Say goodbye to shaving, waxing, tweezing and electrolysis with laser hair removal.  Four to six treatments typically leads to dramatic, if not complete, hair reduction.  Areas that can be treated include the upper lip, chin, cheeks, underarms, bikini, arms, legs and back.  

How does Laser Hair Removal work?

Laser hair removal is the use of laser energy to produce long-term hair reduction. The heat from the light of the laser is absorbed by the pigment, or melanin, in the hair. That heat then triggers inflammation in the hair follicle, which causes the follicle to go into its resting (Telogen) phase. While resting, the follicle produces no hair. (Bernstein, 2011)

How many Treatments?

Most people benefit from a series of 3-7 treatments, spaced at four to eight weeks apart. After the initial series of treatments, the hair in a given area is usually reduced in both amount and thickness for a long period of time. In order to keep an area completely devoid of hair, maintenance treatments are almost always required. (Bernstein, 2011) On average, 20% to 30% hair loss is estimated with each treatment.

Am I a Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

Both men and women may seek laser hair removal services to have unwanted hair removed. Hair removal is commonly done on the hairline, eyebrow, top of nose, lip, chin, ear lobe, shoulders, back, underarm, abdomen, buttocks, pubic area, bikini lines, thighs, face, neck, breast, arms, legs, hands, and toes. The laser we are using works best on pale skin and dark coarse hair. The closer you are to this combination the better your results will generally be. (Hair Removal Forum)

Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?

The Food and Drug Administration approved it as being a “permanent reduction”, but it doesn’t work for everyone. You shouldn’t expect the laser to remove every single hair from the area. Most people return for follow up treatments 1-2 times a year after the initial set of treatments for any new growth your body develops with age. Factors that determine the length of treatment include the particular area to be treated, the texture of hair, frequency of treatment, and history of temporary measures to remove hair; waxing, tweezing, shaping, and depilatories, etc. (Hair Removal Forum)

What should I Expect Before Treatment?

You should shave the area that is to be treated one day before treatment. Avoid plucking, waxing, and electrolysis for 4-6 weeks prior to procedure as hair needs to be in place to be targeted by the laser. The area should be shaved as closely as possible so that laser can target the most energy towards the hair follicle and not waste energy on the part of the hair above the skin’s surface. (Hair Removal Forum) You should avoid sun to the area prior to treatment to prevent hyper pigmentation following the procedure.

What should I Expect After Treatment?

After treatment is completed, your physician may prescribe aloe vera to soothe the skin for a few days. The treated area will be pink and slightly swollen immediately following treatment. A mild topical steroid such as otc hydrocortisone can be used to soothe the skin for a few days. Within 2-3 weeks you should experience shedding of all treated hair. Exfoliation can aid in the process of shedding. You should experience a hair free period for a few weeks, until the hair cycles into the growth phase. On average, this occurs in 6-8 weeks. When you have enough hair to justify another treatment, schedule an appointment. (Hair Removal Forum)

Is Laser Hair Removal Painful?

Everyone’s pain tolerance is different, but generally laser hair removal is not much more painful than waxing, but the sensation is different. In one pulse, the laser can remove all the hair on a patch of skin the size of a nickel. The sensation of the laser resembles a rubber band snapping against the skin for a quick second with each pulse. Most people do not require an anesthetic cream but one may be used for very sensitive patients/areas. Using anesthetic cream is only safe on small areas (upper lip, bikini, or underarms) and in small quantities. (Hair Removal Forum)

What are the Possible Risks and Side Effects for Laser Hair Removal?

Normal side effects include itching during treatment, redness or swelling for up to three days, pain, tingling, or feeling of numbness. There are a few rare side effects that can also occur such as crusting or scabbing, formation of ingrown hairs, bruising, hyper pigmentation, hypo pigmentation, viral or bacterial infection. Side effects occur infrequently and are generally temporary. If any of the effects listed last more than three days, make sure to contact your technician or physician. There is possibility that the settings were set too high and they will need to know in order to adjust on your following treatment. (Hair Removal Forum)

What are possible causes of excessive hair growth?

Some causes of excessive hair growth are many and varied, including: heredity, pregnancy, glandular or hormonal imbalances, and insulin resistance issues, reactions to certain medications, normal aging processes, and excessive temporary removal methods like waxing, tweezing, creams, and depilatories. Talk to your doctor if you suspect you might have an underlying medical condition causing excessive hair growth before starting laser hair removal. Once the condition is under control through treatment or medication, laser hair removal can be performed. Laser can affect the hair that’s currently present, but cannot prevent new hair from developing. (Hair Removal Forum)

Can I reduce the density of hair on an area instead of removing it completely?

Yes, this can be achieved with having only a few treatments instead of the complete set and by an experienced technician who is careful not to miss areas during treatments. (Hair Removal Forum)

How much does Laser Hair Removal Cost at DSO?

• Lip $100
• Cheeks $100
• Chin $100
• Lip/Chin $200
• Women’s Full Face $275
• Bikini Line $175 (Includes 1 inch either side leg and top)
• Underarms Both $175
• Lower Legs Both $275
• Full Back $400

What are some Advantages of Using Candela GentleLase?

GentleLase allows physicians to treat patients faster and more comfortably with the largest spot size and fastest repetition rate found on any hair removal laser. It has unparalleled treatment efficacies in hair removal, especially thinner, finer hairs other hair removal lasers simply cannot touch. Candela’s Dynamic Cooling Device represents an adjustable epidermal protection technology to maximize patient safety and comfort. Integrated computer controls assure consistent, reproducible protection, regardless of who is operating the laser for true treatment independence and ultimate patient safety. (Candela)

Laser hair removal may be contraindicated in patients with the following:

• Active Skin Infection
• History of Psoriasis, Vitiligo, Frequent Herpes Infections
• Tanned Skin
• Accutane within 1 year

Bibliography

To find out if Laser Hair Removal is right for you, call (402) 330-4555 or click here to request a consultation.

Return to Cosmetic Services.