Hair Removal
What is it?
Laser hair removal is a method to permanently reduce the density or amount of hair in an area. Dark and coarse hairs are easier to permanently disable compared to light brown or finer hair. Over a series of treatment sessions there is less hair that grows back, as well as the hair quality becoming lighter and finer. By 5 sessions on average, what is left is typically less than 10% of the hair remaining and they will appear very light, fine and slow growing. The treatment interval is very important to achieving maximum reduction per treatment session; treatments are spaced based on regrowth times for different areas of the face or body, not done every month as it is in many laser clinics. Our goal is to get as much permanent hair clearance as possible in the fewest number of treatment sessions.
Hormones and hair growth
Hormones play a role in where, when and how much hair we grow. Sometimes genetics, medications, or certain conditions also affect abnormal or excessive hair growth. The dermatologist may order some blood work or other investigations to find a potential cause for abnormal hair growth. We see many patients who are referred here for hair removal related to medical conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, hormonal hair growth, or transgendered patients seeking hair removal. More in-depth endocrine consultation can be provided by Dr. Dudley, Ob-Gyn and Executive Director of Laserderm.
Skincare Adjuncts
Avoiding a tan in the area of laser hair removal will lower the risk for complications, and allow for optimal hair removal results
Treatment Options
| Treatment Option | Key Benefit | Average Number of Treatments | Amount of Downtime | Comfort Measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandrite laser | Best suited for light to medium skintones, no tan | 3-5 (6+ for lighter or finer hair, or hormonal hair) | Redness and swelling for 1-3 days | Topical anesthetic advised |
| Nd:YAG laser | Best suited for darker skin types, or if a tan is suspected | 3-5 (6+ for lighter or finer hair, or hormonal hair) | Mild redness or swelling for 1-2 days | Topical anesthetic advised |