The
“Treating people, not just problems ” since 1989.
John L. Pfenninger, M.D.
Salena Dodman, R.N.
(989) 631-4545
Visit our website at MPCenter.net
LASER HAIR REMOVAL
What is laser hair removal? It is a
method of removing unwanted hair. Using
a laser, energy is targeted to the hair follicle (hair root) causing heat
damage. The follicle is what grows
hair. The hair growth center is
destroyed thereby preventing further growth of unwanted hair.
How does the Light Sheer laser work?
The darker a tissue is, the more the laser energy is absorbed. The pigment in the hair absorbs the laser
energy the most. This damages the hair
follicle and does not allow it to function.
The skin which is usually lighter than the hair does not absorb the
energy, so it is not harmed. The most
ideal situation is to have dark hair and light skin. It is very difficult to destroy light hair,
and dark hair on darker skin.
Is the hair removal permanent? Damage
to the hair follicle can remove unwanted hair permanently. However, because of the nature of hair and
many other factors that influence the growth of hair, the results are
variable. The effects of multiple
treatments are cumulative, and most people experience long-term hair
removal.
How many treatments are needed? Only
hair that is in the growing phase can be destroyed. Different cycles in follicle growth make it
impossible to destroy all hair in one treatment. Different areas of the body also grow hair
differently. Think of how fast it grows
on the face but how slowly on the legs and arms. That is why it takes more than
one session to achieve a good result.
Skin type, hair color, and hair texture will also affect the number of
treatments required for optimal results.
In general then, taking all this into consideration, it takes three to
five treatments to achieve significant hair removal. More treatments may be necessary,
however.
How long does the procedure take? The
amount of time required depends on the extent of the area being treated. For example, an upper lip may take less than
a half hour, while a longer period of time will be required to treat the back
or legs (sometimes 60 – 90 minutes).
Is it painful? No
treatment to remove unwanted hair is completely painless. Patients who have undergone waxing or
electrolysis can attest to the pain caused by commonly used methods of hair
removal. The Light Sheer laser provides
mild discomfort compared to these other methods of hair removal. It has been described as a very brief
stinging, or like a rubber band snapping against the skin when the laser light
is triggered. Our laser system has a
patented cooling device that helps protect the skin during the delivery of the
laser energy and reduces the discomfort to the surrounding skin. There is a topical anesthetic gel available
and this will be discussed at your consultation appointment.
What will the treated area look like
after the procedure? Immediately after treatment, the site will be slightly
red in color and feel like a mild sunburn.
This reaction usually subsides over a few hours, after which the treated
site returns to its normal appearance.
What complications have been associated
with treatment? In addition to short term discomfort, redness, and
sometimes swelling, rarely patients may experience blistering or transient
color (pigment) changes in the skin.
Treated areas may turn a little darker or, even more rarely, a little
lighter. This usually resolves on its
own but may take 1-2 months. Proper
patient selection and pre-treatment can greatly minimize these
complications. Patients who carry the
herpes simplex virus (causes cold sores) and have treatment on their upper lip,
chin, or lower cheeks may have a flare-up of their condition. The risk of this complication can be reduced
if the patient takes antiviral medication for a few days before and after each
treatment. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have recurrent cold sores.
What should I do before the visit? Avoid
sun or tanning 4-6 weeks prior to treatment for the best result. If you have tanned recently, you cannot
undergo laser hair removal. There is a
danger of over-heating the treatment area because of darker pigment in the
skin. Let your hair grow for 1-2 days in
the place you want to receive treatment.
Do not wax or tweeze any hair for 4-6 weeks prior to treatment. However, patients may shave or bleach hair in
between treatments.
Will I be treated on the first
visit? You may or may not have a full treatment at your first
visit. Skin color, medications you’re
taking, recent sun exposure, etc. must all be considered. Test spots can always be done, but a complete
treatment may need to be scheduled a week or so after the initial test spots
which will be done at your consultation visit.