Alexandrite Laser

Hair
Hair grows in virtually the entire surface of the skin. When hair grows too dense or too thick in some parts, it is unwanted hair.  Treatment for this is now available.

Is there treatment for unwanted hair?
Among the available ways of permanently reducing unwanted black hair is laser treatment.

How does the laser treatment work?
A laser beam, transformed into heat energy, destroys the hair follicle, leaving the surrounding skin unaffected.  Before and after the laser pulse produces heat, a cooling burst of cryogen is released to protect the upper layers of the skin.

What can I expect during treatment?
The dermatologist uses a hand-held device to apply the laser beam to the skin areas where unwanted hair is to be permanently reduced. Depending on the area being treated, treatment can last from a few minutes to about an hour. The patient wears safety eyewear to shield the eyes from the laser beam.

Does it hurt?
Some patients may experience a slight discomfort with the laser pulse, akin to the snapping of a rubber band on the skin.  In addition to the cooling burst of cryogen, a topical anesthetic may be used prior to treatment.  To have a better sense of what to expect, discuss this point with your dermatologist.

How many sessions will I need? 
Hair grows in cycles: growing, resting and falling. Laser treatment is effective when the laser beam hits the hair bulb during the early phase of growth. Since hair are not in the same phase of growth, repeat sessions are needed to target the hair in the early growing phase. The number of treatments required depends also upon your skin color, hair color, coarseness of the hair and density. To permanently reduce hair by about 20 to 30%, at least 3 sessions would be needed.

How do I prepare for treatment?
Six weeks prior to laser treatment, patients should avoid electrolysis, hair waxing and tanning.   For those with a history of perioral herpes, prophylactic antivirial therapy may be prescribed prior to facial hair treatment. Before the actual treatment, hair will be shaved, and the skin thoroughly dried and cleared of makeup, cream, or oils.

What can I expect after treatment?
Patients can expect temporary redness and swelling of the hair follicle. Your dermatologist will recommend post-op treatment

Are there risks?
Risks are minimal.  Side effects, lasting no more than a few days, may include purpura (a large bruise), redness, blistering, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and swelling in the treated area.  Permanent side effects, such as hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation and scarring are rare.

What precautions should I take after treatment?
After laser treatment, avoid sun exposure; and use sun block that contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and of at least SPF 30.  In the first few days after treatment, don't scrub or rinse the treated areas with abrasive skin cleansers.   Your dermatologist may advise additional precautions and post-treatment care.

Will hair grow again?
Some hair will grow. But with every additional laser treatment, hair will progressively grow finer, less dense and less black, until hair is totally reduced or so fine as to be almost invisible to the eye.

Source: candelalaser.com

Note:   This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advise, diagnosis, or treatment.  For details pertaining to your specific situation, consult your physician or dermatologist.

For more information, please call:

CENTER FOR WELLNESS AND AESTHETICS
Tel. No. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 Ext. 6576 / 6586

CENTER FOR PATIENT PARTNERSHIP
Tel. No. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 Ext. 6444