Laser hair removal

What is laser hair removal?


Photos Courtesy of Candela Corporation

For many years, there have been a variety of options to remove unwanted hair including waxing, shaving, depilatories, and electrolysis. While these methods are temporarily effective, only electrolysis removes hair permanently.

Recently lasers, which are a form of light energy, have been approved for hair removal. They offer better long-term results and fewer side effects than all of the other methods. In addition, unlike electrolysis, large areas may be treated in a relatively short period of time.

The laser works because it is set at a specific wavelength that targets the pigment in the hair follicle, ultimately destroying the follicle. Blonde, red and gray hair do not respond to the laser because they lack the necessary pigment.

The laser can only destroy hair which is in an actively growing phase. At any given time however, some portion of the hairs are in a resting phase. For this reason, multiple laser treatments are required for maximum hair removal.


Photos Courtesy of Candela Corporation

Before treatment

A test site will be performed. If no adverse effects occur, you may be treated as soon as one week later.
You should not wax or pluck hairs for at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to treatment. Active hair follicles must be present in order for the laser to damage the follicle and accomplish long-term removal.
You must shave the area to be treated one day prior to the appointment.
Please inform the physician or nurse if you have a history of herpes simplex (cold sores or fever blisters) occurring around the mouth. In this case, you will be treated with anti-viral medication 1 to 2 days before treatment with the laser.
You should not be tan at the time of treatment. Tan skin increases the risk of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation (darkening or lightening) of the treated area.


Photos Courtesy of Candela Corporation

After treatment

Avoid sun exposure in order to minimize the risk of darkening or lightening of the treated area.
If any redness, blistering or discoloration occurs at the treated site, call the office immediately.

Possible adverse effects

The following temporary side effects have been noted in a small percentage of patients treated:

slight redness (usually resolves within a few days)
lightening or darkening of the skin (usually resolves within weeks to months)
superficial burns (usually resolve within a week)
blisters (usually resolve within a few weeks

What you should expect

After treatment, hairs remain intact for approximately two weeks and then fall out.
Three months after the first treatment, approximately 60% of the hairs will regrow.
Three months after the second treatment, approximately 40% of the hairs will regrow.
Three months after the third treatment, approximately 30% of the hairs will regrow.
After the fifth treatment, 90% of the hair can be removed. Some areas are persistent however, and may require further treatments.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call our office at (203) 792-4151 in Danbury.

Legal disclaimer/website privacy policies
Copyright © 2007. Dermatology Associates of Western Connecticut, PC
All rights reserved.

This website is best viewed in Firefox 1.5 or above, Internet Explorer 6.0 or above,
or Safari 2.0 or above.