What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is the procedure in which laser light is used to produce epilation (that is, shedding of hairs from follicles). In addition, the hair removal procedure diminishes or prevents future hair growth from those follicles.

How is it performed?
A beam of light is directed onto the skin in which there is unwanted hair growth. Melanin (the pigment in the hair) absorbs the light and converts it to heat. This heat then inactivates the surrounding follicle.

Why is laser light used?
Laser light is safer and more effective than other forms of light. Laser light is monochromatic, which means it consists of only one wavelength. By using laser light, it is possible to select a narrow band of light that interacts with the target (the hair and hair follicle) while leaving other structures in the skin undisturbed.

How many treatments are required and how often?
Several treatments are required because the laser only targets those hair follicles that are in their active growth phase, known as Anagen. If a follicle is in one of its dormant phases, known as Telogen or Catagen, the follicle will not be affected. In most sites (arm, thigh, leg, bikini line), only 20% to 40% of the follicles are in their Anagen phase at any one time. Thus, subsequent treatments are required to epilate hair follicles that were in a dormant phase during the initial treatment. Other factors that affect the number of treatments include the location on the body of the targeted follicles, hair color and hair caliber.

Subsequent treatments are performed in approximately 2 to 3 months. That is usually sufficient time for the resting Telogen follicles to again begin active Anagen hair growth.

Who can be treated?
Because it is the melanin in the hair shaft that actually absorbs the light, the procedure works best on men and women with dark hairs; white, gray and blond hairs respond poorly. In addition, thicker and coarser hairs respond better than finer hairs.

What areas can be treated?
Almost any site of unwanted hair growth can be treated.

Laser Hair Removal Hair on the legs

Laser Hair Removal Hair on the upper lip

Are there any limitations before treatment?
Tanning (natural sunlight or tanning salon) and self-tanning lotion should be avoided prior to treatment. This only darkens the complexion and reduces the effectiveness of treatment by diminishing the transmission of light through the skin into the follicle.

How must I prepare for treatment?
The skin must be shaved to remove any hair on the surface. However, you should not wax or pluck prior to treatment. If the entire hair shaft is removed from the follicle, the light will not be absorbed and the follicle will not be affected.

What can I expect after treatment?
The skin may be somewhat red and swollen immediately after treatment. This usually takes several hours to several days to resolve. The treated follicles shed their hairs within a few weeks after treatment. At that time the skin is smooth with few or no hairs. After 2 to 3 months hair growth is again seen. These hairs are from follicles which were in Telogen phase during the treatment and were unaffected by the laser. Now that they have become Anagen follicles, they are vulnerable to laser and can be treated.

Are there any limitations after treatment?
All activities can be resumed immediately after treatment, including swimming and aerobics. However, if you are going to be in the sun, you should use a sunscreen to prevent sunburn or tanning, at least until the redness from the laser treatment has resolved (usually a few days).

Is LightSheer™  laser hair removal considered safe?
The LightSheer™  laser for hair removal is FDA approved and considered safe when properly used. The light emitted by the LightSheer™  laser is infrared - it does not emit ionizing radiation or other harmful rays. Even pregnant women can safely be treated.

Is treatment permanent?
Laser hair removal produces shedding of hair and their delayed regrowth. Several treatments are necessary to produce permanent reduction of hair growth. The darker the hairs and the lighter the complexion, the greater the success of treatment.

Is treatment painful?
There is individual variation in discomfort associated with laser hair removal. For those finding it uncomfortable, a topical anesthetic cream can be prescribed and can be applied about one hour prior to treatment. After treatment there is usually minimal, if any, discomfort.

Do you have a question? - Email: skincare@laserderm.net