Laser Treatments
Hair Removal

Laser Hair Removal

In the past, the usual remedies for unwanted hair were plucking, shaving, waxing, or chemical depilatories. Some are painful, some are messy, and all are only temporary. Laser hair removal is an FDA-approved process of permanently reducing or eliminating unwanted hair on almost any part of the body except near the eyes. The process takes from anywhere from several minutes to several hours, depending on the area of the body involved. Laser hair removal uses a low-energy laser which passes through the patient’s skin, being absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle. Each pulse of the laser targets and inactivates a large number of hair follicles. Approximately 3-6 treatments are necessary, although some people do require more treatments.

Inadequately trained technicians can cause permanent scarring, hyperpgimentation and disfigurement. Always make sure the person who is performing any laser treatment has the required training and experience as well as the correct laser for your skin type and color.

Is the hair removal permanent?
During each treatment session, a certain percentage of the hair follicles are damaged such that hair will not grow from them again. With each treatment session, additional hair follicles are damaged until hair is completely absent in most cases.

Is the treatment painful?
There is some discomfort but the pain is generally less than waxing or electrolysis. Depending on how aggressive the treatment session is, the skin may be slightly to significantly pink subsequent to the treatment. We offer a potent numbing medication, available for purchase through our offices, which significantly dulls the pain. Additionally, for those who request it, a special cold air machine takes away any additional pain associated with the procedure. In most cases, no anesthesia is necessary.

Preparation for treatment
For maximal results, it is best to avoid tanning for approximately 10 days prior to treatment. The area to be lasered should be shaved immediately prior to the treatment. The aftercare is minimal. Sun exposure should be avoided for a few days after treatment.

During your office consultation you will be provided with a detailed plan of the treatments that will benefit you most. Please contact us with any questions you may have.

What does the treatment include?
Depending on the amount of hair treated, the procedure varies from patient to patient.
Generally, the treatment will include:
• Safety eyewear to protect the patient's eyes during the procedure from the intense laser light.
• A small handpiece will be used with a distance gauge that touches the skin to deliver the laser light. A light spray of coolant onto the skin will be felt just before each laser pulse.
• Most patients experience little discomfort at the treatment site because of the dynamic cooling device.
• The degree of discomfort varies with each person, depending on his/her pain threshold. Topical anesthesia may also be requested. Be sure to discuss this with our physician in advance of the laser treatment.
• The procedure can take as little as 5 minutes or up to an hour, depending on the area treated. All patients can go home immediately following treatment.
• The treated area may become pink or red within about 30 minutes of treatment; this may last from a few hours to several days.

PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
• If you are using Accutane or Retin-A: Must be off Accutane for 6 months prior to treatment (2 weeks for Retin-A) for area to be treated.
• Please shave or use a depilatory cream 2-3 days before treatment,
depending on your hair growth.
• Short stubbles (approx. 3/16 of an inch) should be visible on the day of treatment.
• Do not wax for 1-2 weeks before treatment.
• 48 hours prior to treatment, do NOT use aspirin, Ibuprofen, Alieve, or any cold medications. You also must NOT have taken photo sensitive medications such as antibiotics and some herbal remedies for 2 weeks before an appointment can be scheduled. Please contact our office to inform us of any change in medication(s) you are taking.
• Use a sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater.
*** Procedures will NOT be given if you are sunburned. You must inform our office, and wait until your skin is completely healed ***
• The area being treated must be free of makeup, lotions, creams and perfume.
• For Body areas such as Bikini, Backs, Shoulder, Underarms etc., do not wear dark under-clothing. Best Colors to wear are "red" or "white". (Laser energy is absorbed by dark colors).
• Avoid tanning for 4-6 weeks prior to procedure (GentleLASE only).
• You may be asked to use a pre-treatment cream (i.e.: Hydroquinone for 4-6 weeks before treatment).
• PRIOR TO EACH LASER PROCEDURE, YOU MUST INFORM US: OF ANY MEDICATION AND/OR HERBAL REMEDIES THAT YOU ARE TAKING (such as Antibiotics, St. Johns Wort, etc.) Oil of Bergamot, found in Earl gray Tea and cosmetic products, is "Photo Toxic" and will cause severe burns if combined with laser treatments.
• Disclose to the laser tech, prior to your first treatment, the existence of any tattooed marks you may have.
Please call us if you have any questions!

POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
• Shortly after the procedure, areas will be tender, slightly red and swollen. This reaction usually disappears within a few hours. Apply MacroPro, GlucanPro, Polysporin, Bactroban, Fucidin or Hydrocortisone twice daily until healed.
• If you experience itching, antihistamines such as Benadryl may be taken 1-3 days if required.
• For the first 2-3 days, if you still have swelling, apply an ice pack to the area for 15 minutes a few times a day.
• Makeup should be avoided for one day until the site has healed.
• Use a sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater.
• You may shower using warm water after laser treatment. The treated area may be washed gently with a mild soap. The skin should be patted dry and NOT rubbed. Please call us if there is any unexpected skin reaction after your procedure.