In 1998, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began allowing some manufacturers of hair removal lasers to use the term "permanent hair reduction. This is different than permanent hair removal.

According to the FDA----"Permanent hair reduction is defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing after laser treatment.

 

The number of hairs regrowing must be stable over a time greater than the duration of the complete growth cycle of hair follicles, which varies from 4-12 months according to body location. Permanent hair reduction does not necessarily imply the elimination of all hairs in the treatment area."

In spite of the lack of permanency of hair removal with laser treatments, it is the most effective, least uncomfortable and quickest treatment we have today to reduce hair in selected areas. The treatment works because the laser light (a focused, pure, specific color) passes through the surface of the skin to the hair follicle where it is absorbed causing heat. (just like the heat you feel when you are in the sun) It is this heat which causes damage to the hair follicle and reduction in hair growth. Only hair that is actively growing will be affected. At any given time, only about 10% of our hair is actively growing. Since the hair grows in crops, it is necessary to treat multiple times to be effective and to damage each crop of growing hair. An average of 4-6 treatments at a minimum of one month intervals is most effective.

There are a number of lasers and non laser light sources (IPL) that can affect hair growth. The most effective lasers to reduce hair and prevent regrowth are those with very specific light colors and frequencies. These are the types of lasers used in Dr. Galoob's practice.

Dr. Galoob has been using lasers to control hair growth for more than 15 years. The lasers he has found to be most effective today are the alexandrite and the YAG lasers. Both lasers are available in his practice.

Prior to the procedure

Dr. Galoob will consult with you and discuss the procedure. The areas for treatment will be verified and a medical exam and history will be completed to make sure there are no medical problems that would contraindicate the treatment. (such as …extreme skin sensitivity, extreme sensitivity to light, taking photoactive drugs, etc.)

Patients will commonly shave the area for treatment prior to the treatment. No plucking, waxing or chemical removal is allowed (since the hair root must be present for the laser to be effective) a topical numbing cream is often applied to the area about one hour before arriving at the office.

Treatment

Special precautions are taken to protect your eyes and personnel who will be in the room. Everyone wears special glasses or eye shields. (Our practice meets the standards of the AAAHC (www.aaahc.org) for laser safety). Lasers are maintained and calibrated on a regular basis and a technician is available at all times during the procedure.

The procedure will either be performed by Dr. Galoob or one of his experienced staff. Initial laser settings are verified by Dr. Galoob prior to each treatment. It is common for him to apply a test pulse to himself as a last safety check before treatment. The laser is pulsed in multiple spots over the area for complete coverage (like turning a flashlight off and on each time). Each pulse feels like being snapped with a rubber band. Cold air is applied over the skin during the treatment to provide comfort and to protect the skin from heat produced when the laser light contacts the hair root. Afterwards, the skin may be slightly red. Occasionally irritation and blistering may occur. A soothing cream will be placed on the skin after treatment. Irritation may last for several days.

Questions

How soon can I expect my hair to be reduced?

Most patients notice immediate reduction in amount and coarseness of hair. Some regrowth will occur by the next treatment time. Gradual increasing reduction in hair amount and coarseness will occur with successive treatments.

Can I pluck or wax between treatments?

You are asked not to pluck, wax or epilate with chemical creams. Doing so will reduce the effectiveness of the treatments since the hair root has been removed. Patients are asked to shave only during the treatment cycle.

Is the laser harmful to my skin?

There are No known harmful effects of laser light on skin. Exceptions occur when the laser settings are too high and skin blistering or burning occurs. This problem is more common with older lasers sometimes found in spas. Dr. Galoob verifies the settings for each treatment on each patient to assure that the laser intensity is set correctly. It is common for him to test the laser pulse on his own arm before the treatment. In addition, a single pulse is always delivered and then the skin reaction observed as an additional safety check before treatment.

Who will perform the treatment?

Most laser hair treatments are begun by Dr. Galoob. In some cases, one of his experienced nurses will complete the treatment with the patient's permission. Dr. Galoob is always on site and immediately available. He also commonly verify that all is ok during treatment.

I am modest about the area I want treated. Can one of the nurses do the treatment?

Dr. Galoob will always verify the treatment settings in a way that will be comfortable for you. An experienced nurse will complete the treatment.

If you have further questions about Laser Hair Reduction, Contact us.