Laser energy is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle while hair is in its anagen, or active phase of growth. The laser light is converted into heat, causing thermal damage to the follicle without harming surrounding tissue. Hair re-growth is slowed in the damaged follicle. Only 30% of hair may be in the active phase, at any one time, depending on the body area. Thus, a series of treatments will be required to achieve the long term improvement you desire. These treatments are spaced approximately 4-12 weeks apart, based on hair growth cycle. Our extensive experience tells us that you can expect to need from 3-8 treatments (4-6 average) to each treatment area for long lasting, optimal results. Any remaining hair will be finer and lighter in color. Most patients require one or two touchup treatments per year. Gray hair will not respond to treatment.
Risks associated with the procedure: Serious complications are rare, but possible. Common side effects include:
- Temporary redness and mild “sunburn” like effects lasting a few hours to 3-4 days (5-20% of patients).
- Pigment changes (light or dark spots on the skin) lasting 1-6 months may occur in 5-20% of patients and are most likely in darker skin types and especially in patients with tanned skin. (We do not recommend treatment of tanned skin).
- Other potential risks include itching, pain, bruising, burns, infection, scarring, swelling, and failure to achieve the desired hair loss. Lasers can cause eye injury and protective eyewear must be worn during treatment.
Pretreatment instructions:
- Apply sun block SPF 30 to treatment areas that are exposed to the sun. You may improve your results by limiting exposure to the sun, tanning beds or tanning lotions for four weeks prior to treatment.
- Tell us if you have taken Accutane in the past six months or are planning to begin taking Accutane.
- Inform us if there has been any change in medical history since your last visit.
- Shave the area to be treated within 12 hours prior to the treatment.
- Do not wax, tweeze or have electrolysis for four weeks prior to treatment.
- Do not use Retilols or glycolics for 3 days prior to treatment.
- Do not use hair removal lotions or hair bleach for four weeks prior to treatment.
Post-treatment Instructions:
- Apply sun block SPF 30 to all treated areas that may be exposed to the sun.
- Shaving or using clippers are the only acceptable methods of hair removal between treatments.
- Treatment area should be gently washed twice per day with lukewarm water and mild soap.
- Do not expose the treated area to sun for one week post treatment.
- Do not use Retinol or Glycolic products for 5 days post treatment.
Post-treatment expectations:
Hair loss will be most evident 10-14 days after treatment. After your treatment, you may expect a mild sunburn sensation that typically lasts 2-3 hours and redness and swelling that may last 1 day. To treat these side effects cold compresses and 1% Hydrocortisone cream may be applied to reduce redness and swelling.