Mark Meyers, M.D.

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Mark Meyers, M.D.
10900 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 609
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Phone: 480.609.4853

Laser Hair Removal

What is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is a procedure in which laser light — an intense, pulsating beam of light — is used to remove unwanted hair. Laser hair removal works by passing a light beam through the skin targeting the dark pigment, called melanin, in hair. When the laser energy hits the hair follicle (where hair growth originates), the intense heat damages the hair follicle. In most cases, laser hair removal slows hair regrowth, but it takes several treatments to completely destroy the hair follicle.

Is the treatment safe?

Treatment is very safe for the skin. There are many advances in the technology we use that make it one of the safest hair removal systems available for all skin colors. There are no long term health hazards from laser or electric energies used in our machines. Both optical and radio frequency have been used for decades in medicine, surgery, and aesthetics without adversity.

How is the treatment tolerated by the patient?

Everyone has different pain tolerances but most patients are treated without topical anesthetic creams.

What results can one expect from the laser hair removal treatment?

Each treatment will result in less hair coming back, as well as hair growing progressively lighter in color, finer, and slower-growing with each treatment. It takes more than 1 treatment to affect all the follicles growing in an area. Most people achieve satisfactory clearance after 6-8 treatments, but individual results vary depending on medical and genetic factors. Lighter colored hair may require more treatments than darker colored hair.

How frequently does one need laser hair removal treatments?

The treatments are usually performed every 2-3 months, but this depends on individual factors.

What happens after each laser hair removal treatment?

Temporary pinkness in the skin lasts a very short time, and most people return to work or normal activities immediately after treatment. The treated area will “shed” some hairs over the next 2-4 weeks, and patients may experience a period of hairlessness in the area while you wait for your next treatment.

Who should get laser hair removal treatment?

Anyone who wants a permanent solution to shaving, waxing, plucking, or electrolysis. There are few medical conditions that contraindicate people from treatment.

What is the average number of treatments for laser hair removal, dark hair?

The average number of treatments is 6-8 to achieve satisfactory clearance, but some patients may require more or less. Men’s backs and chests, facial hair and hormonal hair take more than the average number of sessions, usually 8 or more.

How efficacious is the treatment?

In a study which included skin types II-V showed 35-42% clearance 3 months after a single treatment. Post treatment hair extrusion occurs around 2-3 weeks. Some hair shafts can be pulled out of the follicle immediately post-treatment without resistance, indicating disengagement from the follicle while the hair shaft is still intact (i.e. has not been singed by the laser heat)- the bi-polar RF energy effect is clearly evident.

Content © 2010 Mark Meyers, M.D.