Details: Laser Hair Removal

What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal involves a series of treatments using the Candela Gentlelase Plus to permanently reduce the density and thickness of dark-colored hair.

How does the laser work?
The laser emits an intense beam of light that is absorbed specifically by the pigment in the hair follicle. The energy disables the hair follicle without damaging the surrounding skin.

Before	After

How long does it take?
Treatment time depends on the amount of area treated. Each laser pulse treats all of the hair within a quarter-sized area of skin. Treatment of the upper lip takes less than five minutes, bikini about 15 to 30 minutes, backs over 60 minutes, etc.

How many treatments are necessary?
All patients require an average of six to eight treatments because only actively growing (anagen) hair responds. Hair follicles that are dormant (catagen) or have started naturally shedding (telogen) will return as anagen hairs and respond in subsequent treatments. Hair density, color, and caliber along with the patient’s skin color can also affect the total number of treatments. Patients with darker skin or patients with finer hair tend to need more treatments. Plucking, waxing, and tweezing between treatments will increase the total number of treatments required.

How frequent are treatments?
Best results require repeat treatments at one to two month intervals depending on the site. Waiting too long between treatments will also increase the total number of treatments required.

What is the recovery time?
Patients will experience a hive-like redness and swelling around the treated hair follicles or in the entire treated region, which can last a few hours to a few days. Occasionally, the area can be mildly sensitive or itchy. Bruising is rare. The hair will shed in one to three weeks.

How long will the results last?
Most patients retain at least 70 to 80% hair reduction after two years. Any hair that returns is usually much finer, less dense, and lighter colored. The most recent review in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology indicated that all lasers produce similar results.

Does the laser hurt?
Patients will experience some degree of temporary discomfort with each pulse, depending on the individual’s tolerance and the location, density, color, and thickness of the hair. Topical numbing creams can be purchased and applied 30 to 90 minutes prior to the treatment, as needed. Oral narcotics and sedatives are rarely used.

What are the risks?
Blistering, scarring, hyperpigmentation (darkening), or hypopigmentation (lightening) can result from laser hair removal. Aside from the issue of poorly trained technicians, the risk of blistering and pigment alteration is proportional to the amount of pigment in a person’s skin, regardless of the type of laser. For pale Caucasian patients, the risk is less than a few percent, but for tan or darker individuals, the risk can be greater than 20%. There are reports of new hairs appearing in and around the treatment site, and these cases usually responded to additional treatments. The cause is not yet known. Some patients require more than five treatments or require adjunctive use of topical agents such as Vaniqa®. A very small percentage of patients do not respond at all.

How can the risks be minimized?
To minimize the risk of blistering and pigment alterations, start laser treatments when your skin is at its palest. We often perform a small test spot two weeks prior to the full treatment to help identify patients who might hyperpigment. Avoid tanning between treatments by minimizing sun exposure and using daily sun protection in the form of broad spectrum sun screens or cosmetics with sunscreens. Reduce the risk of bruising by avoiding aspirin, ibuprofen products, and herbal remedies one week prior to each treatment. Reduce the total number of treatments necessary by avoiding plucking, waxing, and electrolysis between laser treatments. Reduce the temporary redness after each treatment by applying ice packs for a few minutes to the treatment sites.

What is the post-treatment care?
Keep track of how long your skin stays red. This information allows us to determine the most effective energy level for each individual. No special aftercare is necessary, and make-up can be applied immediately, if desired. Any irregular or curled hairs on the surface can be shaved, cut, or removed with chemical depilatories. Exercise and exertion is not harmful but can increase the temporary redness that day.

»Back