Download Hair Removal FAQ`s

Hair Removal FAQ'S
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Dark pigment (melanin) in the hair attracts and absorbs the energy emitted by the laser.
The hair is vaporized immediately, and if in its “active” phase, the papilla is destroyed and
the follicle will stop making hair permanently.
Hair grows in three phases: the active phase, the mature phase and the dormant phase.
In the active phase the part of the papilla, which is the part of the hair follicle that actually
generates the hair is present. In the mature phase, the hair has stopped growing and the
papilla has disappeared, and the dormant phase is when the follicle is preparing to shed
the old hair (exfoliation) and cycle back to the active growth phase. Because of these
phases, patients will need 5-7 sessions that are approximately 4-8 weeks apart in order to
catch each follicle in the active growth phase if they are to achieve ‘permanent’ hair
removal.
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
The goal of this treatment is improvement not perfection. There will be some hair left at the
end of the treatments. The amount of hair that is remaining will be relative to the fluence
(energy) that the client can tolerate, the colour, the amount and the location of the hair that
is being treated.
The average loss of hair at the end of consecutive sessions is 70-95% less hair. Up to 20%
of the population do not respond to any laser or light treatments. This cannot be determined
until after the second treatment.
With time, typical skin will grow new hair from new follicles that have never been active.
This occurs throughout normal life changes, maturation, aging and normal hormonal cycles
for both men and women. Therefore, even after a thorough and effective series of laser
treatments, occasional long-term maintenance may be required to treat this new growth.
What's Required for Optimal results?
Optimal results typically require 5-7 visits.
Hair grows in 3 phases...
1) The active growth phase – the part of the follicle (papilla) that actually generates the hair
is present and is growing a hair.
2) The mature phase – when the hair has stopped growing and the papilla has disappeared.
3) The dormant phase – the follicle is preparing to “shed” the old hair (exfoliation) and cycle
back to the active growth phase. On average, a hair follicle will cycle through the phases
every 4-12 weeks depending on which part of the body the hair is growing.
1851 Grant Ave Phone: (204) 885.1419 Fax: (204) 885.1552
Toll Free: 1.866.379.7919 Web: www.thefirstglance.ca Email: [email protected]
Anthony P. Lockwood, MD FRCSC
When dark hair is treated, it is always vaporized regardless of the phase it’s in. However,
the follicle itself will stop making hair only if treated during the active growth phase – when
it is vulnerable - because the laser energy destroys the papilla. Therefore, the patient must
return for 5-7 repeat visits approximately 4-8 weeks apart until every follicle is caught in
the active growth phase.
It is important to realize that it is the pigment in the hair that absorbs the laser energy,
therefore darker hair will absorb more energy which is the key to vaporizing the hair and
destroying the papilla. Thicker hair also will absorb more energy. Patients with very light,
white, gray, red or blond hair are not candidates for this treatment.
Does it hurt?
In one pulse, a tiny fraction of a second-long, the laser remove hair on a patch of skin the
size of a quarter. The sensation is like plucking hair, or a rubber-band snap on your skin.
Our lasers incorporate state-of-the-art integrated cooling systems that cool down the skin
minimizing any discomfort. Patients unanimously report that the treatment is a “piece of
cake” compared to waxing.
Are there any side effects to laser hair removal?
Studies and experience with this technology have shown these to have some potential
complications and side effects.
-
10-20% chance of developing hypo and/or hyperpigmentation
Purpura, blistering, and crusting
Pimples
Redness and swelling
Although complications are very rare it is very important that in the event of any of the
above developing the client MUST contact the doctor/technician immediately.
Darker hair vs. lighter hair
The pigment in the hair is the substance that actually absorbs laser energy. Thus, the
darker the hair, the more laser energy it will absorb which is the key to vaporizing the hair
and destroying the papilla. Additionally, the thicker the hair, the more laser energy it will
absorb. Think of the hair shaft like a lightening rod, the thicker the rod, the more electricity
it can absorb. Therefore, thick jet-black hair is easiest to remove. Patients with very light,
white, gray, red or blond hair are not candidates for this treatment.
Can these treatments be done on any skin colour?
The best candidate for laser hair reduction is a person with lighter skin and darker hair.
This treatment can be preformed on people with dark skin with the understanding that the
side effects mentioned may occur and they will need 8-12 treatments due the lower energy
that we would have to use to lessen then chance's of the side effects.
1851 Grant Ave Phone: (204) 885.1419 Fax: (204) 885.1552
Toll Free: 1.866.379.7919 Web: www.thefirstglance.ca Email: [email protected]
Anthony P. Lockwood, MD FRCSC
Before Hair Removal Instructions
1) Do Not wax,tweeze, sugar or receive electrolysis on the target area for 3-4 weeks prior
to treatment.
2) DO NOT tan or use self tanners for 4-6 weeks before treatments. Tanned skin will
absorb too much energy and more than likely cause burns and/or blisters. If you come for a
treatment with a suspected tan you will be turned away.
3) Do shave or trim the target area the day of or night before your treatment. Visible
stubble may cause burns and/or blisters as the hair will be heated above the surface before
reaching the skin. If the target area is covered with longer hair, such as on a man’s back or
chest, clip the area first to reduce razor burn. If the hair is not shaved or trimmed prior to
treatment you will be turned away
4) Do make sure that you are not taking any medications that might make you sensitive to
light. (Photosensitivity) Check with your physician first.
5) Do wash the target area prior to treatment, in order to remove all perfumes, oils,
deodorants, skin-creams, antiperspirants and cosmetics, etc.
After Hair Removal Instructions
1) Expect a little pink/red “puffiness” and small bumps like “goose bumps” (follicular
edema) immediately after the treatment. The area may feel as if it was sun burned. These
symptoms should subside within a few hours. (2-3 days at most)
2) In darker skin types hyper-pigmentation can occur, which is a natural reaction in which
the melanocytes in the skin have been stimulated to produce extra melanin. This is
essentially a dark tan, is temporary and will fade with time. In rare cases crusting and
peeling may occur.
3) Do not wax,tweeze, sugar or receive electrolysis on the target area during the course of
your laser treatments. These will reduce the effectiveness of your treatments by removing
hairs (and their papillas) in their active growth phase before they can be treated with the
laser. Shaving with an electric shaver or razor blades is OK.
4) Approximately 1-3 weeks after treatment, treated hair will push its way out of the skin to
eventually fall out (Exfoliation). It may even seem that the hair is growing. Don’t worry, the
hair is “dead” and is simply being pushed “over board” by healthy skin doing some house
cleaning.
5) Gently rubbing your skin with a washcloth during a hot shower will assist this exfoliation
process.
1851 Grant Ave Phone: (204) 885.1419 Fax: (204) 885.1552
Toll Free: 1.866.379.7919 Web: www.thefirstglance.ca Email: [email protected]
Anthony P. Lockwood, MD FRCSC