Laser Hair Removal

Excess and unwanted hair is a common problem for both men and women. Luckily, advanced laser technologies are putting an end to tiresome tweezing, waxing, shaving, depilatory creams and electrolysis.

At Cosmetic Laser Centers^SM we use the Lumenis LightSheer™ 810nm Diode laser which is often referred to as the “GOLD STANDARD” in laser hair removal. By using this state of the art technology, we use the wavelength that is best absorbed by the hair shaft and follicle while protecting the surface of the skin from heat damage.

Laser hair removal is effective because it blocks the hair follicles regrowth potential while protecting the surrounding tissue. It does this by sending its light energy down through the skin into the follicle where it creates heat which destroys the follicle while leaving the surrounding tissue intact. The LightSheer™ targets numerous follicles at once allowing for quick and effective treatments.

Hair Growth Phases:

	Hair's active growth phase is called anagen. During anagen, the hair contains an abundance of melanin. Hairs in this phase are most affected by light-based treatment.
	Catagen is the regression phase when the lower part of the hair stops growing but is not shed, and the follicle is reabsorbed.
	Resting phase is called telogen, during which the old hair falls in preparation for the development of new hair.

Question & Answers:

Q: What is the benefit of Laser Hair removal?

A: Unlike shaving, depilatories, and plucking, laser hair removal provides long term growth delay and permanent hair reduction. Electrolysis treats a single hair at a time, where as laser hair removal treats many hairs at once thus allowing large areas to be treated quickly and effectively.

Q: How long does laser hair removal take?

A: The length of each individual treatment varies from patient to patient depending on the size of the area to be treated, type of hair and skin type. Because treating the hair in the active growing phase (anagen) has the best result and because hair grows in three varying stages (anagen. catagen and telogen), it is necessary to undergo several treatments for the best result.

Q: How many laser hair removal treatments are needed?

A: Laser hair removal damages the follicle of hairs in the active growing stage. As all hairs are not in this phase at one time, a series of treatments is necessary. In general, patients require 5-6 consecutive treatments spaced approximately 4 to 6 weeks apart to achieve long lasting benefits.

Q: Are these treatments safe for all skin types?

A: Yes, the LightSheer™ technology allows us to adjust each treatment to meet each individuals needs such as hair texture, color, density and skin tone.

Q: Is the LightSheer™ FDA cleared for laser hair removal?

A: Yes, the LightSheer™ is FDA cleared for permanent hair reduction.

Q: What does treatment feel like?

A: For most individuals, laser hair removal is a very tolerable procedure. On a scale of 1-10 most patients describe the discomfort as minimal, or 3-4. Some describe the procedure as a rubber band snap or prickling sensation. As one may expect, certain areas may be more painful to treat than others, though we have a variety of ways to make the experience more tolerable.

Q: What will I look like after treatment?

A: Patients can return to normal activities immediately following treatment. The area treated may feel as though it has been mildly sunburned lasting for about 24 hours. You can wear make-up to cover any redness if you choose to. Slight redness and swelling around the follicle is normal and is an indicator of a good clinical response.