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Laser Hair Removal Quick Fact Sheet

Laser technology now offers permanent hair removal that depilatories, waxing, electrolysis and plucking cannot.  There are several different lasers that can remove hair but not all are created equal.

The Acclaim 1064nm, long pulsed ND: Yag laser offers a highly effective and safe approach to permanent hair removal.  While other hair removal lasers are limited to use on people with fair skin, the Acclaim safely treats dark hair on any skin tone.  Blonde or gray hair is not effectively removed by any laser system.
 
Q:  How does it work?
A:  Dark hair absorbs the laser light energy which obliterates at the depth of the hair follicle.  The hairs that are entering the growing (anagen) phase are able to absorb the light, so at least 4 sessions 6 – 8 weeks apart are required to maximize the benefit from the process.  The goal of therapy is to target those hairs entering the growing phase.  Hairs that are not completely destroyed will grow back very slowly, with very little color, much smaller and finer.

All hair bearing areas can be treated, the entire back, chest, legs, arms, bikini, upper lip and face.  Since this laser is so safe, very large and multiple areas can be treated in each session.

Hair growth cycle varies by location.  Since each hair (even in the same body location) is at a different stage in the growth cycle, multiple treatments are necessary over a time span to achieve your goal.  While hair on the upper lip or chin may require only 4 separate treatment sessions scheduled at 4 – 6 week intervals, hair on the legs may require 6 sessions scheduled at 6 – 8 week intervals.  In general 4 to 8 sessions are needed to reach your goal.

Q:  How much does it hurt?
A:  Dr. Coker will recommend a topical anesthetic prior to treatment.  The laser pulse is often described as a wave of heat with a sensation of a pin prick.  The SmartCool cooling devise also reduces pain during treatments.

Following the procedure, you may notice redness and swelling lasting 24- 48 hours.  Immediate reduction of SOME hair will be noticed.  However, the majority of successfully treated hairs can take 7 – 14 days to fall out.

Please inform Dr. Coker at the time of your consultation if you are/or have been on Accutane in the past 9 months or if you are on a topical retinoid (ie, Tazorac, Avage, Retin A, Differin, or topical Tretinoin).  These products may cause damage to the skin in the overlying treated area.

Call our office to schedule your consultation with Dr. Leslie Coker today!