The revolution in laser hair removal is an example of an old art being made much more effective and safe with the aid of new technology. Whereas electrolysis has stood the test of time in slow permanent removal of hair, laser assisted hair removal is much faster, more effective, and frankly less uncomfortable. Having said that, lasers still cannot effectively removal all hair, particularly blond and red hair. And in some patients, the lasers only thin the hair. Laser hair removal is not permanent in all patients, and in a small number can actually increase hair growth. The devices that we have used for laser hair removal are the long-pulsed Ruby, Alexandrite, Diode, and Nd:YAG lasers. Some use the intense pulsed light. Dr Zachary has two hair removal devices that are safe and effective, and is currently doing research with two other state of the art lasers.
Pigment in the hair shaft absorbs the energy of the laser light, which causes heat damage to the hair follicle without damaging the surrounding tissue. Traditional hair removal techniques, such as waxing and plucking, provide only temporary relief. Electrolysis involves inserting a needle into each follicle and applying electric current, making it a painful, slow, and tedious process for hair removal. Only small areas can be treated during a single visit with this technique. The lasers and light sources used by our staff are safe, effective, and convenient and allow larger areas to be treated during a single visit, with improvement noticeable after only one treatment. Repeat treatments are required to achieve the best possible result.
Each pulse with the laser feels like being snapped by a rubber band. Most patients tolerate the procedure without any anesthesia. However, if larger or sensitive areas are to be treated, a topical anesthesia cream can be applied one hour before treatment. This will be applied in the clinic under our supervision. It is dangerous to apply large amounts of topical anesthetic for long periods of time. Immediately after the procedure, the treated area may appear slightly swollen and pink in color and will feel like a mild sunburn. This reaction subsides within minutes to hours. Cool compresses and a topical corticosteroid cream (which we provide) will hasten the disappearance of these symptoms.
While the results of laser hair removal can be excellent, several factors determine the effectiveness of these lasers for hair removal including hair color, hair thickness, body site, and skin color. Permanent reduction in hair growth is achieved in nearly 80% of individuals treated, and the best results are achieved after multiple treatments. Laser hair removal used to be restricted to individuals with dark hair and fair skin. Use of the long pulsed 1064 nm laser allows darker skinned individuals to be treated effectively.
Multiple treatments are generally necessary, most patients requiring three to six treatments to a specific area. Some patients will require more than six treatments. Hair in the arm, leg and underarm, and bikini areas tend to be the easiest to remove, while facial hair, especially of the lip and chin, is more resistant to treatment. Treatments are performed approximately every four to six weeks.
Side effects are uncommon when the procedure is performed by properly trained staff. Bot skin lightening (hypopigmentation) and darkening (hyperpigmentation) may occur, especially in patients with darker skin tones. These changes in color usually tend to gradually fade away, but may be permanent. Lasers specifically designed to remove hair in dark-skinned individuals (long pulsed 1064 nm lasers) greatly diminish this risk. There is a small chance of scarring (less than one percent), appearing as either thickened or depressed areas. To minimize the chances of these possible risks, it is important to follow all pre- and post-operative instructions carefully.