Laser hair removal update

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Lasers have been successfully used to reduce unwanted hair for over a decade. Dr Lupo has been offering this service in her office since 1999. It remains one of the most popular treatments by both men and women. Laser hair reduction works by the principle of photothermolysis. The pigment deep in the hair follicle is the target. The laser light energy is selectively absorbed by this pigment and this absorption results in a conversion of light energy into heat energy. This heat damages the follicle permanently and the hair stops growing from that follicle.

Anything that improves the selective absorption of the laser energy by the targeted hair follicle will improve the result and damage more follicles with fewer treatments and at less energy. Some of the things that help are suction to blanch the skin and bring the follicle closer to the surface and another is not being tanned. Having the patient not recently pluck or wax will insure that the follicle contains a hair and more heat will be generated. Finally, by shaving the patient immediately prior to the laser session, there will be no hair on the surface to absorb energy, compete with the follicular hair, or cause a surface burn. Contrary to urban myth, shaving does not increase or thicken existing hair.

Laser hair reduction does not work well on white or fine hairs since not enough heat is absorbed by these poor targets. It is best to get laser hair reduction before the hairs turn gray and while you are young enough to enjoy the life-long benefits of being hair-free. Men typically elect to have back hair removed, but it is also popular in men with ingrown facial and neck hairs. Women like to have the bikini, under arms and legs done, and of course, any unwanted facial hair as well. Because hair grows in cycles and only follicles with an actively growing hair can be damaged, multiple sessions are required. The number of sessions can vary widely from 3-4 in a fair person with darker hair, to 10-12 for patients with darker skin and heavy facial hair. The age of patients is from 12-80.