Ask The Doctor - FAQ's

Due to the fact that a laser targets melanin, the more melanin an individual has in his/her hair, the more effective a laser will be. Therefore, someone with gray, red, or blonde hair is not as good a candidate for laser hair removal as one with darker hair. See Who is an ideal candidate for more information.

There are a number of home devices now for sale which can remove hair with laser/light energy.

There are a few at-home laser hair removal devices that may be effective, such as the Tria Laser or Silk'n. Always make sure the take-home product is approved by the FDA.

It is important to note that laser hair removal is a non-invasive method of photoepilation, which does not require needles or chemical creams. The advantages of laser hair removal include:

• The technique is safe if performed properly
• It is considered to be less painful as compared to other methods
• Many consumers have experienced long-lasting hair removal or even permanent hair reduction
• The method is very useful for removing hair from large areas such as backs or legs

One of the main advantages of laser hair removal is the speed of the treatment in combination with the long lasting results. For example, to remove hair from the back with laser hair removal usually takes about an hour.

In contrast, a full back hair removal with electrolysis can take up to and over 125 hours.

While the process in itself is considered to be very safe, individuals opting for laser hair removal may want to review these pre-treatment tips:

• Laser treatment should be avoided when you have a suntan or sunburn
• Though not necessary, shaving before the treatment quickens treatment time. Shaving should be done to a degree where only a shadow or stubble remains visible
• Bleaching or plucking should be stopped for a couple of weeks before the treatment
• If you are likely to suffer from cold sores or have genital herpes, talk to your doctor
• For more on preparing for your appointment see How should I prepare for my appointment?

You should contact your doctor and schedule a consultation for a detailed instruction list.

It is common to experience redness or bumps after the treatment. A cold compress often helps in this scenario. Apart from this, general precautions to take after laser hair removal treatment include:

• Minimal use of makeup and maximum use of moisturizer
• Use sun block of SPF 25 or more for a couple of weeks after the treatment
• If needed, the only other acceptable hair removal method during the treatment regimen is shaving
• Be aware that hair will continue to shed up to three weeks after the treatment.Help the hairs out by using a loofah or washcloth.
• For more about what to do after you laser session, see Post Treatment Instructions

Make sure to ask your doctor for detailed post-treatment instructions.

In most cases there are no side effects associated with the procedure.

However, pigmentary change of the skin treated can occur, including either dark or light areas. Pigmentary changes may persist for months, but are almost always temporary. They are very rare in patients with fair skin, who are untanned. Blisters and burns are rare, but occasionally occur, particularly in patients with dark skin if treated improperly.

Light skin makes laser hair removal easier to perform. Fewer treatments are required, and better, faster results are obtained. People with darker skin can be treated, but results are slower, more sessions are required, and greater expertise is required on the part of the laser surgeon. Laser hair removal must be individualized for each patient.

Before opting for a treatment, it is always a good idea to research the qualifications of the Medical Director of the facility. Is he or she Board Certified in Dermatology? Is there a physician present in the office? Are all personnel performing the procedure licensed doctors or registered nurses? Is the atmosphere professional? Since this is a medical procedure, it should be selected with the same care you give while selecting a doctor or a surgeon. See our Choosing a doctor section

Please make sure that your doctor is:

1. Experienced in using whatever system your doctor selects to treat your unwanted hair.
2. Find out for how long and how many patients your doctor has treated with that particular machine.
3. Ask to see "before and after" photographs of the doctor's own results. Make sure the results are at least six months after the last treatment and that the conditions of the "before and after" photographs are similar.
4. Make sure that your doctor has treated patients with your skin type and problem.
5. Discuss all possible side effects.

See our Choosing a doctor section for more detailed information

A physician or dermatologic surgeon with training and experience in laser hair removal may be best suited to decide whether you're a candidate for laser hair removal and, if so, what type of laser may work best for you. During an initial consultation, your doctor may ask about your medical history, assess your skin type and explain the risks and benefits of laser hair removal. To reduce the risk of complications, your doctor may ask you to refrain from taking medications such as aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or dietary supplements such as niacin and vitamin E. If you have a tan from sun exposure or sunless tanning products, you must wait until the tan fades completely before you can undergo laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal is effective only on short, visible hair. Two to three days before the procedure, you shave the area to be treated, and allow it to grow to a stubble. Avoid waxing or plucking the hair.

The length of a laser session may range from a few minutes to an hour or more depending on the size of the area being treated. How long the procedure takes depends on the area of the body involved. A small area such as the upper lip may take several minutes. A larger area such as the back may require several hours.

Since laser tends to treat hair follicles that are in an active growth phase, more than one treatment is required to disable hair follicles that subsequently enter this growth phase.

During the procedure, laser light will be delivered through a hand held piece attached to a laser console. You may experience a stinging sensation as the laser pulse is delivered. To reduce discomfort, a cooling system may automatically remove heat from the surface of your skin before, during and after the laser exposure. You should not need general anesthesia or pain medication, but a topical anesthetic cream may be applied to sensitive areas. The process can take from just a few minutes for an upper lip to several hours for a full back and legs.

Laser treatment itself may cause a slight tingling sensation. Most patients tolerate the procedure well. But because some areas of the body are more sensitive than others, topical anesthesia can be an option. The appearance of the treated area immediately after the laser session will vary from patient to patient depending on the extent of treatment and skin type. Immediate after-effects, if any, are minor. They may include redness and swelling, which disappear in a short time. Most people return to normal activity right away.

During the procedure, you wear goggles to protect your eyes from accidental exposure to laser light. The procedure causes a slight charring of your stubble. You may notice a strong odor of singed hair, which is normal. Afterwards, you may experience some temporary redness and swelling.