The area to be treated should be clean and dry. Again, depending on the laser or light source, either a cold gel or a special cooling device will be used to protect the outer layers of the skin. This also helps the laser light penetrate further into the skin. Many of these cooling devices are now part of the laser itself, and you will feel the cold when the laser is applied to the skin. The operator will then give a pulse of light to the treatment area and should then observe the area for several minutes to determine if the optimal parameters were used. They will also look to see that there are no adverse effects prior to continuing the procedure. When the procedure is finished, it is common for the area treated to have some redness and some accentuation of the hair follicles themselves. This is “normal,” and should disappear over the next 12-24 hours, in most cases. At the conclusion of the procedure, most will have ice applied to the area treated, and some may use some special aloe gels or anti-inflammatory creams, lotions, or water to relieve any discomfort to the area.

Hair before

Hair after 1 treatment

Most individuals will be scheduled for another treatment 4-6 weeks later and the procedure will be repeated until hair growth has been eliminated. At each successive laser hair removal procedure, less hair should be found in the treatment area. Treatments will be resumed at a point in the future when, and if, hair growth occurs again necessitating further therapy.

COMPLICATIONS THAT CAN OCCUR

As with any laser treatment, complications can occur with laser hair removal. Both the physician and the patient must be aware that they may occur and be able to identify them and treat them appropriately. With laser hair removal, redness and swelling of the hair follicle, known medically as erythema and perifollicular edema, are “normal” events seen with most laser hair removal procedures. On occasion, pain and discomfort will occur with laser hair removal – most of this can be easily treated with over-the-counter pain medicines. Excessive pain during the procedure, especially during successive laser hair removal procedures, should be brought to the laser technician’s attention immediately, so laser settings may be adjusted. Other adverse events, although rare, are seen and should be reported immediately to the physician in charge. These include blisters and burns, which can occur with every one of the devices on the market, and especially if there is a recent history of sun exposure or if one goes into the sun immediately after the procedure. Patients should be advised to avoid direct sun exposure for at least one week following all laser hair removal procedures. Blisters and burns, although rare, do occur, and on occasion, will lead to either too much or too little pigment remaining in the skin, conditions known as hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. And even rarer, true scarring results, with raised red scars known as hypertrophic scars and keloids.