Cosmetic Procedures Clinic of North Dallas, Nathan Long M.D., 12800 Preston Rd #101 Dallas TX 75230

(972) 386-0443

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Cosmetic Procedures

Laser Hair Removal FAQ

 

What is laser hair removal? How does it work?

Laser hair removal offers patients a safe, fast, and effective alternative for dealing with unwanted hair. Lasers work by emitting a specialized light that is passed through the skin and preferentially absorbed by its target, be it an unwanted blood vessel, birthmark, tattoo, or in this case, hair. The laser used in hair removal targets the melanin (color) in the hair follicle, damaging the follicle and removing the hair.

 

Where on the body can laser hair removal be done?

Laser hair removal is safe enough to be used on all body parts, including the face, back, underarms, bikini line, legs, and arms.

 

Can all skin colors be treated?

Skin types I thorugh VI can be treated. Skin Type I is very fair, always burns, never tans (usually blonde hair and blue eyes). Skin Type VI never burns (black skin, black hair).

 

Can tanned skin be treated?

Tanned skin can be treated safely, but always inform your physician if you have been tanning or exposed to the sun within the last three weeks, and he will adjust your treatment regime accordingly to give you the safest most effective experience.

 

What happens during hair removal treatment?

Your physician will discuss the treatment with you and decide if you need a topical anesthetic cream. The area of your skin that is to be treated will be scanned with light from the Sciton BBL system. Treatment time will depend upon the area to be treated. A system for cooling your skin will be used to remove heat as it leaves the follicles and should ensure a comfortable treatment. However, since the sensation varies from individual to individual, a topical anesthesia can be provided. Let us know if you are very sensitive.

 

How does it work?

The pulsed light system selectively targets your hair follicles and heats them with photon energy. Unlike other processes the laser beam treats many hairs at once making treatment of large areas practical. You will have a safe, fast, effective, and gentle treatment.

 

What other treatments are available?

Waxing, shaving, and the use of depilatory creams are well-established methods for hair removal, although temporary. Electrolysis is the traditional tried and tested method for permanent hair removal, but is often very time-consuming and inefficient. Today, the most popular and most effective method for hair removal is the use of lasers which have been specifically designed to damage and destroy many hairs in a short time, and with little chance of complications. People are interested in laser hair removal because it involves new and efficient technology, and because its effects are permanent in over 80% of its subjects.

 

What should I expect after treatment?

Some redness and slight swelling may be present in the area that has been treated, however, this should subside within a few hours. If any prolonged redness or swelling occurs then let us know right away physician. Keep area clean. Use at least SPF 30 sunscreen when outdoors.

 

Is there a risk for complications?

There is a low risk of pigmentary changes, however this is very rare and usually temporary.

 

Is treatment permanent?

On average, each laser treatment will be associated with some permanent hair loss. So in most cases hair removal can only be achieved after several treatments. The number of treatments will depend on each patient's individual response to the lase, and the amount of hair to be removed. Remember that the hair that remains is often lighter in color and thinner than the original hair prior to laser surgery. As with other treatments for unwanted hair, there is no guarantee that laser hair removal treatment will be permanent.

 

How many treatments will I need?

You may need to be treated about 3 to 5 times at approximately 5 to 8 week intervals. There are three phases of hair growth – anagen, catagen, and telogen. Only hairs in the active growth, anagen, can be successfully treated.

 

Does treatment hurt? What can I expect with the procedure?

Most patients describe laser hair removal as feeling "prickly," or like the light snap of a rubber band against the skin. Afterwards, it might feel like a sunburn. Each patient has his or her own level of skin sensitivity and pain threshold. Different areas on the body are also more sensitive than others.

On the day of your treatment, plan on wearing clothing that will allow easy access to the area being treated. You may not need any type of anesthesia for your treatments. Laser hair removal works best when the hair is 1 to 2 millimeters in length. No specific care is needed after the treatment.

 

How long will it take my skin to heal?

Normally the skin just looks red and swollen for up to 48 hours, or possibly longer. Some patients will be offered to have a small area tested before undergoing a full treatment. This gives them a idea of how the treatment will feel, and the length of time it will take to obtain the desired result. Occasionally, patients can develop a blistering reaction. If this happens, call your treating physician and ask for specific post-laser treatment options.

 

What will I look like immediately afterwards?

Generally, some redness will remain for approximately five to seven days. For some patients recovery time will be less while other patients will have prolonged redness.

 

How much does treatment cost?

The cost of treatment is dependent on many factors. These factors could include the size of the area needing treatment and the number of treatments necessary. Some offices have package deals that include a certain number of treatments per year for a reduced cost. It's always best to ask when scheduling an appointment.