Hair Removal
Many patients have unwanted body hair due to heredity, hormone changes, and/or drug therapy. Among the many methods of hair removal, only electrolysis and pulsed light therapy offer a more permanent solution to hair removal. Pulsed light treatment is more efficient, less painful, and faster than electrolysis. Areas of the body commonly treated, include the face, underarms, bikini area, legs, back, chest and abdomen. Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery takes care of both hair removal for men and hair removal for women.
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PROCEDURE
The skin care procedure removes unwanted hair by delivering a pulse of intense light directly into the hair follicles. The light is absorbed by the pigment in the follicles and converted to heat. The heat then loosens the hair and disables the cells responsible for growing new hair. The treatment only works on those follicles that are actively producing hair at the time of treatment. Since hair grows in cycles, areas require repeated sessions to treat those follicles not actively producing hair at the initial treatment.
Most patients experience a slight stinging sensation. Ice and/or Aloe Vera gel are applied to alleviate discomfort. For more sensitive areas, a topical anesthetic may be used. Most areas usually require 3 to 5 treatments, usually 4-6 weeks apart depending on the area being treated.
RECOVERY
Immediately after treatment, the area may be slightly red and feel similar to a mild sunburn. The hairs will push out in about 2 weeks. Sports and strenuous exercise should be avoided for a few days following treatment. Treatment is not recommended for anyone with a tan. All sun exposure should be avoided before, during and after treatment sessions.
RESULTS
Most patients seeking the removal of unwanted hair may be a candidate for pulsed light hair removal therapy. However, some medical conditions contraindicate the use of lasers. These include, but aren’t limited to herpes, lupus, pregnancy, and melanoma. Some of the most dramatic results have been with patients with ingrown hairs (razor bumps). Hair of all colors (except white) responds to pulsed light treatment. Hair of all thicknesses can also be successfully treated from the fine hairs found on the upper lip to the thick hairs typical of the bikini area.
