We live busy active lives. We don’t have a lot of time for fuss and bother as we try to make every minute count whether we’re working or just having fun. Unwanted hair for many of us is a time-consuming annoyance or inconvenience; for others it's an embarrassment. For example, hair on the back of the neck can make one self-conscious. "Are people looking at the back of my neck and saying, "Wow, he must be hairy". These feelings of embarrassment and lowered self-esteem are common to people who have unwanted hair in other locations as well. Women with facial hair, men with back hair, women with hairy arms, women with unattractive stubble in the bikini area, legs, and underarms, are all examples of people with eye-catching hair that generates feelings of insecurity and self-consciousness. Indeed, excess hair can be more than a cosmetic nuisance; for some people it can be so distressing that it adversely affects the quality of their lives. For many years people have tried a myriad of ways to deal with unwanted hair. These old solutions for hair removal include shaving, waxing, and electrolysis; they range from irritating and uncomfortable to painful and expensive.
Shaving is a constant always - all the time. Men and women who have sensitive skin get rashes, irritation, and cuts from shaving. These problems are usually minor, but are time consuming and can become burdensome if one is in a hurry. The cost of razor blades over time can be surprisingly expensive. For some men and women, the razor blade and time costs may be as much as $30,000.00 or more over a twenty-year period. (See Appendix “A” for Computations).
Waxing is an interesting experience. The hot wax is applied and then the hair is ripped off. It hurts. Waxing is every three weeks at the salon. It's time, it's money, and it’s a pain. The money and time lost over a twenty-year period can run into the tens of thousands of dollars. Women who have their bikini line waxed often experience ingrown hairs that can be quite annoying.
Electrolysis is a long-term solution but can be painful for many as well as tedious. Hair by hair an electric current passes through a needle to destroy the hair root. It can take months or years of repeat treatment for even small areas to effectively achieve permanence. Electrolysis for bikini lines can be painful and electrolysis is very time consuming. It may take an hour or more of painful needles to treat a relatively small area.
Today there is a better solution for unwanted hair at The Laser Hair Removal Center at Oak Hills Medical Building. The Lightsheer Diode Laser System used by the Laser Hair Removal Center offers a far more efficient and tolerable method for hair removal for most people than any other method. This technique can remove more hair more efficiently over a larger region of the body in far less time, for far less money and for far less pain. The Lightsheer removal is a lot more convenient.
Nearly our entire body is covered with soft, fine and light vellus hair that is not so troublesome. However, for those with hair that is dark and coarse the laser can be a welcome relief. The laser emits a focused beam of concentrated light that penetrates the skin to target the melanin pigment in the hair follicles. It reaches and treats up to twenty or more hair follicles at a time causing a disruption in their ability to regenerate. An important feature of the Lightsheer is that the tip is cold. This chilled tip is pressed against the skin and protects the skin's surface and makes treatment more comfortable. Compression from the chilled tip forces blood vessels and other parts of the skin's anatomy out of the way bringing the hair root closer to the laser light.
Every hair on the human body grows, and then rests, and then after a resting phase falls out and a new hair grows back in. This entire hair growth cycle from start to finish can take weeks to months. At any given point in time each hair is in a slightly different phase. These different phases of hair growth are anagen, catagen or telogen. Laser treatment is most effective when it is in the active growth or anagen phase. In the anagen phase the melanin pigment is abundant (melanin is the target for the laser light).
Because of this phase difference, in order to permanently remove hair with the Lightsheer Diode Laser, you have to have multiple treatments (usually a minimum of eight) over a period of weeks to months (i.e., over the entire hair cycle). This time period has to be at least as long as the whole life cycle for the hair in order to achieve a significant hair reduction.
Consultation with our staff at the Aesthetic Dermatology Center of San Antonio will help to determine if you are a candidate for laser hair removal with the Lightsheer Diode System. Hair removal with the Lightsheer is a simple, safe cosmetic procedure performed right in our office. Minimal preparation is required prior to your Lightsheer treatment. The length of time necessary for treatment may be a few minutes to an hour or more depending on the part of the body being treated. The procedure itself is usually short and less painful than waxing. Using a topical anesthetic can significantly reduce the discomfort from the laser treatment. We encourage our patients to use a topical anesthetic, which you can obtain from us. For a short time after treatment the site may be a little red and swollen, like a sunburn, and slightly tender to the touch. The treated hairs will be ejected over the course of the next few weeks. Immediately after treatment a soothing ointment will be applied. At home apply cool compresses or ointment as needed.
The Coherent Lightsheer Diode laser is especially good for ingrown hairs. Most people who go through a series of treatments have no more ingrown hairs and are happy.
