How Does Laser Hair Removal Work

Know Thy Laser and Other Treatment Pearls

DANA POINT, CALIF. – Be wary of clinicians who claim that they never have complications from laser surgery procedures, Dr. A. Jay Burns advised physicians to tell their patients at the Summit in Aesthetic Medicine.

Such clinicians "are either liars, or they’ve only practiced for about 5 minutes," Dr. Burns, of the Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute, said at the meeting, sponsored by Skin Disease Education Foundation (SDEF). "I tell my patients to run from them. We all have complications."

In general, he continued, complications "decrease the better you are trained and the more detail-oriented you are. I don’t know how you legislate that. You also have to care; you have to have compassion."

During separate presentations, he and Dr. Eric F. Bernstein, a board-certified dermatologist who practices laser surgery in Ardmore, Pa., offered practical tips on how to best prevent complications from laser surgery, including the following:

• Know thy laser. "In general, there is less margin for error the cheaper the device, the more corners cut in research and development, the smaller the spot size, and the use of manual treatment versus scanned treatment," Dr. Burns said. "Complications can be minimized by good technique and good postoperative care."

• Don’t take treatment advice from sales representatives. "You are responsible for the treatment no matter what, so research the science and talk to colleagues," Dr. Bernstein said. "I have three words for sales reps bringing a device they tout as safe and effective: ‘Have a seat!’ Sales reps who believe in their products will happily be your first patient, and they will come back for follow-up. You can count on it."

• Take note of special patient populations. Make sure to ask patients about isotretinoin use. "Most of my colleagues and I wait 6 months after patients have discontinued isotretinoin before laser treatment," Dr. Bernstein said. "In most situations I think that’s the standard of care."

Depending on the laser, he prescribes valacyclovir as prophylaxis in patients with a history of herpes simplex virus or for ablative procedures in any patient. He said that he does not treat patients who have taken gold therapy at any time in their life with lasers, as their skin "will turn gray or black at the site of every laser pulse. This is on my consent form.

Laser Hair Removal Side Effects And Precautions - How Does Laser ...

An instrument, such as a diode laser is employed for destroying the hair follicles. The results of laser hair removal last much longer than any temporary hair removal method available in the market.

Laser hair removal heats melanin, which is the color pigment of the hair. Heating melanin damages the growing region of the skin. A numbing cream is massaged onto the skin before the process starts.

Although the success of laser hair removal depends largely on the expertise and skill of the laser operator and the availability and preference for various laser technologies, it is gaining great popularity because of its effectiveness and speed.

Laser hair removal is actually a very comfortable process as there are very little side effects associated with it. It does not damage the skin in any way. Before undergoing laser hair removal , a person should not wax, pluck or shave any hair from the desired area for weeks. One should refrain from applying any lotion or cosmetic on the skin on the day of getting the procedure done as it might cause unfavorable reactions.

Laser hair removal can make the skin red and sore for some days. This can be treated by applying cold compresses or ice packs to the skin. Although most people do not get bruised, it does happen in a few rare cases. However, the pain is not excruciating. Bruising is minimal and usually happens when tanned areas are being treated. This is because it becomes difficult for the laser to differentiate between the skin and the hair follicles.

Greater the difference in the color of the two, the easier it would be to undergo the process. Laser hair removal works better on people with light skin and dark hair than on people with brown or golden hair as dark colors absorb light. People with tanned skin should wait till their tan wear away.

Some people can experience pain during and after the procedure. However, this can be treated by using topical anesthetics. There is a possibility of the treated area getting swelled up for a few days. Applying ice to the skin after laser hair removal reduces the probability and intensity of side effects. Mild cleansers can be used to clean the treated area and it is best to avoid strong soaps. Sun exposure causes skin irritation.

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