Laser Hair Removal by Dermatologists

Beauty Advice from Dermatologists

Cosmetic Procedures :: Laser Hair Removal

Featured Dermatologists

Helen Torok, M.D.

Gerald Goldberg, M.D.

Learn about Laser Hair Removal from Lisa Benest, M.D.

Learn about Laser Hair Removal from Dr. Jeffrey S. Dover Jeff Dover, M.D.

Learn about Laser Hair Removal from Dr. Todd Minars Todd Minars, M.D.

Learn about Laser Hair Removal from Laura Skellchock, M.D.

Learn more about Laser Hair Removal from Allan Wirtzer, M.D.

Laser Hair Removal

There have been tremendous advances in the use of lasers for the removal of unwanted facial or body hair.

Lasers produce intense light that is absorbed by the pigment in hair called melanin. During the process of laser hair removal, the melanin absorbs the light and heats up. This heat damages the hair follicle without hurting the surrounding tissue. The damaged hair follicle stops producing hair or replaces thick adult hair with a fine, light-colored hair (vellus hair).

Traditional hair removal methods, such as waxing, shaving, and plucking, remove only the hair shaft. This leaves the hair follicle in place to grow new hair. Electrolysis delivers an electrical current to each follicle that can lead to permanent hair removal. However, it is painful and slow and usually requires multiple treatments over months or years.


Before	After	Before	After

Laser hair removal is a safe, effective, and convenient alternative to those methods. Lasers can treat large areas quickly, often in the time it takes to shave. Improvements may be seen after only one treatment, but repeat treatments are usually required to achieve desired results.

During treatment, you will experience mild to moderate discomfort similar to being snapped by a rubber band. Most patients tolerate the procedure without anesthesia, but anesthesia may be recommended for sensitive areas. This may include a numbing cream applied to the skin one hour before treatment.

After treatment, the area may appear swollen and feel like a mild sunburn.

Hair Removal Candidates

Individuals with course dark hair, and light skin color respond most optimally.

Light energy is absorbed by the pigment melanin, which then is transformed into heat energy to disable the follicle. In those people with darker skin color (more melanin in the skin), the skin tends to compete with the hair for the light energy resulting in the potential for damage to the skin, not the hair follicle. The competition for the light energy between skin and hair melanin is why tanning should be avoided before and after Laser treatments.

The Lightsheer Laser can be used in people with fine hairs and fair skin types, whereas infrared devices such as the Gentle:YAG and Sciton Lasers can effectively treat darker or tanned skin colors. At any given give time not all hairs are in an active growth phase. Lasers are effective at disabling hairs that are actively growing. It therefore is necessary to treat an area again at a later time to disable those hairs that were in a resting phase during initial treatment.

Optimal Treatment Requires Multiple Sessions at 4-8 Week Intervals.

Post Treatment

Sun exposure or tanning should be avoided. This can be accomplished by the use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen 30+. The treated areas should be handled gently, avoiding the use of abrasive cleansers or topical acne preparations. Ice compresses can be used to minimize swelling, and if blistering occurs, a topical antibiotic such as Bactroban, a prescription antibiotic available in a cream or ointment, can be applied. Most patients experience no noticeable after-effects following hair removal.

Learn more about Laser Hair Removal from Gerald Goldberg, M.D. of Tucson, Arizona.

Health Information

Highlights

Learn more about...