| Dr. Franziska Ringpfeil is a Board Certified Dermatologist by the American Board of Dermatology. Here the Doctor has answered some common questions that Bizymoms visitors have about Laser Hair Removal.
Q. What are the possible risks and side effects of laser hair removal?
A. Laser hair reduction works. It is one of the safest treatments if done right. However, if the operator has no experience, he or she might use the wrong laser or the wrong laser setting to treat a client. This could result in temporary discoloration or, worse, permanent scarring.
Q. Does excessive hair growth affect the laser treatment? What are the possible causes for such excessive hair growth?
A. Most of the time, we may be disturbed about too much hair in an area of the body where we do not want to show it. The most common cause is our ethnicity or the pattern of hair distribution in our family. Rarely, thick, excessive hair grows in areas where we do not it expect it, for example, thick coarse hair like that in a man’s beard area can grow on the chin of a woman. Excessive hair growth (hirsutism) can be related to an underlying medical condition, particularly a hormonal imbalance. Laser treatment is still possible if this is the case. For best results, however, medical treatment for an underlying hormonal abnormality should start at least at the time that laser treatments are initiated. Without medical treatment of the hormonal anomalies, the results of laser hair removal will be suboptimal. The dermatologist is the specialist for skin hair and nails and can determine whether work up is needed. The dermatologist will also recommend the proper sequence of treatments for the medical and cosmetic aspects of your excessive hair.
Q. What should be considered when choosing a Laser Hair Removal Clinic?
A. There are many facilities that offer laser hair removal, so it is important for a customer to seek out someone who is certified and well-trained.
1. Make sure that lasers rather than IPL (intense pulsed light) are used.
2. Verify the experience and qualification of the person who delivers the treatment. How long has he/she operated the laser? Did he/she have training?
3. Make sure the proper laser for your skin and hair type is used. Check which laser best suits your skin type here: http://www.hairremovalphiladelphia.com/hair-removal-lasers-for-skin-type.php
4. Make sure that a physician, preferably a dermatologist, is always on site during treatment.
Q. How would you define the Hair Growth Cycle? How Does Hair Growth cycle work?
A. Hair growth occurs from the follicle which is located in the second layer, or dermis, of the skin. The growth occurs in a cycle composed of three main stages rather than in one continuous stage.
The three phases of hair growth are: anagen, catagen, and telogen. In the first, or anagen, phase, hair is actively growing from the follicle. The second, or catagen, phase is a short transitional stage where the hair stops growing and the hair follicle becomes smaller. The follicle then disconnects from the dermal papilla, which supplies nutrients to the hair follicle, which then regresses. The final phase is the telogen, or latent phase. At this time, the hair follicle reconnects to the dermal papilla, restarting the cycle again in the anagen phase. When new hair grows, the old hair is forced out of the follicle.
The active growth cycle, Anagen, varies only slightly between individuals, but it differs substantially from one body area to another. The growth cycle of hair on the face, arms, chest and back lasts 6-12 weeks, on the legs 19-26 weeks, and on the head 2-6 years! The catagen phase, 2-3 weeks, and the telogen phase, 3 months, is relatively consistent across body areas. Watch the clip at www.hairremovalphiladelphia.com to learn more about the hair growth cycle.
Q. How can we contact Dr. Ringpfeil if we have further questions?
A. You can book your appointment online at www.hairremovalphiladelphia.com or by calling 610-525-5250. You can also contact us at rad@ringpfeildermatology.com. We are located in the Philadelphia suburbs on the Main Line. The office address is 569 w Lancaster Ave, Haverford, PA 19041. My website is www.ringderm.com.
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