Number of sessions
Multiple treatments (typically 6-8 spaced 8-12 weeks apart) depending on the type of hair and skin color have been shown to provide long-term reduction of hair. Current parameters suggest a series of treatments spaced at 8-12 weeks apart based on typical hair cycle patterns for each area.[11]
The number of sessions depends on various parameters, including the area of the body treated, skin color, coarseness of hair, reason forhirsutism, and sex. Coarse dark hair on light skin is easiest to treat. Hair on darker skin is harder to treat. Finer hair is only sometimes affected. Certain areas (notably men's faces) may require considerably more treatments to achieve desired results. In addition, since hair grows in several phases (anagen, telogen, catagen) and laser can only affect the currently active growing follicles (anagen), several sessions are needed to kill hair in all phases of growth.
Laser does not work well on light-colored hair and most fine and vellus hair ("peachfuzz") of any color.
[edit]Intervals between sessions
Usually treatments are spaced 8–12 weeks apart depending on the body area and the hair cycle length for that area. For example, faces usually require more frequent treatments about 3-4 weeks apart, whereas legs require less frequent treatments.
Instead of following an arbitrary schedule, one should wait until they have experienced shedding of the treated hairs, which should complete within 2-3 weeks, and see enough hair come in after the hair-free period to have another treatment.[12] It's advisable to do a touchup if significant amount of hair hasn't shed within 3 weeks.
[edit]Other uses
Hair removal lasers are effective treatment for pseudofolliculitis barbae (commonly called ingrown hairs or "shaving bumps"). For darker skin patients with black hair, the long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser with a cooling tip can be safe and effective when used by an experienced practitioner.
They have recently been reported as helpful treatment for pilonidal cysts, since they eliminate the ingrown hairs that produce the troublesome foreign body reactions in this congenital malady.
[edit]Side effects and risks
Some normal side effects may occur after laser hair removal treatments, including itching, redness, and swelling around the treatment area. These side effects should not last more than three days. Some level of pain should also be expected during treatments. Numbing creams are available at most clinics, usually for an additional cost. Icing the area after the treatment helps relieve the side effects faster.
Unwanted side effects such as hypo- or hyper-pigmentation or, in extreme cases, burning of the skin call for an adjustment in laser settings. Risks include the chance of burning the skin or discoloration of the skin, hypopigmentation (white spots), flare of acne, swelling around the follicle, scab forming, purpura, and infection. These risks can be avoided when being treated with an appropriate laser type and at appropriate settings for the individual's skin type.
Some patients may show side effects from an allergy to either the hair removal gel used with certain laser types or to a numbing cream. A physician should be consulted if an allergic reaction presents itself after the treatment.