The overall cost may be less expensive than other methods to remove unwanted hair. It usually takes the place of having to wax every month and it may save a good amount of money over time. Laser hair removal, over a long period of time, with an excellent result, may mean not shaving again. Time is money and in the long term, the time gained from no more shaving, over a lifetime, may be very worthwhile. Laser treatment offers more than just hair removal, it's no more cuts, no more nicks.
Dr. Rox Anderson, a noted laser researcher from Harvard has stated that "... FDA clearance for the Lightsheer Diode is for the permanent reduction in the amount of hair. ...we have done studies which clearly show we can permanently remove...the hair in most patients with this technique".
It's nice to achieve a significant reduction in unsightly hair, especially underarms, because in the morning you always have that shadow. For most people after eight or more laser treatments one can get up and go to the beach, or whatever without sleeves and not worry. In-grown hairs like the ones you get from waxing do not usually occur with laser treatment. The bikini line is very smooth much more so than with other methods, such as electrolysis or waxing. The Coherent Lightsheer Diode Laser System is a fantastic device for removing hair. We find that over 90% of those who have had this treatment are really happy they did it.
Consultation with the Laser Hair Removal Center at Oak Hills Medical Building will help determine if you are a candidate for laser hair removal with the Lightsheer Diode Laser System. The Laser Hair Removal Center at Oak Hills Medical Building could be your solution.
Please find below our answers to the most frequently asked questions about laser hair removal.
The word stands for is Light Amplification by the Simulated Emission of Radiation. In practical terms a laser is a device that shoots out a light beam with certain technical properties. These technical properties permit the laser beam to be aimed and also permit the power of the beam to be regulated to cause desired changes in the targeted human tissues. The wavelength of the laser light beam is different for each type of laser and each type of laser has its own unique effect on different types of human tissue.
How does laser beam light remove hair?
The Coherent Lightsheer Diode Laser System works as follows: brown or black hair has pigment in the hair follicle. The laser light beam hits the pigment in the hair follicle and heats the pigment enough to destroy the hair follicle.
Is laser hair removal the same as electrolysis?
No. In electrolysis a needle is inserted into each and every follicle and an electric current is passed through the needle to the base of the hair shaft. This causes the hair shaft to be destroyed. Electrolysis is very slow because only 1 follicle can be treated at a time. Laser hair removal on the other hand, can target up to 20 hairs or more, per second, depending on the hair density.
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
Our Coherent Lightsheer Diode Laser System is FDA approved for “permanent hair reduction”. The important message for the patient who is looking to remove unwanted hair is that he/she should ask, "What laser system do you use?" The Aesthetic Dermatology Center of San Antonio uses the Coherent Lightsheer Diode Laser System because we believe that the scientific studies have shown that this system is currently one of the best available hair removal devices. Dr. Rox Anderson, a noted researcher in the field of laser hair removal and an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School/Mass General Hospital, has stated that their Coherent Lightsheer Diode Laser System study was "...significant because it is the first time that a laser system has been shown to produce permanent hair reduction in a very reliable way".
The reason the "reduction" is used instead of "removal" is that the Coherent Lightsheer Diode Laser System does not completely remove all of the treated hairs; a percentage of the hairs grow back as very fine small hairs. Thus, from a cosmetic standpoint, we usually achieve a great or extremely pleasing cosmetic result even though all of the hairs are not "removed". The patients who do best are those with dark hairs because the Coherent Lightsheer Diode Laser System targets the pigment in the hair follicles. The Coherent Lightsheer Diode System laser beam heats up this hair pigment and the heat either destroys the hair follicles so that hair no longer grows or it "wounds" the hair follicles such that small fine hairs grow. Certainly, no laser or other device guarantees "removal". However, to achieve satisfactory long-term results, it is logical to a laser that has been cleared by the FDA to achieve "permanent hair reduction" (i.e., the Coherent Lightsheer Diode Laser System). To the question "Is laser hair removal permanent?", we must respond that no laser guarantees permanent hair removal. If instead you ask the question, "Will I be pleased if I have a series of Diode Laser treatments?", we will gladly tell you that over 90% of our patients are extremely pleased with their results.
Is Laser Hair Removal Painful?
No treatment to remove unwanted hair is completely painless. Patients who have undergone repeated waxing or hours of electrolysis can attest to the pain caused by commonly used methods of hair removal.
With laser treatment, some patients feel very little discomfort in some areas but require a topical anesthetic treatment in other areas; other patients require a topical anesthetic no matter what location is treated. Topical anesthetics work extremely well. Needles and general anesthetics are not needed for laser hair removal. The topical anesthetic is applied every thirty minutes beginning two hours before treatment and wrapped in a plastic wrap such as Saran wrap, Cling, etc. The topical anesthetic usually works well when wrapped in plastic and left in place for an adequate amount of time.
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?
