Myths and Facts about Laser Hair Removal

2007-11-28T12:54:00.000-08:00

Laser hair removal and reduction is the most common laser procedure performed and is expected to continue to grow as the public becomes more knowledgeable in its benefits as an alternative to waxing or other forms of hair removal.

Unfortunately, there are still misconceptions and myths about laser hair removal and some of these misconceptions are actually being promoted by those in the industry that are carrying out these treatments.

Myths Surrounding Laser Hair Removal/Reduction:
*Myth #1 - All of your hair will be permanently gone forever.

It is inaccurate and non-factual to suggest that lasers will remove all hair permanently. If a facility wants to guarantee that the hair will never grow back once treated - you may want to have that in writing or, better yet, find a more reputable facility. The body has an amazing way of wanting to regenerate itself and this includes hair as well. What is factual and evidenced-based is that a good portion of the hair treated will respond well. Most practitioners will advise that a minimal standard is 70% hair reduction to the treated areas. How many treatments this will take will depend on the individual, hormones, type of hair, and areas being treated.
In our experience (and many of those in the industry) 20% will obtain greater than 90% hair reduction, 5% will achieve greater than 90% hair reduction, and approximately 5% are considered non-responders. What can be said with confidence is that most people will receive hair in many areas that has been permanently removed. To indicate this concept, many in our area of practice will use the term "permanent laser hair reduction."

*Myth #2 - My gray, blond, and white hair will be treatable with lasers.

This is incorrect. Because the laser looks for the pigment in the hair to find its way into the hair follicle, there is not enough or no pigment at all in these types of hair.
This may also apply to light red hair as well. Remember, the hair works like a candle wick in sending the energy to the root - thus the need for pigment to be attracted to.
This is a good reason why people should consider this form of treatment BEFORE the hair turns gray or white.

*Myth #3 - Only light-skinned patients will get good results.

Most of you have heard that light - skinned people with dark hair get the best results because of the contrast between the two. Because technology has progressed considerably, this is not necessarily true anymore. We now have lasers that are called long-pulsed Nd:Yag lasers that are very safe and effective for all skin types including those with very dark skin.

*Myth #4 - There is absolutely no discomfort with laser hair removal.

For those people that have undergone these treatments, they will tell you differently!
There are some newer lasers being marketed as completely pain-free. We have spoken with patients that have undergone treatments with these new "pain-free" lasers and they have told us differently. Of course, much will depend on each person's threshold; however, to suggest there is absolutely no discomfort is very misleading. If you understand the concept that enough heat/thermal energy is being used to effectively destroy the hair follicle - then one will understand that there is a certain level of discomfort involved in that process. The majority of patients will tell you that the benefits outweigh the discomfort. Also, most facilities will offer lidocaine numbing cream if needed. Always follow the instructions if using numbing cream.

How does laser hair removal/reduction work?
Class IV medical lasers use thermal/heat energy that is delivered to a very specific target to get the desired results. In this case, the desired result is destroying the hair follicle. The lasers are designed to seek out the pigment in the hair rather than the skin/epidermis.

Does it matter which laser is used on me for laser hair removal?
Absolutely. Although there are many different lasers in the industry with many names - the technology basically remains the same. The most commonly used lasers are the diode and long-pulsed Yag lasers. Depending on your skin type, one of these lasers will be appropriate. Generally, the darker the skin type - the more risk involved inasmuch as the pigment in the skin may now compete for the laser energy. To avoid this and minimize risks, a long-pulsed Yag laser is an excellent option because it is designed to bypass the melanin in the skin/epidermis and seek out the pigment in the hair. For light to medium skin types, the Diode laser works well - especially if the hair is medium to fine in texture.

*Who should be performing laser hair removal treatments?
In the state of California - one must be a registered nurse, a medical doctor , or a licensed advanced practice practitioner in the medical field to operate these class IV medical lasers. Equally important is that the person performing the procedure is trained and knowledgeable regarding skin types and proper settings.

