Laser Hair Removal Treatment, LuminaSkin San Mateo

On the day of treatment, the area should be clean and free of cosmetics. A topical anesthetic cream may be applied prior to treatment. Most lasers have a cooling device in the form of a cool gel, refrigerant spray, or water-cooled contact piece that lessens the patient's discomfort. The device should protect the skin from excessive heating as well as the potential of skin darkening or lightening. Everyone in the room must wear protective eyewear during the laser procedure.

In general, three or more treatments are required at each site to achieve permanent hair growth reduction. Darker hair responds best to the laser, while lighter hair (white, gray, or red) is less responsive. Topical medications can be used in an effort to increase the receptiveness of lighter hair to the laser treatment.

The laser pulses feel like the snapping of a rubber band or warm pinpricks against the skin. Ideally, the immediate response is vaporization of the hair shaft. Slight swelling and redness around the hair follicles appear within a few minutes. Ice packs may be applied to the skin following treatment, and over-the-counter pain relief medicine may be taken as needed before and after treatment. If localized blistering occurs, a topical antibiotic ointment is applied once or twice daily until healed. A mild topical steroid cream may be applied to reduce swelling and redness. Patients are instructed to avoid sun-exposure and to use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with SPF 30 after the laser treatments. Cosmetics may be applied to the treated skin.

Source: American Academy of Dermatology.