Laser Hair Removal

References

Goldberg DJ. One-year follow-up results of hair removal using an 810 nm diode laser. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018 Oct;17(5):775-778. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12757. Epub 2018 Sep 24. PMID: 30251358.

How many hair removal treatments are required?

Everyone is different and it is just not possible to be accurate. According to a recent research article, where patients have 70% decrease in hair density after 3 sessions of 810nm laser treatment, due to the possibility of new hair follicles regrowing, to eliminate new hair follicle growth, the patient will require between 5 and 8 treatments to achieve higher percentage of hair clearance. The exact number of sessions required will vary depending on where the hair is, what has been done to the hair in the past and, of course, your individual response. Hormonal conditions, such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), will also have a significant bearing on how the treatment progresses. While hair follicle treated by laser may never grow hair again, your body can create new hair follicles and therefore there is always a chance you can have new hair coming out, depending on your genetic make up and hormonal condition.

What complications can occur?

The treatment with diode laser is considered effective and safe on all skin types. As for every other medical treatment, undesired side effects after the treatment cannot be completely excluded. Lightening of the skin or hyper-pigmentation can temporarily occur and, in very rare occasions, small scars may form. A slight erythema, particularly perifollicular erythema, can develop especially for dark, thick hair. In any case, all these effects are reversible and will disappear within a few weeks. For further information about possible side effects please ask your practitioner.

Should anyone avoid this treatment?

The hair removal treatment should be avoided by anyone who is:

Hair Removal for Women with PCOS

Hair over-growth is a common side effect of PCOS and because laser treatments do not interfere with medication or surgery, excessive hair growth can be treated at any stage of the medical treatment (with the exception of immediate post-operation where surgery is required). Hair Removal treatment using laser devices is effective for women with PCOS. However as unwanted hair growth in women is hormonally driven, until hormonal imbalances are resolved, increased hair growth may continue in spite of hair removal treatments, this means new hair can grow from newly formed follicles stimulated by hormonal change. Where for most women, hair removal may be a permanent depilation technique, for women with PCOS, hair removal is an on-going management technique. However, treatment will significantly reduce the amount of hair present and slow down re-growth.

Pre and post treatment laser hair removal guidelines

Pre treatment care:

• It is important that before receiving laser treatment you follow the recommended pre-treatment guidelines for 30 days prior to the treatment.
• Do not use sun-beds
• Do not sun bathe
• Do not use tanning cream
• For Thread Vein, Do not smoke for 4 hours before treatments.
• One day before your treatment shave any hair if in the treatment area. ( for patients who are unable to shave before their treatment will be charged additional fee per area for shaving service at the clinic)

Post treatment care:

• After any laser treatment , it is common for the area to feel slightly warm. It is also common to experience some redness, local swelling and mild tenderness.
• It is important to keep area clean and dry.
• The use of 100% Aloe Vera gel is recommended directly after treatment and for a further few days if necessary.
• A high SPF 50+ should be applied when outside for 4 weeks after treatment.


• For 48 hours immediately after procedure:
• Avoid all heat treatments such as steam rooms, saunas, hot baths, hot showers, excessive exercise.
• Avoid all perfumed creams, soaps and lotions on the treated area. Only use Aloe Vera gel.
• Do not use anti-inflammatory products for 7 days.