Unwanted hair is a common problem that plagues both men and women. Laser treatments can significantly reduce such a problem and improvement can be seen after even one treatment.
Goodbye razor!
The laser works by a principle called Selective Photothermolysis. The laser is pulsed (turned on) for a millisecond emitting a beam of light on to the skin. The light energy passes harmlessly through the skin, but is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicles and hair shafts that are in the active growth phase. By absorbing this laser energy, the hair follicles are disabled, impairing their ability to grow. This damage causes delayed re-growth of the hair, and in some cases permanent destruction of many of the hair follicles. Unlike electrolysis, which kills one hair follicle at a time, the laser reaches and treats hundreds of follicles at a time. A system for cooling the skin will be used to remove heat as it leaves the follicles and should ensure a comfortable treatment, resulting in virtually painless hair removal. Lasers allow for the safe treatment of darker skin and they are very effective in treating pseudofolliculitis barbae, a bacterial infection commonly seen in darker hair-bearing skin.
Some procedures will require the patient to bring a responsible adult driver. Treatment time will depend upon the area to be treated.
The numbers of sessions vary for each individual. Usually, laser hair removal requires 3 to 6 sessions, depending upon the skin type and hair color.
While some areas of the body are more sensitive than others, most patients report manageable discomfort. For the more sensitive patients, anesthetic creams can be applied prior to the treatment.
Immediately after the treatment the skin will look pink and slightly swollen, similar to sunburn. This will subside within an hour or two and the skin will return to normal.
