Why is this procedure done?
At times, you may want to get rid of some hair on different parts of your body. Laser hair removal is one way to do this. With laser hair removal, your doctor directs a laser through the skin to the root of the hair. The heat from the laser destroys the root and the hair cannot grow back. Since hair grows in cycles, you will need a few sessions to remove all of the unwanted hair. One benefit of laser hair removal is that it can be done in the office with little pain and risk for problems. It can also be used on large areas and hair removal can be long-lasting. Some cons are that laser removal is expensive and hair may grow back in the future. ‚
What will the results be?
The unwanted hair is removed. After a few sessions, the hair may not grow back. This may be long-lasting. Laser hair removal works best on dark, coarse hair in light skinned people. Sometimes, the hair does grow back over time. You may have to return later for more treatments. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Do not remove hair from the root for up to 6 weeks before the procedure. Avoid plucking, waxing, threading, or electrolysis to remove any hair during this time. Shaving or trimming may be done since these ways to remove hair do not remove the root.
- Use sunscreen for at least 6 weeks before your procedure. Do not tan or use a sunless tanner.
What happens during the procedure?
- The doctor may apply a numbing cream to your skin. This will keep you comfortable and pain free during the procedure.
- Both you and the doctor will likely need to wear eye protection.
- The doctor will place the laser probe over the part to be treated and release a pulse of light.
- The length of the procedure depends on how much hair needs to be removed. Hair removal on the legs may take an hour or more. Small areas like the chin or upper lip may take only a few minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
The doctor may apply a cooling gel to the skin. This will help with pain. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Stay out of the sun and tanning beds. Once your skin has healed, protect it from sunlight. Use sunscreen on your skin each time you are in the sun.
- If you have pain, put a cold compress on your skin to help with swelling.
- Your doctor may suggest over-the-counter (OTC) drugs to help with pain. Take as ordered by the doctor.
What follow-up care is needed?
You will need a few treatments, every 4 to 8 weeks. Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Skin may be red and swollen for a few days after the procedure.
- Hair grows back
- Infection
- Uneven skin tone
- Blistering
- Herpes simplex virus flare-ups
Helpful tips
- Make sure you choose a doctor who is experienced in laser hair removal. Make sure that the doctor is board certified. Many places, such as spas and malls, offer laser hair removal, but these places probably do not have doctors doing the treatment.
- You may need to wait a few months to see the full effect of laser hair removal.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Dermatology ‚
http://www.aad.org/media-resources/stats-and-facts/cosmetic-treatments/laser-hair-removal ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/skin_stuff/hair_removal.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