Are laser hair removal treatments really effective at taking care of unwanted hair?
Posted August 21, 2017
A.S. FROM PITTSBURGH ASKS: Some of my friends have had laser hair removal in the past and yet still have hairs that will reappear. Are laser hair removal treatments really effective at taking care of unwanted hair? Is it something you must maintain over time or do some people simply have more successful results?
DR. ANTIMARINO:
Thank you so much for your question. We are excited about educating our patients on current laser treatments and adding this new technology to our Medi Spa services.
Our new Aerolase laser is very effective in treating unwanted hair. Realistic expectations should be discussed prior to beginning treatment. According to industry standards, an outcome of 80% or more after 6 treatments is an excellent result.
Hair length upon arrival for treatment should be after 1-2 days of not shaving for best results. Lasers work best with dark, coarse hair because the laser can target the pigment found in the hair shaft. White or gray hair does not attract the laser wave therefore they are not treated as effectively. Due to the lifecycle of hair, which is approximately a 6-week duration, the best results have been found with 4- 8 treatment sessions that occur 4-6 weeks apart. The treatment interval will depend on the body part being treated. Some patients may require a touchup treatment over time to remove any hairs that may resurface.
Patients may have different results following their treatments because of hormonal conditions, medical issues or insufficient melanin in the hair follicles. Patients should discuss their medical history with their provider and follow the progression of treatment throughout the hair removal process.