Our Coherent Lightsheer Diode Laser System emits a wavelength of approximately 800 nm. This wavelength has not been shown to cause cancer or to have other harmful long-term effects. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Coherent Lightsheer Diode Laser System for hair removal and our FDA is a very conservative watchdog agency. Although it is always possible that with the passage of time we will find serious long-term effects from laser hair removal, as of this writing, there is no evidence that our Coherent Lightsheer Diode Laser System has serious long term effects either documented or intuitively suggested in the medical literature. Dr. Day himself has undergone laser hair removal treatments with this system.
What side effects have been associated with treatment?
As with any medical treatment, use of the Coherent Lightsheer Diode System can have some experience and the experience of others who have used the Coherent Lightsheer Diode Laser System is that most people experience long-term hair removal. However, we do not guarantee perfect results (and indeed no one doing hair removal should guarantee results).
Following the initial series of treatments, hair may reappear after a prolonged period of absence and "maintenance" treatments may be required. Even if additional treatments are required, these "maintenance" treatments are usually preferable to repeated shaving and/or waxing.
What effect does the laser have on "Ingrown hairs"?
Our Lightsheer Diode Laser System is an excellent treatment for "ingrown hairs". After completion of a series of laser treatments there is a markedly diminished number of ingrown hairs or, in many cases, none at all. Our Lightsheer Diode Laser is a great treatment for this problem.
Does hair color make a difference?
It is necessary to have pigment in the hair follicle for optimal results. Brown and black hair usually responds extremely well, whereas, grey or blonde hair may not respond at all. Some hair that is grey or blonde on the surface may have enough pigment in the follicle to achieve a reduction, and for this reason, some patients with blonde or grey hair may nevertheless wish to undergo a series of laser treatments. However, the chances of achieving satisfactory results are not favorable in such patients.
What should I do before the treatment?
One should not wax, pluck or bleach for 3 to 4 weeks before treatment. One should not be tan or have sun exposure for 6 weeks before and for 6 weeks after the procedure. Also, do not shave or clip the hair before the appointment so that we can accurately assess the hair.
What will the treated area look like after the procedure?
Immediately after treatment, the site may be somewhat swollen, appear slightly red in color, and feel like a mild sunburn. This reaction usually disappears over a few hours, but some redness may last for 3 or 4 days, whereupon, the treated sites usually return to their normal appearance.
What should I do after the treatment?
The amount of discomfort after this procedure is usually minimal and does not limit most normal physical activities. Since light is used to remove the hair, there is no bleeding and no open wound is created. For this reason, there is no need to apply a bandage. One should not shower or bathe in hot water for approximately five (5) days after treatment. The area should be kept hydrated with prescribed gels or ointments until the disappearance of any inflammation and tenderness. The treated area should not be exposed to the sun, and if sun is unavoidable, cover it or block it with an effective sunscreen for at least 8 weeks following treatment. We recommend sunscreen with an SPF > 30 that contains Parsol 1789 (Avobenzone). Exposure to the sun may result in unsightly darkening or lightening of the area. Clothing should not rub the treated area and one should avoid other irritation to the area. The laser treatment does not remove or pull out the treated hair, so the hair that was treated is still visible and is slowly ejected from the hair sheath. This hair ejection may give the appearance of hair growth for the next 2-3 weeks. The removal of the treated hair from the hair sheath can be facilitated by gently scrubbing the area(s) with a loofah sponge or other type of washcloth during a bath or shower during the first two weeks after treatment.
How long does the procedure take?
Each pulse of laser energy from the Coherent Lightsheer Diode System will treat an area slightly smaller than a dime. For this reason, the amount of time required depends on the size of the area requiring treatment. For example, treatment of the back of the leg will take longer than the upper lip.
Why should I use the Coherent Lightsheer Diode System rather than the methods I've been using for years?
The Coherent Lightsheer Diode System has three advantages over older methods of hair removal: comfort, speed, and accuracy. Since the system uses a unique cooling handpiece, it does not cause the kind of skin irritation that other methods may create. Since it is non-invasive (no needles to penetrate the skin), the risk of introducing bacteria into the skin is reduced. Because the system is fast, it allows for larger areas to be treated, considerably increasing the efficiency of the hair removal process. Finally, the Coherent Lightsheer Diode System is a precise instrument that can be adjusted to damage only the hair follicle while minimally affecting the surrounding skin.
Is Laser Hair Removal Expensive?
In comparison with other cosmetic procedures, laser hair removal is relatively inexpensive. Indeed, laser hair removal may possibly be less expensive than the long-term cost of razor blades and/or repetitive waxing fees. For example, a man with a heavy beard who shaves daily will spend as much as $36,226.00 over a twenty (20) year period on razor blades and time costs. (See Appendix “A” for Computations). A woman who waxes her bikini area every three to four weeks will spend almost as much.
In addition to costs the quality of the hair removal technique is also an important consideration. Quality-wise, it has been our experience that laser hair removal is better than shaving or waxing.
