| Dr. Rebecca Lee Euwer has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Laser Hair Removal.
Q. How does laser hair removal work?
A. Laser hair removal works by using laser energy that is the same wave length as the color of dark hair. The laser energy generates heat which is specifically absorbed by the dark hair to destroy the root of the hair in the hair follicle.
Q. How long does laser hair removal procedure take?
A. The time of the laser hair removal procedure is dependent on the area of hair to be removed. For example it may take less than five minutes to treat the upper lip but an hour to treat the back of a relatively large man.
Q. Who are the best candidates for laser hair removal?
A. The best candidates for laser hair removal are very fair skinned patients such as Caucasians with black hair. Because the wavelength of the laser is the same as that of dark hair. White, blond or grey hairs will not absorb the heat energy and therefore will not respond to laser hair removal. Furthermore, patients with dark skin such as African Americans and Hispanics will absorb too much of the laser heat in their skin and are at risk for burns so they are not ideal candidates. The ideal candidate has white skin with black hair. Even a tan from the sun can absorb the laser heat energy and cause a burn of the skin. That is why it is recommended to do laser hair removal in the winter when the patient does not have a tan. Females who have excessive amounts of circulating male hormones in their system are also not ideal candidates since these hormones can trigger new hair growth, especially on the face.
Q. Why are multiple visits required for laser hair removal?
A. Multiple visits are required for laser hair removal because there are three different stages that a hair goes through in the follicle: Anagen (growing phase), Telogen (resting phase) and Catagen (falling out). Hair removal works best when the hair is in anagen. The laser is not going to work if the hair follicle is empty. If the procedure is repeated at least five times separated by four to six weeks it is likely that the majority of hairs will be treated.
Q. How effective is laser hair removal?
A. If an ideal candidate is getting laser hair removal the effectiveness will depend on the area treated. For example, one of the most effective areas is under the arms. After a series of five sessions, the patient is usually hair free and this can last for years because as a general rule patients tend to get less hair growth under the arms with age. The beard and mustache area on a woman will get approximately 80% reduction of hair after a series of treatment, but generally once or twice a year maintenance treatments may be necessary because as women age they tend to get more hair growth in those areas.
Q. Is laser hair removal suitable for both men and women?
A. Laser hair removal is suitable for both men and women.
Q. How effective is the GentleLase laser system? Can it be used on a wide range of skin tones?
A. The GentleLase laser system is very effective. It can be used on a wide range of skin tones, but again the best candidates have a light skin tone and dark hair. On darker skin tones the laser energy has to be turned down to avoid burning the skin and therefore, it may require more sessions of treatments to get the same results as you can get with the higher energies, that you can use safely in someone with light skin and no tan.
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