| Dr Ram Chandra is an Aesthetic Medicine Physician, who is Board Certified in Cosmetic Laser Surgery by The American Board of Laser Surgery. Here the Doctor has answered some of the common questions bizymoms visitors have about Laser Hair Removal.
Q. Please explain the possible risks and side effects of Laser Hair Removal.
A. In general pain, redness and temporary swelling are the expected results of proper treatment. Laser Hair Reduction can have certain inherent risks dependent on the skin type and prior and recent sun exposure. I addition it is also affected by the various genetic and hormonal factors. Hence it is a good idea to always grow the hair so that it is just visible for assessment and get a consultation to see which areas are appropriate to treat. Side effects are "minor" and never life threatening. Usually there is hardly any side effect in those with very light skin that is not exposed to sun. The side effects that are rare but may occur in darker skin types include, darkening of skin, lightening of skin and very rarely scarring. Color changes could be temporary and might take many months to normalize. In general in most people benefits far outweigh the risks. Crusting, scabs and temporary blistering may occur after treatment especially when the hair is course and skin is darker and tanned. There is no safe laser for tanned skin. Laser treatments for hair removal do not increase the risk of cancer. However in general, Lasers are avoided during pregnancy.
Q. Does excessive hair growth affect the laser treatment? What are the possible causes for such excessive hair growth?
A. Excessive hair growth is the reason women go for laser reduction. In general excessive hair growth in abnormal areas like face (other than underarms and Bikini), could have genetic predisposing factors and also in certain individuals hormonal imbalance like poly cystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Most women need maintenance treatments a few times a year especially on face. Underarms, Bikini and Lower Legs respond the best in general. Thicker the hair and lighter the skin, better the response. Mens back, and sideburns and corners of jaw in women might need several treatments. Pregnancy and menopause might increase hair growth. Very rare cause of excessive hair growth is androgen producing tumor of adrenal gland or ovaries.
Q. What factors should be considered when choosing a medical office for Laser Hair Removal?
A. Make sure it is done by a licensed and trained physician. This is important because one need to properly select the patients, understand skin physiology and anatomy and be able to treat possible complications. Also make sure that the clinic has several different types of lasers, as one type of laser is not enough for all types of skin and sometimes in the same person at different times we might have to use different types of lasers. These include Alexandrite, Nd:YAG, Diode and also an IPL with Radiofrequency. The professionals should spend at least 30 minutes in consultation, with proper intake and medical history forms, discuss benefits AND complications and should give printed instructions for patients to follow.
Q. How would you define the Hair Growth Cycle? How does the Hair Growth cycle work?
A. Hair goes thru 3 major cycles: Actively Growing Stage, Transitional Stage, and Resting Phase. This varies in different areas of the body. Laser works the best in Active Growing stage.That is why one needs multiple treatments. New hair sometimes grows from the Stem Cells (Germ cells) present in the skin. This is the reason for hair growing back in some people after a certain period of time. Laser can destroy the hair in the actively growing stage present on the day of treatment, and can not prevent the body from producing new hair from Stem Cells. As long as you keep doing the maintenance treatments, a few times a year, you can have good aesthetically acceptable hair reduction and with that less problems with ingrown hair and bumps. As hair reduction continues, the skin dramatically becomes smooth; that is worth it.
Q. How can we contact Dr. Chandra if we have further questions?
A. One can reach us at 732-777-9577 or visit our website www.anaramedspa.com. Lot of information is already on our website. You can also reach us via email: info@anaramedspa.com. Our facebook page is www.facebook.com/anaramedspa. |
