Laser Hair Removal
One of the most common cosmetic concerns today is unwanted facial and body hair. Until recently, shaving, tweezing, waxing, bleaching, and electrolysis were the only options to remove hair, and they produced very temporary results.
Laser hair removal works by destroying the follicle that grows the hair. Laser light is attracted to the dark pigment in hair and zeros in on the hair follicle. Laser hair removal works best on black or brown hair; light blonde, red, white, or gray hair will not attract the laser light.
Hair passes through three growth stages:
- Active
- Transition
- Resting
The follicle must be treated during the growth phase, which occurs every 4 to 5 weeks. In order to capture all the follicles in a growth phase, a series of laser treatments must be spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Our experience has been that 6 or more treatments are necessary to achieve optimal hair removal.
Patients always want to know if the hair removal is permanent. Our expectation is that the results will last for years; however, hormonal changes in the body can occur later on in our lives and trigger hair regrowth. In this situation, touch-up treatments may be necessary for maintenance.
Below is a list of contraindications that may prevent you from being an ideal candidate for a laser hair removal treatment:
- Photosensitizing medications – Many different types of antibiotics can make the skin more sensitive and prone to damage. We advise clients not to take any antibiotics at least 2 weeks prior to treatment. Before undergoing treatment, be sure to inform the practitioner of any antibiotics or medications you are taking, so she can schedule your laser hair removal sessions accordingly.
- Accutane
- Tattoos on the treated area
- Unshaven hair
- Sunburned skin or having a recent suntan
- Self-tanners (need to be discontinued 2 weeks before a laser hair removal treatment)
Those who have herpes simplex virus I or II should tell the esthetician who is performing the laser hair removal before treatments have begun. It will be necessary to take a prescription antiviral medication for several days both before and after the curative. If the hair removal is in the area of previous outbreaks, it is workable that the heat from the laser will cause a flare-up of the herpes virus. If a herpes outbreak is active, either on the face or genital location, it is important to reschedule the session.
Waxing, tweezing, and using depilatory creams on the hairs to be treated is also a strong contraindication for laser hair removal and needs to be avoided about 1 month prior to your first treatment, and throughout the course of treatments. These hair removal methods remove the hair follicle from the root and make laser hair removal inefficient. In addition, use of hair bleaching products also needs to be avoided, as these types of products are strong and can irritate the skin.
In addition to the aforementioned contraindications, it also recommended not to wear any makeup, perfume, or lotion in the treatment area prior to a laser hair removal session to avoid further irritation.
Ask to schedule a consultation with Absolute Dermatology & Medi-Spa to determine the approximate number of treatments recommended for optimum effects.