Laser Hair Removal - Effective and Long Term - Douglas Louk, MD

A new hair removal procedure resulting in safe, effective and long-term removal of unwanted facial and body hair has recently been introduced by OBGYNs across the country. Performed in the medical office, this innovative technology uses a laser that quickly destroys hair follicles without damaging or burning the surrounding skin. Our practice is providing this new service because we believe hair removal is more than an aesthetic or cosmetic issue. Hair growth changes, or excessive hair can signal other physical or medical conditions that need investigation. Offering this laser treatment in our office is a natural addition to our specialized services. We look at the issue of facial or body hair from both the medical and cosmetic views and consider each woman’s case individually.

Laser hair removal is safer, more effective and long term than most monthly treatments currently available for hair removal. Unwanted hair can be removed from your face, upper lip, chin, underarms, legs, and bikini line, or anywhere else you want treatment.

NEW LASER TECHNOLOGY – SAFER & MORE EFFECTIVE

Our new laser service utilizes the newest technology in laser hair removal for safer and more effective results. Using the TKS (Thermokinetic Selectivity) process, the laser’s energy can “selectively heat” the hair follicle, but not the surrounding skin. The TKS is based upon scientific knowledge about how laser energy reacts differently with hair and skin. Physicians are able to set the lasers to protect skin, while targeting the unwanted hair.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LASER HAIR REMOVAL

How does a laser remove hair?
The laser sends a pulse of light that targets the hair follicle, where each hair grows. The light passes through your skin and is absorbed by the hair. When the hair absorbs the light, the last energy becomes heat, which destroys the follicle. The laser selectively heats and destroys the hair without harming your skin.

Is the treatment painful?
Most patients say the treatment feels like a series of pricks to the skin. Patients who have tried other treatments, such as electrolysis or waxing, report that there is much less discomfort with the laser than with anything else they have used. Most patients tolerate the sensation without any problems. Any redness to the treatment area usually lasts less than 24 hours.

How many treatments will I need?
More than one treatment is needed to obtain the best results. The number of treatments prescribed depends upon the area of the body being treated, and the percentage of hairs that are actively growing at the time of treatment. Since human hair grows in cycles, some hairs are actively growing while others are resting in a dormant phase. At the time of laser treatment, the laser will destroy the hairs that are in the active growing phase, but the dormant phase follicles will not be destroyed, and may actually become active after the first treatment. Additional treatments are needed in 4-6 weeks, or when the other follicles re-enter the growth phase.

What is the average number of treatments needed to obtain the best results:

• Upper lip - 2-3 treatments
• Chin - 3-4 treatments
• Bikini Line - 3-4 treatments
• Under-arms - 3-4 treatments
• Legs - 4-7 treatments

Is laser hair removal permanent?
The laser can reduce or eliminate unwanted hair, and results vary with each individual. Today, there is no laser hair removal treatment that can be called permanent for all skin types. But our laser hair removal system can safely be called long-term, with most patients having little or no regrowth after treatment.

How do I know if I am a good candidate for laser hair removal?
In general, if you have a concern about unwanted hair, you are probably a candidate. Your complexion type, how your skin reacts to sunlight, and the color of the hairs are key factors in determining who is a good candidate for this procedure. In order for the laser to work, there has to be a substance called melanin in the hair (melanin is the substance that gives hair color). If the hair is totally white, or gray, it can not be treated because there is no color (melanin) in the hair.

Is there an age limit for laser hair removal patients?
Women of all ages, from young teens to older adults, have been treated and are enjoying the benefits of laser hair removal. Young and mature women alike have sought treatments for a variety of reasons, including:

• convenience
• cosmetic/aesthetic concerns
• medical conditions

How do I prepare for a laser hair removal treatment?
There are some steps you will be asked to take before your laser hair removal treatment begins. These steps should be followed for the best results:

1. Wear sunscreen of at least SPF 15 daily for at least four weeks prior to treatment and avoid sun exposure as much as possible.
2. Avoid waxing or electrolysis for one month prior to treatment.
3. Shave the hair the day of your treatment.

Who should perform the procedure?
If you are considering laser hair removal, you want to be sure you know and trust the physicians and staff that will perform the procedure. You do not want an untrained person providing your laser treatment. As physicians, we will consider whether your unwanted body or facial hair is related to any medical conditions. That is why we offer you this laser hair removal procedure as part of our complete OB/GYN practice. High Point OBGYN is one of the first groups in the area to utilize this type of laser technology. A free consultation may be scheduled by calling 889-0719.