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Laser Hair Reduction involves a laser sending energy into the pigment of the hair follicle.
The hair shaft is damaged by the laser's heat, thereby slowing down future hair growth. This procedure will work anywhere there is excess hair, except the eye area. The most commonly treated areas are the upper lip, chin, underarm, legs, sideburns, bikini line and back. Complete hair removal may require multiple sessions.

The Procedure

Laser Hair Reduction is usually performed in a doctor’s office. The length of the procedure is determined by the size of the area being treated. First, the area will be shaved and an anesthetic cream may be applied to minimize discomfort. During the procedure, safety goggles must be worn to protect your eyes. A small hand piece equipped with a cooling device touches the skin to deliver the laser light. You may feel a tingling, stinging sensation.

The Recovery

Immediately after the procedure, you can expect some redness and swelling. It may feel as if you have a sunburn. You may be given a topical cream to apply to the area. You can go back to work and resume regular activities right after the treatment, but you should avoid the sun. The hair follicles may start to shed a week or two after treatment.

The Best Candidates for Laser Hair Reduction

The best candidates for this treatment are men and women with coarse hair, light skin and dark hair. Tan skin is not easily treated; therefore the sun should be avoided for several weeks before treatment. If you have blond or red hair you should consult with your doctor before having Laser Hair Reduction.

The Risks

Risks associated with Laser Hair Reduction include darkening or lightening of the skin, scarring, blistering, burning, crusting, bruising and infection. All risks should be discussed with your doctor.

Background

Laser hair removal has proven to be a very popular nonsurgical cosmetic procedure; see current American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) statistics. It is a non-invasive, convenient way to permanently reduce unwanted facial or body hair.

Technique

The process takes from several minutes to several hours, depending on the area of the body involved. Laser hair removal uses a low-energy laser. The laser energy passes through the patient’s skin, being absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle. A percentage of the follicles are instantaneously and permanently disabled with each treatment. In most cases, no anesthesia is necessary.

Benefits

• A non-invasive, gentle technique that eliminates undesirable hair from all parts of the body.
• Leaves skin looking smoother and silkier.
• Treats larger areas effectively because it removes more than one hair at a time.
• Minimal discomfort.
• Replaces waxing, electrolysis and razors.
• Immediate return to normal activities.

Other Considerations

• An ongoing process that requires multiple sessions.
• Sometimes there is a temporary slight reddening of the skin or localized swelling.
• May have to use specially formulated skin care products, and/or a prescribed skin care regimen. Sunscreen is recommended for any treated areas exposed to the sun.
• Patients with darker pigmentation may not respond well.
• Blonde, white or gray hairs are less responsive to laser treatments and sometimes cannot be treated.