Laser and light sources produce a bright beam of light that is preferentially absorbed by melanin (the pigment in hair) and causes damage to the hai shaft and follicle without damaging the surrounding tissue. The dark terminal hair is either removed or replaced with a vellus (fine, light colored hair).

Because the physicians at Cherry Hill Laser & Skin Care Center utilize several hair removal lasers, we are able to treat patients with all skin types, even those with the darkest skin. The determination of skin type is made using the Fitzpatrick classification chart. All areas of the body can be treated. Laser hair removal is very popular with men as well as women.

Whereas shaving, tweezing, depilatories and waxing are all temporary, laser hair removal offers a permanent method to remove unwanted hair. Side effects of waxing include the potential for allergic reactions, burns, ingrown hairs and scarring. Waxing can also be quite painful. Depilatories can cause skin irritation and burns and must be performed weekly. Plucking and tweezing are impractical for large areas, can be painful and may lead to pigmentation problems and scarring, especially in patients with darker skin.

Depending on the density of hair, hair color and hormonal factors, the number of treatments required varies from 4-8, spaced 4-6 weeks apart for the face and 6-8 weeks apart for the torso and legs. With each treatment there is a cumulative damage to the hair follicle and this results in a progressive reduction in the number and diameter of the hairs regrowing. There are also several stages of hair growth and hairs in the active growth phase are more responsive to the laser. Both of these facts explain why multiple treatment sessions are required.

The FDA has cleared Lasers for permanent reduction of unwanted hair and the results are excellent. Though no one can guarantee complete and permanent removal of unwanted hair, we can assure you that laser hair removal is the most advanced and effective procedure today and patients are extremely content with the results.

The ideal candidate is a patient with light skin and coarse, dark hair but due to recent developments and the latest technology we can achieve great results in patients with darker skin as well. For these patients, specialized lasers must be utilized, the most advanced of which is the Vantage 1064 Nd:YAG and the Lumenis Lightsheer Diode.

Laser hair removal is tolerated quite well. Patients describe the sensation to be similar to the snap of a warm rubber band. The two most popular hair removal devices at CHLSCC are the Lightsheer 810 Diode and Vantage 1064 Nd:YAG lasers. Both of these lasers use Saphire Window Cooling which precedes and follows the laser pulse, precooling the skin and making the treatment comfortable.

Permanent complications are quite rare from Laser hair removal. Temporary skin darkening (hyperpigmentation) can occur, especially in those with darker skin tones and those with tanned skin, but this side effect is uncommon if specialized lasers for darker skin are utilized. Make sure the physician is using one of these lasers if you meet these criteria. Hypopigmentation (lightening of skin color) is a rare complication of laser hair removal and would be more common if tanned skin was treated with a non-specialized laser. The risk of scarring with Laser or Light Source Hair Removal is quite rare. The more experienced the physician who is performing the procedure, the safer it is. Beware of physicians who ‘dabble’ and provide laser hair removal in a gynecology or family practice office on a sporadic basis.

All areas of the body, including face, neck, underarms, bikini line, legs, back and ears can be treated. Eyebrows should not be shaped with the laser but the area in between the eyebrows can be treated.

Immediately after the procedure, the treated area may appear minimally red in color. This reaction generally subsides within minutes to hours. Ice compresses can hasten the resolution of the redness, if necessary. It is not necessary to put antibacterial cream on after the procedure. Sun avoidance is advised after laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal (photoepilation) is not effective for individuals with light blond, grey or silver hair. Laser Hair Removal is very effective for problematic ingrown hairs.

No. It is preferable for hair to be short, no more than 1-2 mm (1-2 days growth) at the time of the procedure. Hair can be clipped or shaved prior to the treatment but waxing or plucking is avoided for 1-2 weeks prior to the treatment to enhance effectiveness. It is essential that back hair be shaved one to two days prior to treatment.

There are several types of systems used for hair removal including the alexandrite, diode and ND/YAG lasers, as well as the intense pulsed light systems. Several companies make lasers and the lasers vary in terms of cooling methods, treatment spot sizes and also comfort and treatment times. Be sure to ask about specifics of the laser or light system that will be utilized for treatment. A facility should OWN several systems so they can tailor a treatment plan specific to your needs. Beware of physicians who rent lasers, for any purpose. This is a red flag that suggests a lack of commitment to the field and lack of expertise.

Many men come for laser hair removal. The back and shoulders are the most common area of treatment, though they also treat the chest, abdomen, ears and neck. It is important for men to have their back shaved either the day prior to, or the morning of the treatment. The goal of therapy for some guys is to thin the hair out, rahter than to remove all the hair. The wide array of hair removal lasers at CHLSCC works well for a man's back as it is not uncommon for us to use several different lasers during a man's treatment program.

Excessive hair growth may be caused by abnormal male type hormone levels (androgens) and though other symptoms like abnormal periods and acne might be present, sometimes they are not.