Laser Hair Removal

How is a laser hair removal procedure performed?

Before your laser hair removal treatment, protective eye shields will be placed over your eyes to prevent injury to your corneas or retinas. The hair that will be undergoing treatment will be trimmed to a few millimeters above the skin surface. To protect the outer layers of your skin, a cold gel or a special cooling device will be used. This will also make the treatment more effective by facilitating laser light penetration through the skin. The most popular lasers for hair removal use a low-energy laser beam which will be adjusted to your skin color and to the color, thickness, and location of the hair that is to be removed. A test treatment will first be done by directing a test pulse light to the treatment area. A low-energy laser beam will pass through your skin and be absorbed by the pigment of a percentage of the active-growth hair follicles. This area will be observed to make sure that the settings are correct and to check for any adverse reactions to treatment. If the test proves successful, the low-energy laser beam is then systematically directed spot-by-spot to the areas to be treated, instantly and permanently disabling the active-growth hair follicles with each treatment. Follicles in the dormant phase are not affected by the treatment. When the procedure is completed, you may be given ice packs, cold water or anti-inflammatory creams or lotions to soothe the treated areas and diminish any discomfort. Multiple sessions are required for optimal results. Usually three to eight are needed initially, but additional treatments at later dates should be expected, especially if you have endogenous hormone secreting states or exogenous hormone use. Most surgeons recommend treatment intervals of four to eight weeks, depending on:

• Your gender, age, hair type, and hair growth pattern
• The body region being treated
• The laser or light-based device selected

What are my options?

There are a number of devices for laser hair removal. The most successful use a low-energy laser beam to disable the active growth hair follicles. The following variables affect laser or device hair removal:

• Skin color
• Hair color and thickness
• Area of the body treated
• Device type
• Wavelength and fluence used
• Spot size and pulse width
• Skin temperature and cooling
• Treatment timing

Your surgeon may use one or a combination of the following devices, depending on your skin type, hair thickness and color, the size and location of the area being treated, and the treatment timing:

• Ruby laser
• Alexandrite laser
• Diode laser
• Nd:YAG laser
• Intense pulsed light devices

Alexandrite and pulsed light devices should not be used on darker skin types or tanned patients. Diode lasers and Nd:YAG lasers may be used for these skin types. After evaluating your particular skin color and hair characteristics, your plastic surgeon will choose the option that is best suited for your particular situation.

Select a surgeon you can trust

It’s important to choose your surgeon based on:

• Education, training and certification
• Experience with laser hair removal
• Your comfort level with him or her

Members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery are experienced and qualified to perform your aesthetic procedure. Learn how to select a surgeon. After finding a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area who is experienced in performing laser hair removal, you will need to make an office appointment to set up your consultation. Generally, because of the in-depth nature of the consultation, there is a cost associated with the initial visit.

Your initial consultation appointment

During your initial consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss your cosmetic goals. Your surgeon will evaluate you as a laser hair removal candidate and clarify what a laser hair removal can do for you. Understanding your goals and medical condition, both alternative and additional treatments may be considered (see related procedures). You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your complete medical history. This will include information about:

• Previous surgeries
• Past and present medical conditions
• Allergies and current medications

Your treatment plan

Based on your goals, physical characteristics and the surgeon’s training and experience, your surgeon will share recommendations and information with you, including:

• An approach to your treatment, including the type of device(s) to be used and the number of treatments anticipated
• The outcomes that you can anticipate
• Your financial investment for the procedure
• Associated risks and complications
• Treatment location options
• What you need to prepare for your treatment
• What you can expect to experience after treatment
• Show before and after photos of cases similar to yours and answer any questions

Questions to ask your aesthetic plastic surgeon

It is important for you to take an active role in your treatment, so please use this list of questions as a starting point for your initial consultation.

• Am I a good candidate for laser hair removal?
• Are the results I am seeking reasonable and realistic?
• Do you have before-and-after photos I can look at for the procedure I am undergoing?
• What will be the costs associated with my treatment?
• What will you expect of me to get the best results?
• What kind of recovery period can I expect, and when can I resume normal activities?
• What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?
• How are complications handled?
• What are my options if the cosmetic outcome of my treatment does not meet the goals we agreed on?

