Oregon Laser Hair Removal Specialist Directory

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Laser Hair Removal Information

Laser Hair Removal is the second most popular cosmetic procedure in the United States and continues to grow in popularity. Laser Hair Removal removes unwanted hair by emitting a low energy laser that gently that passes through the skin, is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle and gently removes the hair. Laser hair removal treatments can last a from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the size and area to be treated. The most popular areas selected by men and women for laser hair removal include: face, upper lip, neck, chest, breast area, underarms, back, abdomen, bikini line and legs.

Laser hair removal does not require needles or creams like other hair removal treatment methods and is a non-evasive procedure. Laser hair removal is best performed by a licensed and trained medical professional such as dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

According to Dr. Ramsey Markus, a dermatologist at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, patients should find a doctor with experience in treating the skin. Preferably a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. "It doesn't take that kind of experience (doctor) to fire up the laser, but it does take that type of experience to properly deal with the complications that may arise.

"There is never a guarantee there won't be complications, but if you're treated by someone who is well-trained, they may be able to minimize the complications and better deal with them if they occur," Dr. Markus said.

According the Food and Drug Administration, laser hair removal is not permanent. However, it can SIGNIFICANTLY reduce unwanted hair growth for up to seven years, according to your body's natural hair growth cycle. The hair that does grow back after treatment is usually "finer" and "lighter" in color. Because hair growth occurs in 3 stages (this is the normal hair growth cycle), not all of the hair can be removed at one time. Therefore, three to seven treatments for up to six months could be required.

It is important to note that laser hair removal patients will not lose their hair in the treated area for up to 14 days.

If you have a nice bronze summer tan, you are not a good candidate for laser hair removal, unfortunately. You must wait until your tan fades until you can be treated. Tanning changes skin pigment and can adversely affect how the skin absorbs the laser energy. Laser hair removal treatment on those with tans can cause side effects such as blistering or discoloration.

The most common side effects of laser hair removal are brief swelling and redness following the laser treatment. This is common, though, and most patients completely heal in 2 to 10 days. In rare cases, laser hair removal can cause scarring and skin pigmentation changes. Following laser hair removal treatment, patients may resume their normal activities with the exception of exposure to the Sun. If patients cannot avoid direct Sun light, they must use sun lotion with an SPF of 45 or higher.