Laser Hair Removal
Who is a Candidate?
Women and men over the age of 18 (unless accompanied by a parent), who have unwanted facial or body hair which is darker than their skin colour are good candidates.Intended Results
In practice no laser destroys every hair follicle. Some follicles are destroyed, others are miniaturized into fine hairs, and others are shocked into prolonged dormancy. True “permanent hair removal” can ultimately be achieved, but not for every single hair in a given area. Results can vary from 50 to 90% reduction and are dependent on a number of factors including hair colour and coarseness, skin colour, hair density, and treatment area. Multiple treatments are needed and the best interval between sessions depends on the hair cycle growth patterns in that area of the body. Most people are very pleased with this degree of improvement, as long as they are told what to expect before they have laser hair removal treatments.Procedure Description
After a thorough consultation and patch test, for certain darker skin individuals, a starting treatment date is determined.A cold gel is applied to the treatment area and the chilled contact lens of the laser hand piece is placed on the skin. The laser light is pulsed for a fraction of a second. The light and energy emitted by the laser is selectively absorbed by the pigment in your hair follicle. The duration of this pulse is sufficient to disable the follicle but not long enough to overheat the surrounding skin. The laser pulses as it glides over the entire area. The sensation compares to the snapping of an elastic band on your skin. Options to make your treatment as comfortable as possible include topical anaesthetic applied one hour prior to each appointment and external cooling during treatment.
Recuperation and healing:
After your treatment your skin may be red and puffy and feel as if you have mild sunburn. This reaction subsides quickly and it is possible to return to normal activities right after treatment. A stubble or growth may appear in the days or weeks after treatment but this is the old hair from the follicle and will fall away from the skin with gentle rubbing. The area must be protected from sun exposure for one week and sunscreen should be worn for two months.Other reactions are possible but rare and our number one priority is your safety. Patients are well educated on how they can participate to help reduce risk and our policy for problems, should they occur, includes same day appointments, medical attention and follow-up with Dr. Copeland.