FAQ: Laser Hair Removal

How Does Laser Hair Reduction Work?

At the Groot DermaSurgery Centre we have two options for the reduction of hair: The Cutera CoolGlide laser and the ProWave light system are non-invasive light treatments designed to eliminate unwanted hair from all parts of the body. The Cutera CoolGlide laser generates a pulse of intense, concentrated light, directed through a small, cooled hand piece, which is gently applied to the treatment site. The ProWave utilizes the infrared light spectrum through a larger window than the CoolGlide to safely and effectively cover larger skin surfaces.

This light energy from both systems passes through the skin to the hair follicle, where the energy is absorbed by pigment in the hair and hair follicle, causing selective damage to the hair root without damaging delicate pores and structures of the skin.

What areas of the body can be treated?

Most parts of the body can be treated. In women, the most common areas for treatment are the upper lip, chin, bikini line, arms and legs, and underarms. In men, the most common areas for treatment are shoulders and back, and the beard area. We do not treat eyelashes and eyebrows, because of the potential risk of damage to the eyes by the laser light. Nor do we treat penises, as the vascularity in the penis may be compromised. The eyes are protected with special eye shields when other areas of the body are treated.

What are the benefits of laser hair reduction compared to alternative treatments?

The primary benefits of laser hair removal reduction include:

• Larger areas may be treated with less discomfort than with electrolysis, waxing or tweezing.
• The CoolGlide and ProWave combine speed, comfort and long-lasting results.
• The CoolGlide and ProWave work on any area of the body where a hair-free appearance is desired.

Shaving, waxing and depilatory creams like Nair TM, Neet TM, and Vaniqa TM are all temporary methods that must be repeated on a regular basis over time. These methods remove the hair but leave the hair follicles intact. The hair re-grows within one to four weeks in most cases.

Electrolysis like laser treatments destroys the hair follicle. The drawback is that electrolysis treats one hair at a time and is therefore limited to the treatment of small areas. It is time consuming and there is a higher risk of pigment change and scarring with electrolysis.

The CoolGlide and ProWave laser hair removal systems offer long lasting results, and even if hair does eventually grow back it is usually finer in texture and lighter in color than the original hair, and much less of a cosmetic problem.

What are the risks of laser hair reduction?

Short-term side effects may include a slight reddening of the skin or local swelling which typically lasts less than an hour, although it may infrequently last a few days. Although rare, there can be increased or decreased pigment in the treated area. This is seldom a major cosmetic problem, and generally resolves after several months. Blisters and possible scar may occur, but are also very rare.

The qualifications and training of the laser operator is important in minimizing potential problems. At the Groot DermaSurgery Centre only nurses (RN’s) certified in laser procedures perform the treatments.

Is laser hair removal permanent?

Permanent hair removal means: all the hair is gone, forever. There is no hair removal method (including laser) which can guarantee permanent hair removal.

The most realistic description of the results after laser treatment is: “long-term hair reduction”. This means that after an average of four to eight treatments, the total amount of hair is greatly reduced (generally by 70% to 90%) and the hair which does grow is often much finer and lighter in color. Most people are very pleased with this degree of improvement, as long as they know that this is what to expect before they have laser hair removal treatment.

Because lasers have only been used for hair removal for just over a decade, we do not know if the results will last forever; however, we do know that stable, long-term hair reduction commonly lasts for at least two years, and some patients who had their last treatment six or seven years ago are still enjoying a high degree of hair reduction.

Why are at least three treatment sessions usually required?

All laser and light treatments work by disabling hairs that are in their active growth cycle at the time of treatment. Hair follicles in their “dormant” phase have no hair shaft and so will not be affected by the laser. Because hair follicles cycle through “active” and “dormant” phases, additional sessions are usually desired once the “dormant” follicles become “active” and also to deal with hair follicles which were stunned but not destroyed during a previous treatment.

At any one time, 50 to 85% of hair follicles are in the active (anagen) phase but only 1/4 to 1/3 hairs have enough of the pigment in their roots to absorb enough energy from the laser beam to destroy the hair root. So, about 1/4 to 1/3 of hair roots are good targets for the laser beam, and can be damaged or destroyed in a single laser session.

Because only 1/4 to 1/3 of the actively growing pigmented hair roots are damaged or destroyed in any one session, almost all people will require a minimum of three CoolGlide or ProWave treatments to reach a satisfactory degree of hair reduction, and many people will wish to have more than three treatments. On average most people have 4 to 8 sessions.

The number of sessions will depend on:

• The desired degree of hair reduction;
• Hair color (people with naturally light colored hair sometimes require more treatments);
• Ethnic and genetic background (people with dark skin sometimes require more treatments);
• Hormonal status;
• Area being treated;
• Hair density;
• Age;
• Weight (obesity can contribute to hair growth);
• Medication (for example medicines like Dilantin and cyclosporine can increase hair growth).

Additional “touch-up” treatments on small troublesome areas can be arranged. There is no safety limit on the number of treatments a person can have.

Who is a candidate for laser hair removal?

People who have hair in unwanted areas or who have excess hair due to hormonal imbalance or medications are candidates for laser hair removal. White, naturally blonde, or red hair does not respond as well to laser treatments because there is little or no pigment in the hair root.

How does a laser hair removal treatment feel?

A laser hair removal treatment is minimally uncomfortable. Ice, a cooling gel and a cooling device attached to the laser or infrared light, are applied to cool the skin prior to the treatment to help manage the discomfort.

What does a laser hair removal treatment cost?

The cost of the treatment varies with the size of the area being treated. Please e-mail us at info@grootdermasurgery.com and tell us the area or your body you are interested in having treated, for example; upper lip or bikini and we will be happy to let you know the cost.

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