun exposure should be avoided for at least one week after treatment. You can resume your normal activities immediately after having a laser treatment, with the exceptions of swimming and excessive sweating until all the redness has subsided.

Cautions:

• Sun exposure should be avoided for at least one week before and after treatment.
• Avoid waxing or plucking the hair at the treatment site two to four weeks prior to the laser treatment. Shave or use a depilatory cream instead if necessary.
• Redness and minor swelling of the treated site may last from a few hours to a couple of days. There may occasionally be areas of scabbing, which last about two weeks. Do not pick or peel scabs if they occur.
• No swimming or excessive sweating is recommended after the treatment until all redness subsides.
• Do not scrub or rub the treated area. Avoid products with alpha or beta hydroxy acids and retinoids when there is redness or scabbing.
• Not suitable for patients who are pregnant.

Treatment plan:

Lasers only disable hairs that are in their active growing phase. Since hair goes through different growing phases, and approximately 20-85% of hair follicles are in this active growing phase at any given time, several treatments are necessary to disable all hair follicles in a given area. Laser hair treatments provide "long-term hair reduction" and possibly permanent hair removal. The amount of hair will be substantially reduced after 4-8 treatment sessions, at two to three month intervals. Depending on a patient’s ethnic and genetic background, the size of the area to be treated, their skin color, hair color and thickness, 8 or more sessions may be required. Most people are very pleased with results, with a 70-90% improvement in hair density. Any remaining hair is typically much finer and lighter in color, as it is coarse, dark hair that is unsightly and causes problems like ingrown hairs.