*How many treatments will laser hair removal take for good results?
A lot depends on location on the body (each part of the body has a distinct hair growth cycle), type of hair (coarse vs fine texture), hormonal levels, and treatment cycle. The standard in the industry is to expect 6-8 treatments for optimal results. It may take less or more depending on the variable, but this is the general rule of thumb.

*Why does hair growth cycle matter?
The hair growth cycle is referred to as the "anagen phase." This is the ideal time frame wherein hair follicles may be effectively destroyed by the laser energy. Although the hair is still being treated with laser energy each and every visit - the key is to capture more hair in this window of opportunity. When the hair is not in the anagen phase, it will still grow back but will be softer, thinner, and a slower growth rate. This is why it is extremely important to keep timely visits as this is how the anagen phase is determined. A lack of compliance to the treatment plan may directly affect your results. Most treatments are rendered every 6 to 8 weeks. Although this may seem like a long time between visits, it will offer more efficacy.

*Why should price not be the only reason for why I choose a laser hair removal facility?
Shopping around for the cheapest price is inviting trouble. Although cost is an important factor - it shouldn't take the place of safety. Do your research and rely on
an organization that is well-established and did not spring up over night on the corner or in the local mall. Besides safety, results is an obvious important factor when finding the right practitioner.

*How do I find the right facility to perform laser hair removal?
Do your research by asking friends. If this is not an option, do your research on the internet. Find an organization that is established enough to have a website with detailed information. When calling or scheduling a consultation, make certain that they have the right lasers for your skin type.

*Who is not appropriate for laser hair removal?
- Those with unrealistic expectations
- Those who are unable to be committed to the treatment plan.
- Those who cannot refrain from waxing, plucking, tweezing, etc. during the treatment plan inasmuch as this will have a negative effect on your results.
- Those on photosensitizing medications and/or Accutane use within the last 6 months.
- Those with gray, blond, white, very light red hairs. If there is darker hair mixed in with these lighter colors - they may be very treatable.

* If hormonal levels are affecting my hair growth, will laser hair removal be a good option for me?
Absolutely. For example, menopausal women will experience increased facial hair or those diagnosed with polycystic ovarian disease. Needless to say, having your medical doctor rule out and/or treat a hormonal imbalance is first and foremost. However, your best option is to still treat the facial hair as this is a significant cosmetic concern for many.

*Which areas on the body can be treated for laser hair removal?
Almost anywhere on the body can be treated. There are many facilities that will not laser the genitalia as this poses a much higher risk. It is also unsafe to laser below the eyebrow area in the periorbital area - goggles worn by the patient should never be moved to do this. Keep in mind that some areas of the body are more challenging to treat with lasers than other areas.

*Do men seek laser hair removal as well as women?
Yes. It is very, very common for men to have treatments for their chests, stomachs, backs, and other areas. Their concerns are very similar to those of our female patients.

*I just want to thin out my hair - is laser hair removal a good option for me?
NO. This is a common misunderstanding especially with males coming to us for a consultation. The lasers cannot selectively choose to thin out hair by treating only some and not affecting others. The goals is to remove the hair - not thin it out.

*What questions should I ask when doing research or having a consultation?
- Who will be doing the treatments and how are they trained?
- Which laser(s) will be used to treat me and why are these effective and safe?
- Do you have experience treating my skin type?
- What expectations and goals should I have?
- What are the risks associated with the lasers that I'll be treated with?
- What will the lasers feel like?
- How many treatments do you expect it will take?
- What is the cost of the treatment?

Laser hair removal is an excellent option for long-term results - as evidenced by this being the most sought after laser treatment in the industry. The key is to find a reputable facility that is able to offer safety and effectiveness at a competitive cost.
The time you take to do your research will be a valuable investment.

Lori Haney, RN
Nurse Educator, Laser Safety Officer
Celibre Medical, www.celibre.com

Laser Hair Removal Los Angeles

Myths and Facts about Laser Hair Removal