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Laser Hair Removal
Background
The use of lasers for hair removal has
been studied for a number of years. Hair bearing areas are treated
with a focused beam of concentrated laser light which is
selectively absorbed by the melanin in the hair shaft, as well as
in the surrounding hair follicle. This causes thermal destruction
of these anatomical sites and disrupts the hair follicles ability
to regenerate. This causes permanent hair reduction. Unlike
electrolysis which kills one hair follicle at a time the laser
reaches and treats hundreds of follicles at a time.
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| Hair's
active growth phase is called anagen. During anagen, the
hair contains an abundance of melanin. |
Catagen
is the regression phase of when the lower part of the hair
stops growing but is not shed, and the follicle is
reabsorbed. |
The
resting phase is called telogen, during which the old hair
falls out in preparation for the development of new hair. |
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Hair Physiology
Hair is in one of 3 stages of growth at any given time;
Anagen, Catagen or Telogen
The
laser treatments are most effective when hair is in the active or
anagen phase when melanin, the target of the laser light is
abundant.
There
are no known permanent complications of these treatments.
However patients with the following conditions
should be cautious:
- Tanning
within the preceding 6 weeks.
- A
history of keloid scarring.
- Active
infection or a history of herpes simplex in the treatment
area.
- Waxing,
or plucking within the preceding 6 weeks.
- Hypersensitivity
to bleaching agents, if applicable
- Use of
Accutane within the preceding 6 months.
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Use
sunscreen daily: Any amount of sun tan will interfere with
effectiveness of the treatment and increase adverse
reactions.
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Do not
wax, pluck, or have electrolysis for at least six weeks
prior to treatment. Shaving does not affect the treatment
result.
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Skin
pretreatment with bleaching agents is required in patients
with tan or darker skin tones. Our physician needs to see
unwanted hairlines before treatment.
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At home,
shave unwanted hair as closely as possible without damaging
the skin surface.
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One hour
prior to your appointment time, thoroughly apply and rub in
thick coat of EMLA (anesthetic cream) and cover with plastic
wrap. This cover will be removed by the nurse at the office.
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You may
be given oral sedatives and/or pain medications to minimize
discomfort if extensive removal is planned.
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Immediately
after the treatment, transient redness, swelling, itching,
and burning sensations may be experienced. These will
disappear within 24 hours to 48 hours but if desired over
the counter hydrocortisone cream may be used.
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Immediately after treatment apply iced
compresses every 3-4 hours for 15-20 minutes for about 48
hours.
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Treated areas should be washed gently twice
a day with cool water and a mild soap, such as Dove.
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Treated areas should be protected from
direct exposure to sunlight to prevent skin color change.
Sunscreen with SPF greater than 15 should be used all the
time, as well as wearing a hat.
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Hair will fall out of the follicles within
the next week or so. You may rub the treated area with a dry
towel to pull the hair out of the follicles at this time. Do
not shave, it will prolong hair from falling out.
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Treatment should be repeated within one to
three months, whenever necessary.
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