Laser Hair Removal FAQ's
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal uses the energy from the laser to destroy the hair follicle but not the surrounding skin. The hair follicle is not the hair, but the small sac in the skin from which the hair grows. If only the hair is plucked, the hair follicle is still healthy and hair will continue to grow. To prevent hair from regrowing, the hair follicle must be destroyed.
When the laser is turned on, the light is attracted to the dark color in the hair follicles. Hair follicles are dark in color due to the concentration of melanin, the protein that gives hair color. As the laser is pulsed, the light passes thru the skin, targeting the melanin in the hair follicle. The laser produces enough heat as it travels thru the skin to destroy the hair follicle and prevent hair from regrowing.
Why are multiple laser treatments needed?
Laser hair removal only disables hair that is in the active growth stage at treatment time. Hair has three growth cycles and not all hair is in the same stage at the same time. Multiple treatments are needed in a particular area in order to target all the hair while it is in the active growth stage. The amount of treatments can be affected by skin color, hair color, and hair coarseness. In order to achieve maximum results, most laser hair patients will need about 3-6 laser treatments in an area at intervals of 4-6 weeks apart.
Does laser hair removal work for everybody?
A patient's results from laser hair removal will vary due to skin tone and hair color. Generally, the best candidates for laser hair removal are people with light-colored skin and dark-colored hair. Patients with darker or tanned skin or light-colored hair (blond, red, grey) are usually more difficult to treat. Since everyone responds differently to treatment, however, it is hard to predict exactly what results each patient will achieve.
Although treatment is more limited with the older lasers, the newest laser technology has made laser hair removal safer and more effective for people of many more skin types and hair colors. To obtain the best results, it is important that treatments be performed by an experienced laser technician and that the appropriate laser is used for your combination of skin and hair color.
Most Patients require at least 3-6 treatments
Does laser hair removal hurt?
Although laser hair removal is not usually painful, it may cause a temporary feeling of mild discomfort, such as being snapped by a rubberband. Also, different people have different levels of skin sensitivity and some areas of the body are more sensitive than others. Many times a topical anesthetic will be applied prior to treatment which can lessen the discomfort.
How much time for a laser treatment?
Each pulse of the laser lasts only a millisecond, but total treatment time is a combination of the laser spot size, speed of the laser technician, and the size of the area being treated. A laser treatment may take only a few minutes for the upper lip or underarm area, but an hour to treat the legs or back.
Is laser hair removal safe?
Laser hair removal is considered a safe technique when performed properly by experienced technicians, but it is impossible to predetermine exactly how a patient's skin will react to laser treatment. Usually after a treatment session, the skin area becomes pink or red, similar to a mild sunburn, and there may be some swelling. These symptoms are only temporary. If necessary, ice packs can be used for the swelling and an over-the-counter pain medication can be taken to reduce discomfort. Blistering is rare, but if it occurs the doctor may prescribe an antibiotic cream or steroid cream. In very rare instances, permanent scarring or skin discoloration may occur.
What questions should I ask before choosing a laser hair removal center?
- Is this laser FDA approved for hair removal?
- Is this laser the best choice for my skin and hair color? There are many different types of laser with varying wavelengths that target different skin and hair types.
- Is the laser equipped with a Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD)? This provides the safest and most consistent method of cooling the skin and ensures patient safety and comfort.
- Is there a board-certified physician on site? Many laser hair removal centers operate without a physician. A center without appropriate medical supervision may not be the safest environment for a laser procedure.
- Are treatments sold in a package or one at a time? Although multiple treatments are required for complete removal of the hair, reputable laser hair removal centers should allow you to purchase just one treatment at a time and not require you to purchase multiple treatments in advance.
- Are complimentary consultations and spot tests available? You should be able to meet the technician and experience a pulse or two to see how your skin reacts before committing to a complete treatment.
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