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Boston University School of Medicine






BU Center for Cosmetic and Laser Surgery

Hair Removal for All Skin Types

The laser for Hair Removal safely removes unwanted body hair. Traditionally, Hair Removal techniques such as shaving, plucking and waxing, provide only temporary relief and may actually stimulate hair growth. Electrolysis, while effective and ideal for white, grey and blonde hairs, often requires years of ongoing and frequently painful treatments. All of these methods often result in scarring, allergic reactions, and ingrown hairs.

facial Hair Removal for All Skin Types facial Hair Removal for All Skin Types

Before and After Laser Hair Removal . Maintenance treatments are important in this case.
Courtesy of CANDELA Laser Corp.

Laser Hair Removal works by targeting the pigment inside the hair follicle without damaging delicate pores and structures of the skin. Because hair cycles through "growth" and "dormant" phases at least 4 treatments will be needed. We recommend a series of three to four treatments before long-term results are established. Maintenance treatments are often necessary. In addition, hormonal treatment may be necessary for some patients.

arm Hair Removal for All Skin Types arm Hair Removal for All Skin Types

Before and After Laser Hair Removal . Maintenance treatments are important in this case.
Courtesy of CANDELA Laser Corp.

What does the treatment involve?
The patient is asked to wear eye protection consisting of an opaque covering or goggles. A small handpiece or "wand" is placed against the skin and the laser is activated. The laser is equipped with a spray cooling device delivered prior to the laser beam. The cooling spray decreases the pain and side effects of the laser. The handpiece is repositioned and the laser is activated again. The size or the area treated will determine the number of laser pulses required. It is very important that the hair is not waxed or plucked in the period immediately prior to laser Hair Removal for All Skin Types.

Hair Removal back  Hair Removal back Before and After Laser Hair Removal for All Skin Types. Maintenance treatments are important in this case.
Courtesy of CANDELA Laser Corp.

What are the advantages over electrolysis?
With electrolysis, the operator inserts a needle into the hair shaft with the intention of reaching the follicle, then sends a small electrical charge designed to disable the follicle. The operator then removes that particular hair with a tweezer. Hair Removal for All Skin Types is much faster with a laser as the laser is pulsed about once per second across the surface of the skin. Each "pulse" of laser light disables a large number of hair follicles. Electrolysis operators can only treat those hairs that they can see and which they can reach the follicle through the hair shaft. A laser treats any "active" follicle, even if the hair has not yet reached the surface of the skin, or if the hair shaft is not straight. Please keep in mind that white, grey and blonde hairs do not respond to any laser and are best treated with electrolysis.

Procedures
  •  Smooth Beam
  •  Aesthetics Services
  •  Laser Resurfacing of Wrinkles and Scars
  •  Hair Removal for All Skin Types
  •  Vascular Lesions (including leg veins)
  •  Pigmented Lesions
  •  Tattoo Removal
  •  Botox
  •  Liposuction
  •  Fat Transplantation
  •  Filler Substances
  •  Sclerotherapy
  •  Photodynamic Light Therapy
  •  ThermaCool TC
  •  Scar Revision

How many sessions are needed? The number of sessions will vary for each individual. This is dependent on the color, size and location of the unwanted hair. During the initial visit, the laser light disables those follicles in the "active" phase of the growth cycle. Follicles in the "dormant" phase will not be permanently affected. Since follicles cycle through "active" and "dormant" phases, additional sessions may be desired once the "dormant" follicles become "active." For this reason, multiple treatments will be necessary. Regrowing hairs are usually lighter and thinner. It is best to return as soon as new hair growth is apparent. Once the decreased density is achieved, maintenance treatments are recommended approximately once a year. The number and intervals of treatments varies from one patient to another.

Are tanned and dark skin types candidates for laser hair removal?
Yes. The current technology allows treatment of darker skin with unprecedented safety and efficacy.

Hair Removal for All Skin Types Hair Removal for All Skin Types

Before and After Laser Hair Removal for All Skin Types. Maintenance treatments are important in this case.
Courtesy of CANDELA Laser Corp.

Is the laser treatment painful?
While some areas of the body are more sensitive than others, most patients report manageable discomfort. For the more sensitive patients, anesthetic creams can be applied prior to the treatment. The Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD), attached to the laser, sprays liquid cryogen onto the skin simultaneously with each laser pulse to alleviate the slight sting of the laser pulse. This system minimizes the level of discomfort during treatment. It is important to note that a painless treatment might indicate that the hair follicles were not damaged enough.

Are there any side effects?
Immediately after the treatment the skin will look pink and slightly swollen, similar to a sunburn. This will subside within an hour or two and the skin will return to normal. Occasionally, a patient will have temporary pigment changes, blistering, or scabbing.

As with electrolysis, cases of scarring have been reported with laser Hair Removal for All Skin Types, but these are extremely rare. A test spot is the best determinant of how each individual's skin will react.

How much does it cost?
Because the same area on each person may vary in terms of the size of the area that actually needs treatment, it is virtually impossible to establish a set price list. Prices for specific treatments can be obtained through a complimentary consultation.



The information provided is intended for general information only. For details pertaining to your specific situation, please consult your physician.






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