Laser Hair Reduction
Many patients have excess facial or body hair they would like to “permanently” reduce without the use of waxing, creams, tweezing, or electrolysis. With the Sciton® laser technology we can reduce the amount hair from almost any place on the body. Treatments are quick, safe and do not damage normal skin.
How laser hair reduction works
Laser or light energy is selectively absorbed by the melanin in hair follicles and converted into heat, injuring stem cells in the bulb of the hair follicle. Effective hair reduction can only be achieved during the active growth phase and hair reduction is considered permanent when a significant amount of hair does not return for a period of time longer than the complete growth cycle.
Important considerations
Patients must realize that laser is a medical treatment that must be performed in accordance with proper procedure to avoid serious complications. It is very important that the patient give a complete and full medical history. Pregnant patients cannot be treated with laser due to legal considerations. Certain other patients need to be carefully evaluated before treatment to decide if treatment is advisable.
How is it performed
A test area is treated first. If there is no adverse reaction, treatment will follow. A system for cooling your skin will be used to remove heat as it leaves the follicles and should ensure a comfortable treatment. Sensitive patients may use an anesthetic cream to deaden the sensation prior to treatment. Treatment time will depend upon the area to be treated. Large body areas take longer.
How many treatments are needed
Hair grows in cycles. Only a portion of hair is growing at any given time, and only actively growing hair can be destroyed with laser treatments. This means that the area will need to be treated at intervals for complete hair reduction. Usually four to six treatments are needed but some areas or skin types will need more.
