Laser Hair Removal

Dr. Hilinski is "Double Board Certified" in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.

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For many years women have subjected themselves to expensive and complicated methods of hair removal. Waxing is an effective means but needs to be repeated and can be quite uncomfortable. Topical agents generally are not well accepted, can cause allergies and have to be left in place for long periods of time to be effective. Electrolysis, once considered the best technique for long-term reduction, is time consuming, painful, expensive and needs to be repeated multiple times before lasting results are obtained. Laser hair removal is the latest innovative technique that largely replaces these older methods of removing unwanted hair.

HOW DOES LASER HAIR REMOVAL WORK?

Laser hair removal is based on selective targeting of the pigment contained within the hair follicle, known as melanin. The melanin within the hair follicle absorbs the laser energy, causing sufficient injury so that hair growth cannot continue. Unfortunately, the melanin is susceptible to the laser only during what is termed the growth phase of the hair. Hair exists in three different stages of development and the percentage of hair in the susceptible growth phase depends on the location of the body where the hair resides. For example, on the face 70% of the hair is in the growth phase at any one time, whereas on the leg only 20% of hair is in the growth phase. As a result, laser hair removal on the leg may take more treatments at more frequent intervals in order to achieve equivalent results to facial laser hair removal. The number of necessary treatments also depends on the hair color and skin type. For example, light hair will require a higher number of treatments.

WHY CHOOSE THE COMET HAIR REMOVAL LASER?

Because laser energy can be absorbed by melanin in surrounding non-hair bearing skin (causing unwanted skin damage), it is important to use a laser system that can selectively target the hair follicle. We have chosen the Comet laser hair removal system because of its unique ability to combine laser light with radiofrequency energy (termed Elos technology). The radiofrequency energy provides a second method of hair removal that does not exist in other hair removal systems. As a result, the Comet is able to all hair colors and skin types that would normally not be effectively treated by other laser systems. In addition, the Comet laser is significantly faster than most hair removal systems currently available. Overall, the Comet provides a safer, more effective, faster option in laser hair removal.

WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR LASER HAIR REMOVAL?

Because the Comet and Elos technology is so advanced, laser hair removal can be effective for most skin and hair types. Dr. Hilinski's trained staff will personally assess your skin and hair type to determine what the best option is in terms of laser hair removal.

IS HAIR REMOVAL PERMANENT?

The amount of hair loss is dependent on many factors including energy of the laser, anatomical area treated, number of treatments, hair and skin color. However, in properly selected patients all laser systems have shown a reduction in hair. Even though some of the hair may return, it is usually thinner, smaller and lacking pigment. In most patients approximately 20% reduction in hair can be expected with each treatment. It is important that patients realize multiple treatments are necessary for a cosmetic result. Until permanent hair loss can be proven scientifically, the FDA has limited the laser companies to boasting “permanent hair reduction” only.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING THE TREATMENT?

Most patients do not find the laser treatment to be painful, although it is not without some discomfort. For most it is very tolerable and not an unpleasant experience. For those with a lower pain threshold your physician can prescribe a topical anesthetic cream that when applied to the skin one hour prior to the treatment, should minimize discomfort. A cooling device is typically used throughout the procedure. How long the procedure will last depends on which area is treated. The facial and bikini areas can be treated within 15 minutes while the legs or back may take up to 30-45 minutes. Following the treatment the skin will be red and perhaps slightly swollen similar to waxing. Applying cooling packs and a topical gel will help soothe the irritation. Do not be alarmed if you still see hair in place or growing following the treatment. Over the next few days up and up to four weeks following the procedure, hair will gradually begin to fall out.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

If properly counseled and treated by an experienced practitioner the risks of laser hair removal are very minimal. Occasionally, blistering may occur. If it does it is important to keep these areas clean and covered with a topical antibiotic ointment. Pigmentary changes may occur especially in darker skinned individuals or those who tan. Usually this will resolve spontaneously but may be expedited with topical bleaching creams. A sunscreen with at least a 30 SPF should be worn for several days following the treatment. With current laser technology and training permanent pigmentary changes are uncommon. Although a potential risk with all types of laser treatments, scarring is so unlikely that it should not be a major concern. Today, laser hair removal should be considered a very safe option.

Dr. Hilinski's office in San Diego, CA is conveniently located near the following: