What is it?

A procedure that helps reduce unwanted hair permanently and affectively by using laser light.

What does it accomplish?

The purpose of the Laser Hair Removal procedure is to remove unwanted hair. This is a problem that both men and women have had to endure for centuries.   Temporary removal with shaving, plucking, or waxing has been the method used by most to deal with their unwanted hair. Until recently Electrolysis was the only effective method for permanent hair removal. However electrolysis is painful and can result in permanent scarring of the skin in some cases. When Laser hair removal was first introduced it was a dream come true. For the first time in history one could remove hair permanently and without pain.

Why do men have Laser Hair Removal?

Men generally accept the presence of hair on their face or body. It is when the hair is excessive or problematic that they seek to reduce or eliminate the hair growth. In some men the hair may be ingrown.   This could result in recurrent infections and difficulty with shaving. The condition can be so severe that it may result in scarring of the skin of the face or body. In some cases hair covers fine definitions of the muscular structure of the body. Men who work hard at developing their muscles may find that the fruits of their work cannot be seen with the excess hair present on their chest or legs. For such individuals reducing the hair growth on the chest or legs may allow the muscular definition of the body to be more visible.

Who is a candidate for this procedure?

Individuals who would like permanent reduction of hair in unwanted areas of the face or body. In addition to individuals with normal hair growth, laser hair removal is useful for those individuals who suffer from hirsuitism (excessive hair growth) and parafolliculitis barbae (inflammation due to ingrown hairs).

What happens during the first consultation?

In the first consultation you will get a chance to discuss your concerns with our patient care coordinators and Dr, Marefat. We will tell you what you need to know about your procedure and will help you determine what is best for you.   You will receive information booklets, review before and after photographs, and receive pricing on the procedures.

How is it done?  

We usually perform this procedure in our office.   The skin of the area to be treated with the laser is cleaned and shaved. The laser light creates a superficial burn that causes the hair follicle to be injured while other skin elements are left undamaged. Several generations of lasers have been introduced in the past several years. Selective ablation of tissue is the mechanism of inducing injury in most lasers. Different target cells are affected by different wavelengths. The range of wavelengths extends from 500 nm lasers that primarily affect vascular structures to the 1064nm wavelengths that affect water and melanin. Long Pulsed Nd; Yag lasers are 1064nm and are targeting melanin present in the hair follicles. Dark colored hair with a lot of melanin is most affectively targeted.   White hair having little melanin is least affected. Blond hair falls somewhere in the middle of this spectrum

Procedure : Laser Hair Removal continued

Is it really permanent?

Many individuals interested in laser hair removal have been skeptical about the long-term results of this procedure. Until recently few lasers were able to claim permanent hair removal. The fact remains that not all hair removal lasers are able to permanently eliminate the hair growth and some can do actual harm in the process of trying. The question is which laser is most effective yet has the least possibility of injuring the patient. No hair removal system is truly complete. Some hair return is unavoidable. However with repeat sessions of laser treatment the hair growth is reduced. Tough, dark, rapidly growing hair is replaced by softer, lighter, slower growing hair. Areas of dense hair growth become sparser.

How many times do I have to be lasered?

This depends on your hair color, skin color and the laser being used. It is almost certain that you will need several treatments. I would say that with the Nd:Yag laser, you need at least 5-6 treatments. Needing twice as many sessions to achieve the desired end is not unusual. Treatments are generally spaced 2 months apart. Hair has to be in a susceptible phase of its growth cycle for the treatment to be successful.   After each treatment episode a certain percentage of hair follicles will be permanently stunned by the laser light. The hair follicle is injured but the other skin elements and tissues are little affected.

What can I expect after surgery?

There will be a minimal amount of swelling in the follicles of hair after Laser Hair Removal.   Your skin may appear as having 'goose bumps'. But this will quickly resolve in a few hours. The area treated may be slightly red. You do not need any down time with this procedure. This is really something you can do and go back to work the next hour.

How many visits do I have after surgery?

Treatments are generally spaced 2 months apart. You may have as many visits as you want .   Our treatment packages last for a year. In most cases there is sufficient reduction in the hair that further treatments may not be necessary.

Am I a good candidate?

The ideal candidate for a Laser Hair Removal is a person who has dark hair against light skin. Long Pulsed Nd; Yag lasers are 1064nm and are targeting melanin present in the hair follicles. Dark colored hair with a lot of melanin is most affectively targeted.   White hair having little melanin is least affected. Blond hair falls somewhere in the middle of this spectrum.

What does the procedure cost?

The cost of surgery varies but here are some guidelines that will help you determine roughly what you could expect. Remember that these are only rough estimates . These estimations include the cost of the operating room and the anesthesia. The fee may be subject to change without notice. The best way for you get an accurate cost analysis is to see a doctor.

Laser Hair Removal:     $150 - $2,400

How do I pay for surgery?

You can pay for surgery by certified check, Credit card, or cash. Payments for cosmetic surgery are expected prior to the procedure. If you are scheduling several weeks in advance of surgery you can pay by personal check.

Are there scars?

No. There are no scars with this procedure

Does it hurt?

The patients have virtually no pain during or after the procedure.   If you have resistant hair that requires high-energy pulses of light you may feel a slight pricking sensation with the laser. However, the advantage of the Nd: Yag Long pulsed laser is that it can be adjusted to each patient's level of comfort.

Will I be awake during this procedure?

Yes. You do not need any sedation or local numbing medicine with this procedure.

Where is the procedure performed? (i.e. office suite or hospital)

The procedure is performed in the office.

Are medical photographs taken?  

Yes. In all cosmetic and reconstructive cases medical photos are taken. Photographs are mandatory because this is the only way for us to compare you before and after results. Photographs in plastic surgery serve much the same role that x-rays serve for orthopedic surgery.

Date Revised: 1/23/07

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