Laser Hair Removal FAQ
Laser Hair Removal FAQ from skin clinics, plastic surgery clinics and dermatology centers.
All laser treatments technically operate the same way when performing a hair removal treatment. The Intense Pulsed Light Device (IPL) or cosmetic laser uses light energy to destroy the hair folicle.
It is important that patients about to undergo a laser hair removal treatment or procedure not to wear dark clothing near the area to be treated. While very unlikely, the pigment in the clothing could potentially be absorbed by the Intense Pulsed Light Device (IPL) or cosmetic laser light and can result in a burn. Patients should be instructed to refrain from using any body washes, lotions, cosmetics, or any skin medications the day of the procedure.
Some patients may prefer to have a topical anesthetic applied prior to the procedure. If any residue of the anesthetic remains, it should be wiped clean from the skin. Often a cooling gel or other cooling apparatus is applied to the skin.
Patients with darker skin types or suntanned skin could experience a paradoxal response where the laser or light therapy may stimulate more hair to grow instead of causing follicular destruction. Patients with dark or ethnic skin types should be spot tested a month before proceeding with a full treatment. A patch test should be performed on the intended treatment area. After waiting 10 to 15 minutes, the area is checked for unusual redness swelling, bruising, or any other undesirable responses. If the area emits a slight reddish hue with no other abnormalities, the device settings are optimal.
Some Intense Pulsed Light Devices (IPL) or cosmetic lasers, IPL in particular, require a second pass over the intended treatment area at a different parameter. Before proceeding with the second pass, the skin should be carefully examined for adverse effects.
Laser Hair Removal FAQ: Post Treatment
After a aesthetic laser or IPL hair removal procedure the patient may experience a mild burning sensation and redness. Exposure to ultraviolet light (sun, tanning beds/booths) should be avoided. A sunscreen with an SPF 20 UVA and UVB protection should be applied to the skin prior to leaving the office.
In the case of burning or blistering a topical antibiotic medication should be applied and the laser clinics physician should be consulted. Unfortunately, some patients may experience temporary pigment changes such as lightening or darkening of the skin.
After the Intense Pulsed Light Device (IPL) or cosmetic laser hair removal treatment, the portion of the hair which remains under the skin will be expelled. The patient should be made aware that an actively growing hair is the only follicle which will respond to laser and light therapy. This is especially more noticeable in areas of the body which has thicker or more coarse hair such as the axillae and genetalia. It is important to educate the patient about the process of hair follicle destruction.
Laser hair removal patients should also be informed that no laser or IPL device can destroy all of the hair follicles… especially after only one treatment. Some hairs are in their dormant state and can’t be treated, some have been placed into a prolonged dormant state due to the procedure effects, and others have been transformed into vellus hairs (light, fine hairs). Several treatments are required at monthly intervals for an optimal outcome. A maintenance procedure performed at yearly intervals is recommended for permanent hair removal.