How do I prepare for a laser hair removal procedure?

Your surgeon will provide you with pretreatment instructions and answer any questions that you may have. In advance of your procedure, your surgeon will ask you to:

• Wear sunscreen and/or avoid the sun
• Use a bleaching cream if you have darker skin
• Avoid pretreatment plucking, waxing, or electrolysis
• Stop smoking at least six weeks before undergoing treatment to promote better healing
• Avoid taking aspirin, certain anti-inflammatory drugs, and some herbal medications that can cause increased bleeding
• Regardless of the type of surgery to be performed, hydration is very important before and after treatment for safe recovery

What can I expect on the day of laser hair removal? Laser hair removal is performed on an outpatient basis. A topical anesthetic gel may be applied before treatment, and skin cooling during the procedure will help keep you comfortable. In most cases, you should experience minimal pain and may feel a slight stinging sensation during the procedure. Most laser hair removal procedures take fifteen to thirty minutes; however, a longer time period may be required, depending on the area being treated.

• Your surgeon will follow the treatment plan discussed with you.
• After your procedure is completed, you will be able to return home and resume your normal activities.

In most cases you may return to work and other daily activities immediately following your treatment. After the procedure, you will receive detailed instructions about your post-treatment care, including information about:

• Skin care
• Normal symptoms you will experience
• Potential signs of complication

It is important that you follow all patient care instructions provided by your surgeon. Your surgeon will also provide detailed instructions about the normal symptoms you will experience and any potential signs of complications. Immediately following laser hair removal Immediately after treatment you will have smoother skin and a reduction in the number of hairs in the treated area. You may notice redness or minor skin irritation after the treatment, but this usually resolves quickly. You may need to use specially formulated skin care products and/or a prescribed skin care regimen. Sunscreen is a ‘must’ on any treated areas that are exposed. You should contact your surgeon if your skin redness and irritation persists to see if there is a problem that needs to be treated. Week two to eight You may notice an increase in hair growth in the treated area as dormant hair follicles that were not affected by the earlier laser treatment enter their active growing phase. Most surgeons recommend follow-up treatment intervals of approximately 4 to 8 weeks.

Hair removal is permanent but it may take as many as three to eight different sessions to ensure that all active-growth hair follicles have been satisfactorily removed. Maintain a relationship with your aesthetic plastic surgeon For safety, as well as the most beautiful and healthy outcome, it’s important to return to your plastic surgeon’s office for follow-up evaluation at prescribed times and whenever you notice any changes in the treatment areas. Do not hesitate to contact your surgeon when you have any questions or concerns.

The cost of laser hair removal varies from doctor to doctor and from one geographic area to another. Costs are also related to the area of the body being treated, whether a small area on the face as compared to the legs or back. Because multiple treatment sessions are required for optimal results many surgeons will provide package pricing for specific body regions. These numbers only reflect the physician/surgeon fees last year and do not include fees for the surgical facility, anesthesia, medical tests, prescriptions, surgical garments or other miscellaneous costs related to this procedure. Laser hair removal is elective procedure; therefore, insurance does not cover these costs. Many surgeons offer patient financing plans to make the procedure more affordable. Choose your surgeon based on quality, training, and experience—not cost. See why ASAPS members are widely recognized for upholding the highest standards in the area of aesthetic plastic surgery by viewing their basic credentials, training, and certifications.

Fortunately, significant complications from laser hair removal are infrequent. Your specific risks for laser hair removal will be discussed during your consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Some of the potential complications of all surgeries are:

• Adverse reaction to anesthesia
• Hematoma or seroma (an accumulation of blood or fluid under the skin that may require removal)
• Infection and bleeding
• Changes in sensation
• Scarring
• Allergic reactions
• Damage to underlying structures
• Unsatisfactory results that may necessitate additional procedures

Other risks specific to laser hair removal are outlined below:

• Skin blistering
• Changes in skin color and/or texture
• Increased hair growth
• Eye injury

You can help minimize certain risks by following the advice and instructions of your board-certified plastic surgeon, both before and after your laser hair removal treatment.

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