Lasting Relief From Ugly, Excess Hair
Jean Chapman, M.D., knows that excess hair can be a problem. If you schedule a consultation at LaserMed, Dr. Chapman will help you understand the process and tell you how to get the results you want. Melanin is a natural pigment found in certain cells of our body that is responsible for giving our hair, eyes and skin color. The more melanin produced by your body, the darker your hair, skin or eyes will be. Laser hair removal relies upon the fact that the melanin in your hair absorbs light. Laser hair removal works best on dark hair but there are some strategies that can be employed on lighter hair.
Permanent Damage to Roots = Success
The first trick is to get the pigment in the hair to absorb enough light to create enough heat to permanently damage the hair follicle, without having the skin absorb the energy. The skin gets its color from melanin. If the hair follicle around the base or bulb of the hair is sufficiently heated, it will no longer produce hair. Doctors and scientists have discovered that by using a specific wavelength of light and properly cooling the epidermis, the melanin in the hair will absorb most of the energy. This will create enough heat to destroy the hair follicle. The word LASER is actually a fancy acronym for producing a single, specific wavelength of light.
It's a Process That's Worth It
That all seems logical, but why then does it take multiple laser treatments to get rid of the hair in a particular area? Hair goes through three phases, anagen (active growth), catagen (resting phase) and telogen (shedding phase). As it turns out, the transference of heat to destroy the hair growing capacity of a hair follicle only works when the hair follicle is in the anagen or growth phase. Furthermore, all hair follicles are generally randomized, meaning they are not all in the same phase at the same time. Also, the duration of a particular phase differs for different areas of the body. For example, eyebrow hair is only in the growth phase for 4 months while scalp hair has a growth phase of 2-3 years. The anagen (growth) and telogen (shedding) phases last the longest with the catagen (resting) phase typically lasting 2-4 weeks regardless of the body area involved. Therefore, treatments are usually scheduled 5-6 weeks apart to allow hair follicles to enter the anagen phase.
It Takes Time
Since hair growth varies between follicles and different body areas, we usually say hair removal takes approximately 6 treatments; but for some patients, it may take more. For others, it may take less. Anyone who tells you laser hair removal only takes a few treatments probably does not understand the physiology of hair growth. It takes a series of treatments to remove hair permanently. There is no special aftercare procedure. There is no downtime. Procedures should be scheduled every 4 weeks. Touch-ups may be necessary at the end of the treatment cycle.
Using the Right Laser is Important
There are other factors as well that contribute to the success of laser hair removal, most importantly skin color. Melanin is responsible for skin color as well as hair color. Therefore, the melanin in your skin competes for the light energy being delivered by the laser. As a result, there are different lasers that should be used on individuals of differing skin color.
Investment in Technology
LaserMed’s Dr. Jean Chapman has invested in the latest technology and has many lasers to ensure patients of all ethnicity can be safely treated. Dr. Chapman can answer all your hair removal questions.
Safe and Permanent
The treatment is safe. Laser-based hair removal has made it possible to quickly remove hair in all areas, including large areas such as backs and legs. Men and women of all skin types can enjoy safe and permanent hair removal thanks to lasers.
Each patient is unique; therefore, results may vary.
Prices are based upon the size of the area to be treated and the number of treatment sessions required. Most hair-removal patients require 5-8 sessions to get all the hair in a particular area to cycle through its active growth phase. LaserMed Skin & Vein Clinic also offers CareCredit Patient Payment plans. If you or your loved one are ready to get rid of unwanted body hair permanently, it’s time to call LaserMed Skin & Vein Clinic located in Alpharetta, GA. Call today and make an appointment to get started. Smooth, beautiful, hair-free skin can be yours.