Laser Hair Removal / Permanent Hair Removal
Laser Hair removal is a common procedure with many devices ( laser and IPL) used for laser hair removal treatments.
Dr Lanzer has been involved with Laser hair removal since its inception. Together with other Dermatologists he has arranged conferences to teach other doctors on how to use different devices for Laser Hair removal.
One of the most common questions patients ask regarding laser hair removal is whether the laser hair removal treatments lead to permanent hair removal. Although often the result is a permanent hair removal, a Doctor cannot promise this as each patient is different when it comes to laser hair removal. Occasionally the initial result is a permanent hair removal yet other follicles start to grow, so maintenance laser hair removal may be required.
Most hair treatment methods such as waxing and shaving cannot produce a permanent hair removal and any laser or IPL device that can give longer results and occasionally a permanent laser hair removal is beneficial.
Lasers are concentrated, high intensity light sources which target specific areas depending on their wave length and strength. The laser is a faster more accurate and is cost effective. We can usually treat any skin colour. Our new IPL’s are much less painful and very effective.
The laser hair removal process targets the pigment in hair shafts and especially follicles, removing these while leaving the skin intact. It offers less painful, efficient and faster treatments, allowing larger areas to be treated with long lasting results. Dr Lanzer warns that Laser Hair removal only helps hairs that have pigments in the follicles as white hairs do not respond to laser hair removal.
The new revlite laser and our IPL’s have a longer pulse duration which allows hair removal treatments, via a process called thermo kinetic selectivity.
As a result, the laser can now also be used for people with olive and darker complexions. Areas which can be treated are vast and include bikini line, under arms, chest, facial hair, legs and back.
Patients require generally at least 3 treatments of laser hair removal and can be performed in any one of Dr Lanzer’s clinics. Dr Lanzer does not promise permanent hair removal but with enough laser hair removal treatments often there is a long term result.
Commonly asked questions.
Treatment time depends on the area to be treated and this can be discussed at your consultation. We would expect an upper lip or chin to take about 5 minutes, a bikini line about 15 minutes and a leg or back can take up to an hour or more per treatment. Each area will need generally three treatments 6-8 weeks apart, as only hairs in the active growth phase of their cycle respond to treatment. Sometimes more treatments are necessary.
Patients say the laser pulse feels like a rubber band flicked onto the skin. The procedure is relatively painless (a topical anaesthetic cream can be applied about one hour earlier) and is covered with cling wrap to prevent drying. Usually there is no pain afterwards. A tan or hair above the surface of the skin may lead to some pain so preparation is needed.
Yes. Ideally hairs should be shaved on the day of treatment. Waxing or plucking should be avoided a week beforehand as well. As pigment is the target, sun should be avoided so as to prevent a tan which would interfere with the delivery of the laser beam to the hair follicles, and increase the risk of side effects. Solariums and fake tans needs to be avoided and makeup removed prior to treatment.
Ice packs can be used for 24 hours to help reduce swelling and redness. Otherwise nothing should be applied to the skin for approximately four hours following the procedure. Over the weeks after treatment, hairs not disintegrated will fall out or grow out and may be tweezed out as long as there is no resistance.
Risks are minimal as most people have no side effects and generally people can return to work immediately after treatment although there may be some redness for a day or two. Occasionally increased or decreased pigmentation occurs, but is usually transient and greatly reduced with the Revlite and long pulse Alexandrite as compared to the Ruby and other lasers. Crusting, scabbing, blisters, burning or minor scarring are extremely rare.
Hair can be permanently miniaturized or removed but it is impossible for us to give any guarantee as to the success of an individual’s treatment. Remember only pigmented hairs in the growth phase will be treated, those in receding or resting phase will go when they come into the growth phase and as such an average of three to four treatments will be required. It does not help white, red or blonde hair unless they are relatively thick.
Costs can vary depending on the area to be treated but is usually cheaper than the price to achieve the same result with other methods such as electrolysis. A test patch is often required which costs $50. Please note payment is required at time of treatment.
The laser machine is very expensive and the operator needs specialized, supervised training in order to safely use the laser. Our doctors, nurses and technicians are trained and have experience in the latest laser methods, so will be able to answer any further questions.
Areas that can be treated
- Face
- Chin
- Bikini
- Legs
- Under arm
- Back-Arms
- Stomach
- Chest
Not all hair lasers are the same. Dr Lanzer uses the laser chosen by the Victorian dermatologists to be the most effective and the safest.
We offer a FREE, No Obligation Cosmetic Surgery Consultation and a detailed explanation of the procedure.
Dr Lanzer can email all patients a detailed consent form which provides information related to the surgery. This information is made available to all patients before surgery, allowing enough time for the patient to ask any questions they may have.
