Procedure description: The laser works by sending energy into the pigment of the hair shaft, which is absorbed by the surrounding follicle. The heat generated by this process damages the follicle and stops hair production.
Length of Procedure: The treatment time can vary considerably depending on the size of the area treated, and the particular technique used. A small area, such as the bikini, area may take only 10 minutes.
Recovery: Following the procedure the area may be red or swollen, as if mildly sunburned. Your doctor may prescribe a topical cream to soothe the skin. Occasionally, the skin in the treated area becomes slightly crusty, but this reaction should fade within a few days.
Although you can resume your normal activities, you should avoid exposing the treated area to the sun. Clean the area with mild soap and water and do not use any products that may irritate the skin (such as Retin-A or astringents).
You’ll notice hair “growing” in the area within ten days of your treatment. This is actually the damaged hair falling out — not hair re-growth.
Risks: Although laser treatment is generally safe and effective, possible side effects of the procedure include: darkening or lightening of the skin in the treated area; and blistering, burning, or crustiness of the skin.
These side effects are almost always temporary.
Results: Since the laser affects only those hairs in the growing stage, and not all hairs will be in this stage at the same time, several treatments will most likely be needed to effectively remove all the hair from one area. Subsequent sessions will be scheduled at least a month apart, when you will probably begin to notice the regrowth of hairs that were previously in the resting stage.
Estimated Cost: The average cost is $250 per treatment.
