4 important secrets people need to know about Laser Hair Removal

Yesterday Hermina, Erin, our client Katherine and myself, had a fascinating discussion about Lasers.

Katherine is a nurse and laser specialist at Dr John Vartanians'  office. She regularly performs laser hair removal. During our conversation we discovered four important truths about lasers that are still not well known.

Here is your inside scoop:

Lasers and Laser Hair Removal, 

Important Truths You Need To Know

Laser Hair Removal

One little understood fact is that laser hair removal is actually laser hair REDUCTION. It dramatically reduces hair but it cannot guarantee that ALL the hair will be gone. 

Hair Color and Laser Hair Reduction

Most people know that it works on dark hair. It focuses on the dark pigment in the hair follicle, it uses e pigment to conduct the laser energy to the follicle. Because it works on dark pigment this is why it's not recommended for darker, or tanned, skin tones.

Blondes and Redheads

What is not understood is that a natural redhead or blond may not actually have dark hair on her/his body. Their hair may just be a darker blond or red. So laser hair removal won't work. Obviously it won't work on white hair at all.

Light hair, dark skin

For lighter hair and darker skin, we recommend electrolysis. This works by focusing electrical energy, rather than light, into the follicle. This can be done on any hair color and darker skin tones. Let me know if you would like a recommendation for an Electrologist.

Laser Hair Reduction and Teen facial hair

Katherine stated "LASER HAIR REMOVAL IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR TEEN FACIAL HAIR." She was quite emphatic about this. Why?

1. Facial hair is affected by hormones. 
2. Teens are walking hormones. 

She's seen cases where the facial hair had INCREASED.

She told us she will NOT remove facial hair on teens, but that body hair was fine. Because? Body hair isn't as affected by hormones.

Laser Surgery

We've seen videos showing lasers used to remove tumors. They're impressive to watch. But this seems to have led to a bit of a misunderstanding of how lasers work.

Proof of this? 

Plastic Surgery clients have requested the use of lasers, instead of blades, when cutting the skin for surgery. There are several problems with this.

1. The doctor could not control the depth of the laser. For tumor removal this is not a concern, for precision facial surgery this is VITAL to get right. The first time.

2. Lasers use light waves which heat up. When cutting the skin it cauterizes as it cuts. Burned flesh does not look, or smell, good. Plus it will not heal smoothly since the edges are burned off.

3. Laser would produce bad scarring, due to the cauterizing effect. And the skin is supposed to grow together and seal shut. Won't happen with a cauterized scar. Not a good outcome.

(I had visions of light sabers and a STAR WARS surgery scene. Geek? Who me?) 

You're in good hands

Your plastic surgeons ability to precisely cut and stitch up the skin is an important factor in a successful surgery. Their fingertips are more sensitive, and therefore more precise, than a laser.  When you're getting plastic surgery you'reputting yourself into your doctors hands...literally.

So, if you're looking into plastic surgeon, please check that they are an American board certified plastic surgeon. 

The ABMS - American Board of Medical Specialties, defines board certification as "a voluntary process that goes above and beyond licensing requirements - it's a commitment to continually expand knowledge in a medical specialty."

ABMS offers a free service to verify if your doctor is board certified.

Did you learn something new about Lasers and Laser hair removal? Have you had any laser services? Share your experience.

 
Ask Katherine: If you have any laser or laser hair removal questions, leave it in the comments. And I will post her answers in the next blog.

Michelle G. Lathe, L.E.