Laser Hair Removal

Laser Hair Removal

1/How many treatments does it take to clear an area? 

3-7 on average.

2/Should I expect to be hair free in the treated area after the series of treatments?

No, most patients experience an 80-90% reduction in the amount of hair. Most of hair will fall out, or be (shed) 1-3 weeks after treatment.

3/Why does the laser not work well on blonde or red hair?

The laser energy interacts with pigment or (melanin) in the hair root, and these hair colors either don’t have much or any melanin in them, or it is of a type (pheomelanin) that does not absorb light as well as the other form of melanin (eumelanin). No current laser method can remove light hair.

4/Why must patient not use any form of epilation for two weeks prior to treatment with the laser?

The hair root has to be present for the laser to work. If the patient has removed or plucked it with waxing, plucking, or electrolysis, then there is nothing for the laser energy to interact with, plus there will be some inflammation from the pulling predisposing to the possibility to infection.

5/Must tanning be avoided?

Yes, sun-tanned skin decreases the effectiveness of the treatment. It also makes it more likely that the patient will experience darker skin (hyperpigmentation), lighter skin (hypopigmentation) or blistering from the treatment.

6/Why must the area to be treated be shaved just prior, or up to two days before treatment?

Surface hair, if present will be singed off, increasing the risk of a burn, as well as keeping energy from getting to the hair follicle.

7/Why must everyone in the treatment room wear protective eye wear?

This is high powered laser system and can cause eye injury if proper eye wear is not worn while the laser is used.

8/Can any area of the body treated?

Yes, with the exception of eyelashes and shaping of eyebrows due to the proximity of the eye and the danger of eye injury with a laser.

9/It is safe to treat dark skinned people?

Yes, thanks to the Newer Lasers and Intense Pulse Light System, which Dr. Ghannam uses, it is the ideal laser for all skin types.

10/Does the treatment hurt?

No, a mild stinging sensation is felt after each pulse during treatment. With the Newer Lasers pain is not an issue. However, most patients who have waxed or had electrolysis report that it feels less painful than those types of treatment. If the patient is too uncomfortable, then a topical anesthesia can be applied prior to treatment. Most patients have no residual pain within 20-30 minutes after treatment. 

11/What are possible side effects of Laser Hair Removal?

Side effects can include blistering darker skin (hyper pigmentation), lighter skin (hypo pigmentation) or scarring. Risks of these side effects are minimized if the patient closely follows treatment instruction. There is rare occurrence of an increase in hair growth in special cases, even if this unlucky side effect occurs, it can easily be treated.

12/How long will the treatments last?

Depending on the area to be done, the treatment could last anywhere from 1-2 minutes, to up to approximately one hour. Underarms, back of the neck and bikini areas are usually treated in approximately 2-5 minutes, while large areas like full legs and back can take up to an hour or even more. 

13/What will the treated area look like after treatment?

The skin in the treated area will have some redness (erythema) and the hair follicles will (swell) up, looking like goose bumps on the skin for approximately 1-2 hours. This effect can last for up to a couple days in some patients.

14/How long will it be before I notice re-growth in the treated areas?

Depending on the individual, the treatment parameters and area of the body involved, it may be anywhere from 2 months to 4 months before any re-growth is observed.

15/What is a (test area) and why it is performed?

(Test areas) are areas of skin that are treated at various laser energy levels prior to treatment. (Test areas) are done to determine the level of energy that is best for that individual, this is not done for every individual, and it is only done when Dr. Sahar Ghannam sees it necessary.

16/Does insurance cover the treatment?

Probably not, this is considered a cosmetic procedure, however check with your insurance carrier and in some circumstances it could be covered.

Post-Laser Treatment Instructions

1. You may feel like you have a mild to moderate sunburn. Minor peeling or minor crusting of the surface layers of the skin is not unusual. You may also experience bruising if veins are treated. A cold, damp cloth or cold pack may be applied. Over the counter Hydrocortisone Cream and Aloe Vera Gel may help with redness or inflammation of your skin. Apply Fucidin or Bactroban Antibiotic Ointment to any blistering or crusting. DO NOT use Neosporin or any products that contain neomycin. 

2. Keep the area clean. Wash gently, using a gentle cleanser. Avoid bathing or washing with very hot water, loofahs or expoliants. Use tepid water. 

3. Avoid direct sun exposure, protect the treated area with a sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher.

4. Do not shave the treated area for at least 2-4 days after treatment. Do not wax, pluck or use depilatories for the hair that grows back. After laser treatment, hair may continue to grow out as if it were never even treated. Typically this will occur for about 2 weeks and then these hairs will simply begin to fall out.

5. Avoid any irritating medications or chemicals for 2-days or until your face feels “ normal” Examples of these are Retin - A, Benzoyl Peroxide, Glycolic Acid or Astringents.

6. Panadol or Advil may be taken for any discomfort.

7. Make-up may be gently applied. Avoid any area with crusting or blistering until clear.