Laser hair removal is the safest and most efficient solution for permanently ridding yourself of unwanted hair. Its popularity as one of the most sought after non-invasive cosmetic procedures is not surprising, as so many people can now enjoy the lifestyle of lasting smooth skin and the convenience of no longer having to shave.
Lasers treat hair follicles best when they are in their active state of growth. Because hair has three phases of development, Anagen (the growing phase), Catagen (the resting phase) and Telogen (the shedding phase) not all hairs are simultaneously growing. As a result, multiple treatments are needed to achieve the highest levels of permanent hair removal.
Superior Results
Coupling our laser platform with our highly trained and certified laser professionals, we offer superior results that typically range in permanent removal of 85-99% of all treated hairs. On average, 7-8 sessions spaced roughly 4-6 weeks apart are needed to achieve such optimal results. Individual response can certainly vary, and we will explore expectations with you once we understand your skin type and hair characteristics. In addition, we stand behind our promise and ensure the highest value with hair laser removal at Cypress Dermatology
How Laser Hair Removal Works
The pigment in the hair follicle absorbs the energy produced by the laser, resulting in its destruction and preventing the hair from ever regenerating. To achieve this result, the hair follicle must contain the needed pigment to absorb the laser’s energy. As such, white and grey hair is non-responsive.
Blond and red hair may be treated, but not as effectively as darker hair. As a general rule, hair must be darker than the surrounding skin in order to be effectively treated.
Safety
Safe and effective treatment is achieved by destroying hair follicles without causing damage to the epidermis (the tissue making up the skin composition surrounding the hair shaft). In selecting optimal treatment settings, the technician must balance many variables, which is why the right laser platform combined with a highly experienced staff is essential. At Cypress Dermatology, we pride ourselves in a highly trained and experienced staff. In fact, we have performed tens of thousands of treatments. It’s how we set ourselves apart. Our laser technology also allows us to distinguish our services. We are able to highly customize energy levels given your skin tone, hair coarseness, and hair color. By doing so, we are able to best select optimal levels of energy to destroy the hair follicle while maintaining FDA approved safety parameters that are designed to prevent injury to the epidermis. As such, our certified laser professionals coupled with our selection of laser technology ensures that you receive the highest value, safety, and quality of treatment in today’s laser hair removal market.
Lasting Smooth Skin
Once we destroy a hair follicle, it will never produce hair again. Any remaining hair follicles will produce hairs that are lighter and thinner, requiring much less attention than before. Again, we offer clearance of roughly 85-99%, with some variation from person to person. New hair follicles may form over time as a result of aging, hormonal changes, and individual genetics. For these reasons, some clients elect to schedule annual touch-up treatments to maintain their results.
Benefits of Laser Hair Removal
Several conditions respond quite favorably to laser hair removal – sometimes even being the best treatment option. In addition, the added benefits include lasting smooth skin free of irritation while recapturing hours of extra time from no longer having to shave.
Pseudofolliculitis
Pseudofolliculitis is the inflammation of ingrown hair, and can oftentimes result in pustules which resemble acne. While predominately seen in men of African American decent, pseudofolliculitis effects both men and women and can form almost anywhere on the body that is routinely shaved. Laser Hair Removal provides the ideal solution. By ridding the area of its unwanted hair, your skin will be free from the constant attack of curly ingrown hair.
Hirsutism
Hirsutism is the excessive growth of hair, and it may occur in both men and women. Hirsutism is typically of greater concern to women, however, as the symptoms may include thinker, darker hair in the facial and chest areas. It’s important to also note
that hirsutism may be a symptom of a larger and more serious medical condition. If
you think you have an abnormal amount of hair in an abnormal location, please
schedule to see one of our dermatologists for a medical evaluation.
Keratosis Pilaris
Keratosis Pilaris is a very common skin condition often referred to as “chicken skin” and primarily affects the area surrounding the triceps. While laser hair removal is not a treatment for curing Keratosis Pilaris, people have experienced positive results in a related condition by ridding the area of unwanted hair. The formation of Keratosis follicularis, where hair becomes susceptible to tiny follicular papules, is greatly reduced by the elevation of the hair growth. As a result, the area becomes clearer and smoother as the aggravated hair follicles are destroyed.
Active Lifestyle
In addition to forgoing medical benefits, laser hair removal is an exceptional method to increase self-confidence and live an even more active lifestyle. In fact, the convenience, efficiency, and appeal of smooth skin is recognized by triathletes, swimmers, runners, cyclists, body builders, and beach goers alike. Laser hair removal is a great way to keep yourself active and ready to participate in all of life’s great adventures.
Potential Side Effects
Laser Hair Removal is considered to be an exceedingly safe, non-invasive cosmetic procedure. And as we utilize only the highest level of medical equipment and a professionally trained staff, we offer the most comprehensive treatments while insuring the lowest incident rates. Like any procedure, however, there are certain risks and uncertainties. We believe it is important that we make these freely known prior to your appointment so that you can ask any questions and so that we can address any concerns.
Side effects:
- Mild to moderate discomfort may occur during treatment. While many areas of the body, such as the backside or legs, are usually treated with little discomfort, more sensitive areas may experience an increased feeling with the destruction of the hair follicles. Generally, any discomfort is described as a “pinching” feeling that lasts less than a second. Moreover, it’s almost always described as being a lot less painful than other methods of hair removal – especially waxing, using an epilator, or using creams. Moreover, our patients agree that the lasting results of laser hair removal are well worth any temporary discomfort. If you’re thinking about treating an area that’s more sensitive, we can apply a complimentary set of test applications so that you can better determine your preferences.
- Erythema, which presents itself as redness of the area treated, generally begins to lessen within a few minutes and is usually gone within a few hours or by the next day. Important to note, it is generally considered a desirable side effect because it evidences effective damage to the hair follicles.
Rare side effects are:
- Rarely, blistering and local crusting may occur. These are effectively treated with antibiotic/steroid creams and mild emollients.
- Rarely, secondary infection may occur, but is effectively treated with antibiotics. To best avoid secondary infection, clean the area to receive laser hair removal prior to your arrival and wear clean clothes pre and post procedure.
- Burning may occur. Incident rates are very low, less than 1%. A burn may blister and be followed by pigmentation change that can be, but is not likely to be, permanent.
- Perifollicular edema presents itself as mild swelling, and while not very common, is also temporary in nature and is not necessarily undesirable.
- Almost always temporary, hyper (darkening) or hypo (lightening) pigmentation may occur. Incident rates are low, and are usually less than 1%. It may last a few days to several months and is treated with sunblock or a mild steroid cream such as hydrocortisone.
- Approximately 2-10% of clients will experience accelerated hair growth, as the first treatment sends all hair follicles into an active state of growth. Counterintuitive at first, this is actually a desired result, as these individuals will sometimes require less treatments in total to obtain desired hair removal results.
- Previous history of herpes simplex risks precipitation of active lesions. As laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure, please advise us of this condition so that we can collaboratively assess the benefits for a defined treatment area.
Pre and Post Treatment Considerations
In order to realize the highest level of efficacy, it’s important to take a moment to review these pre and post treatment considerations. By printing this list, you’ll have a comprehensive check-list for remembering these essential guidelines to make the most of your laser hair removal appointment. In addition, we’ll review these at the time of making your appointment and answer any questions you may have. By doing so, we’re able to provide the highest level of care while guaranteeing the best results.