Laser Hair Removal
Laser treatment is only effective when the hair is in the active growth phase. At this time it is attached to its base, the follicle, which supplies the nutrients needed to grow. As the hair transitions to the resting phase, it retracts up from its follicle, and sits (rather uselessly) in the skin before being shed. At this stage the laser can destroy the already formed hair but it cannot reach the follicle and prevent it from regeneration another hair. At any given time approximately 20% of body hair is actively growing while the remaining 80% is in the resting phase or about to be shed. The one exception to this rule is the scalp, where the majority of hairs are actively growing. Thus, scalp hair removal, if desired, would be remarkably efficient. Unfortunately the rest of the body requires a series of treatments for optimal clearance. Treatments are usually spaced 4 to 12 weeks apart depending on the part of the body being treated. Some people require fewer treatments, and some require more. A yearly maintenance treatment is recommended to prevent any new growth, but not required.
In addition to cosmetic treatment, true medical problems can be eliminated with laser therapy. Laser Hair removal is the treatment choice for pseudofolliculitis (beard bumps) and can also be helpful in preventing pilonidal cysts (painful infected cysts in the coccyx area).
At St. Louis Skin Solutions, each patient is matched to his or her ideal laser, depending on skin type, hair density, and other factors. Unlike other centers we are not limited to one brand or type of laser due to franchising agreements. We have much more flexibility in finding optimal treatments for each patient.
Laser Hair removal takes anywhere from 15 minutes to two hours depending on the area of treatment. With the upper lip, toes or fingers time will be minimal, if full legs, back or chest are the area you are interested in the procedure will be more lengthy. During the treatment the patient may feel a slight sensations, or snapping, but the skin will be cooled as the laser passes over the skin and topical anesthetics are available to relieve any discomfort associated with the procedure.
As always Dr. Miller is always available for any questions you may have after the treatment.
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