These cost and quality of hair removal issues should be considered as one analyzes costs. Our charge for treatment is $99.00 for every 30 minutes or fraction thereof, regardless of the site you are treating. Our fees are subject to change with passage of time.
Should a doctor closely supervise treatments?
Yes. Think twice before undergoing laser hair removal treatment without a doctor's supervision. The type of doctor who has specific specialized training in skin and hair is a Board Certified Dermatologist. Ask if a Board Certified Dermatologist supervises treatments. We recently saw a patient with first-degree burns on his shoulder resulting from laser hair removal treatment at a "retail" laser hair removal business that did not have a doctor's close supervision. Perhaps the safety advantages of being treated in a doctor's office with close supervision outweigh the convenience of a retail location and/or savings from "rock bottom" fees. Indeed, to the question "Why pay more", we respond, "You get what you pay for". "Lo barato sale caro".
Which laser is best?
Our Coherent Lightsheer Diode Laser System has FDA clearance for "permanent hair reduction". We continue to see patients who have problems and unsatisfactory results with lasers and other devices that do not have the "permanent" stamp of approval. It may be important to find out what device a laser hair removal business is using before initiating or continuing treatment.
Where should I go to have my laser hair removal treatment?
The Aesthetic Dermatology Center of San Antonio is located in a Board Certified Dermatologist's Office next to Methodist Hospital at 7711 Louis Pasteur Drive, Suite 111, San Antonio, Texas 78229, telephone number (210) 615-7145. Here the fees are reasonable, the atmosphere is professional, and the standard of care is high. We listen to you; we treat you kindly, competently, and professionally. We have experience; we have performed thousands of successful treatments at our facility. Dr. Calvin Day, a Board Certified Dermatologist with over twenty (20) years of skin surgery and skin laser experience, a Fellow of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, is on the premises and supervises our facility. Dr. Day has published over sixty articles in medical professional journals. Our Coherent Lightsheer Diode System laser is FDA approved for "permanent hair reduction". We offer all these advantages and our fees are reasonable. Why go anywhere else?
APPENDIX A
Long Term Costs of Razor Blades and/or Waxing
1. Cost of Shaving - Man
A new "Gillette MACH3" blade costs approximately $1.62. Shaving once daily means $1.62 per day on razor blades, not to mention the cost of shaving cream, and the cost of the time spent shaving. The yearly cost of these razor blades is approximately $591.30 (i.e. $1.62 per day x 365 days per year); the cost over ten (10) years is approximately $5,913.00 and the cost over twenty (20) years is approximately $11,826.00.
2. Cost of Waxing - Woman
Laser hair removal may also possibly be less expensive over the long term for a woman who regularly waxes her upper lip, her chin, her bikini area, or other areas. A woman who waxes her bikini area will spend approximately $35.00 per waxing treatment and will have this done approximately every three (3) weeks to four (4) weeks. Fifteen (15) bikini waxes per year will cost approximately $525.00 (i.e. $35.00 x fifteen (15) waxes); the ten (10) year cost is approximately $5,250.00 and the twenty (20) year cost is approximately $10,500.00.
3. Time Costs
The above analysis takes only razor blade costs into consideration. The cost of the time spent shaving is also significant. Consider a man or woman who spends ten minutes a day shaving. Ten minutes per day x 365 days per year = 3,650 minutes = 61 hours per year. If this same man or woman sleeps 8 to 9 hours daily and is awake 15 to 16 hours daily, the time spent shaving amounts to four (4) full days of awake hours per year. Let us assume that the man or woman is employed and is paid a wage of $20.00 per hour. The cost of the time spent shaving every year = $20.00 x 61 hours = $1,220.00 in addition to razor blade and shaving cream costs. The time spent shaving value = $12,200.00 over a 10 year period and $24,400.00 over a 20 year period.
4. Time Costs Plus Cost of Shaving and/or Waxing
Thus the cost of razors plus the cost of the time spent shaving may be as much as $36,226,00 over a twenty (20) year period
We live busy active lives. We don’t have a lot of time for fuss and bother as we try to make every minute count whether we’re working or just having fun. Unwanted hair for many of us is a time-consuming annoyance or inconvenience; for others it's an embarrassment. For example, hair on the back of the neck can make one self-conscious. "Are people looking at the back of my neck and saying, "Wow, he must be hairy". These feelings of embarrassment and lowered self-esteem are common to people who have unwanted hair in other locations as well. Women with facial hair, men with back hair, women with hairy arms, women with unattractive stubble in the bikini area, legs, and underarms, are all examples of people with eye-catching hair that generates feelings of insecurity and self-consciousness. Indeed, excess hair can be more than a cosmetic nuisance; for some people it can be so distressing that it adversely affects the quality of their lives.
