Laser Hair Reduction
Laser hair reduction is a cosmetic procedure that uses pulsed laser energy to reduce unwanted hair from a targeted area, while leaving surrounding skin unharmed. Common areas on which laser hair reduction is performed are the chin, upper lip, chest, underarms, back, bikini line and legs.
Although there are many temporary treatments, including tweezing, shaving, using depilatory creams and waxing to remove unwanted hair, patients seeking more permanent and less irritating/painful methods are often good candidates for laser hair reduction. Through what is a safe and usually painless procedure, hair can be reduced from nearly any area of the body.
Candidates For Laser Hair Reduction
Because the laser beams used to remove hair target its melanin (pigment), the best candidates have dark hair and light skin. Conversely, those with blond, red, gray or white hair and dark skin are usually not good candidates. Recent technological advances have made laser hair reduction for those with dark skin more successful, while techniques for using lasers to effectively remove light-colored hair are being investigated.
Benefits Of Laser Hair Reduction
There are many benefits to having unwanted hair reduced through the use of laser therapy. They include the following:
- Hair is precisely targeted
- Procedure is quick
- Results can be long-lasting
Laser Hair Reduction Procedure
A handheld device that emits intense laser pulses is moved across the area, focusing on individual hair follicles. For many patients, laser hair removal is painless, although some experience minor discomfort, usually described as something like a rubber band snapping against the skin.
Hair growth takes place cyclically, in three stages. The most effective laser hair reduction takes place during the androgen (full-growth) stage, because the hair follicles in this stage are susceptible to laser energy. But, because all hair is not in the same stage of growth at any given time, several laser treatments, usually between three and five, spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart, are necessary. To some extent, the length of treatment depends on the texture of the patient’s hair and the location treated.
Recovery From Laser Hair Reduction
Some redness, soreness or swelling may occur immediately after laser hair reduction, but almost always disappears within a few days. Cold compresses or ice packs, moisturizers, and anti-inflammatory creams may minimize discomfort. Sun exposure should be avoided a month prior to and at least 2 weeks after the procedure.
Potential Side Effects Of Laser Hair Reduction
The most common complication of laser hair reduction is the regrowth of the unwanted hair. Frequently, however, the hair that regrows is finer and lighter than the hair that was removed. Usually, regrowth can be addressed with a few additional treatment sessions. Other complications that may arise after laser hair treatment include skin irritation, such as blistering and crusting, changes in pigmentation or texture of the skin and scarring at the reduction site.
The content of this website is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute formal medical advice. Information about conditions or procedures will be formally provided for you at your appointment.
