Unwanted hair can be an embarassing burden. Traditional hair reduction techniques provide only temporary relief and may actually stimulate hair growth. Enhanced laser technology isolates the energy of the treatment to the hair base and not to the skin or other unwanted areas.

Hair experiences three phases of growth: anagen, catagen and telogen. The goal in hair reduction is for the laser light to penetrate to the depth of the hair follicle during the anagen phase (when it reacts to laser light) to achieve long-term results. This is why, depending on the area, you will need to be treated anywhere from 2 - 7 times.

Before

Prior to treatment, it is recommended that patients:

- Stay out of the sun for 2 - 3 weeks. Treatment should not be performed on a suntan or sunburn.

- Do not tweeze, wax, or use a depilatory agent for 1 month.

- Shave area to be treated 12-14 hrs before treatment. (If hair growth is heavy, shave just before coming to the office.)

- Do not wear makeup, deodorant, perfumes, lotion or powder on areas to be treated.

What to expect.....

During

Patients will be asked to wear protective goggles to avoid exposure to direct or scattered laser light. The area to be treated may be shaved if it hasn't been already.

After

The area treated will resemble a moderate sunburn. Loose, natural fiber clothing is recommended and a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher should be applied whenever exposed to the sun. Try not to rub, scratch, or pick the area treated - ointment may be applied to prevent drying and create a soothing effect (Antibiotic ointment should be used if there is any blistering or breakage in the skin). Swimming, sports and/or strenuous exercise should be avoided for the first 2 - 3 days. Patients should contact the office if there is any indication of infection redness, tenderness or pus.

Contraindications

History of previous treatment methods, current medications, allergies and pigmentary problems should be discussed with your physician prior to treatment, as well as any questions regarding your condition or medications. The following medical conditions are contraindication to the use of a laser for hair reduction: Epilepsy, Herpes, Lupus, Pregnancy, Melanoma, Keloids and Psoriasis. The following medications are photosensitizers and may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and laser light and may lead to greater chance of adverse reactions from the laser: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Tetracyclines, Griseofulvin, Phenothiazines, Thiazide Diuretics, Sulfonamides, DTIC, Chloroquine, Methotrexate, Sulfonylureas, Fluorouracil, Vinblastine, Aspirin (daily use) and Vitamins (daily use).