LASER HAIR REMOVAL

Laser Hair Removal

Dr. Edwin Williams, board certified facial plastic surgeon of the Williams Center for Excellence in Latham, NY  is pleased to offer permanent laser hair removal with the GentleLase laser from the Candela Corporation.

Laser hair removal is a popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure designed to permanently reduce unwanted facial and body hair. This procedure is commonly used on the abdomen, arms, back, bikini area, chin, legs, neck, sideburns, underarms and upper lip. Ideal candidates for laser hair removal are men and women with fair to light skin and dark hair. Laser hair removal may not be effective on white, gray or blonde hair, and patients with darker skin may be required to use a prescribed skin lightening cream two weeks before the procedure. Patients should also be physically healthy and have realistic expectations.

Laser hair removal is typically performed in a surgeon's office-based facility and does not require anesthesia. A single session can take anywhere from several minutes to several hours to perform depending upon the area being treated. Areas of the face typically take about fifteen minutes to complete while the legs may take sixty minutes. Patients should be aware that multiple sessions are required and that most patients require an average of four to seven treatments spaced four to twelve weeks apart.

For the actual laser hair removal process, a laser device is passed over the skin, emitting a gentle beam of light that passes through the first layer of skin and into the dermis where it targets and destroys the hair follicle. Patients may feel a sensation similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin. Some reddening and localized swelling may occur after the procedure, though any irritation should clear up in about a week and the swelling in about a day. Patients are typically able to immediately return to work and other normal activities, though sunscreen should be worn on any treated areas that are exposed to the sun. Laser hair removal permanently removes hair, though patients should not expect 100% of the hair in an area to be removed but rather 80% to 90% reduction in hair growth after about three to six treatments. There are few serious complications associated with laser hair removal, though temporary blisters or changes in skin pigmentation can occur.

Pre-treatment Guidelines:

• Hair color must be dark. The GentleLase does not target white, gray or blonde hair.
• Patients with fair to light skin type are good candidates for treatment. Patients with darker skin may need a prescribed skin lightening cream two weeks prior to receiving laser hair removal.
• Patients must shave the area to be treated the day of treatment.
• Patients should not tweeze, wax or have electrolysis six weeks prior to treatment.
• Patients should not wear deodorants, lotions or creams the day of treatment.
• Self-tanners should not be used for two weeks prior to treatment
• Patients on birth control pills, certain antibiotics and other specific medications should be aware that there is an increased risk of hyperpigmentation (brown spots) while taking these medications. It is important to notify the cosmetic nurse specialist of any medications before being treated. Patients on certain medications will need to use skin lightening cream prior to treatment.

Treatment Guidelines

• Most areas usually require 4-7 treatments. Hair grows in three cycles and hair follicles may contain more than one hair, each in a different stage of growth making it necessary to treat the desired area more than one time.
• Facial areas take approximately 15 minutes to be treated, the trunk (abdomen, back), approximately 60 minutes, arms approximately 45 minutes, and legs approximately 60 minutes.
• Facial areas can be treated every 4-6 weeks, the trunk every 10-12 weeks and the legs every 10-12 weeks until there is no sign of regrowth.
• Cost can range from $100-$600 per treatment depending on the length of time of treatment.

Post-Treatment Guidelines

Patients should avoid tanning beds.

Self-tanners should not be applied until three days after treatment.

Patients must use a sun block containing a SPF 30 or higher when exposed to direct sunlight while undergoing treatment.

Click here for Post-op Care Instructions for Laser Hair Removal

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