How many treatments are necessary and how far apart
are the treatments? The laser only affects
hair follicles that are in an active growing phase.
Other follicles are in a dormant stage without hair
and cannot be treated. When these follicles develop
into an active phase, they will be responsive to
additional treatments. It usually takes about 6
weeks for the hair to grow back so treatments are
about 6 to 8 weeks apart.
Does treatment
hurt? The laser pulse feels like the snap
of an elastic band and lasts only a fraction of
a second. An anaesthetic cream can be used before
the treatment to numb the area. Since many hairs
are treated with one pulse, a treatment session
may last only minutes, depending on the size of
the area being treated.
Is treatment
permanent? Laser hair removal offers long-term
reduction of hair. Some hairs cannot be eliminated
entirely and the treatment cannot prevent new hairs
from growing with future aging. After 5 to 8 treatments,
patients can expect about 70 to 90% hair reduction
that should last for more than 2 years. The remaining
hair is finer and lighter in colour. Since this
treatment has only been used for the last 8 years
or so, it is not known exactly how long hair reduction
will last.
What areas
can be treated? Almost any area can be
treated. The most popular areas to be treated in
women are the face, underarms and bikini area, and
men commonly treat their backs and chest.
What should
be done before a treatment? Other methods
of hair removal such as waxing, plucking or electrolysis
should be avoided for 6 weeks prior to laser hair
removal. Tanning should be avoided. The areas to
be treated should be shaved the day before treatment.
Wait at least 6 months after taking AccutaneTM
before having this treatment.
What should
be done after a treatment? Skin may be
red and slightly swollen for a few hours after treatment.
Wash gently. Shaving is permitted as the hair grows
in but avoid waxing, plucking or electrolysis. Avoid
tanning in between treatments.
