Women Ob/Gyn offers laser hair removal at our office in Annapolis, Maryland. Services will be provided by a Medical Doctor or Registered Nurse. We use an Alexandrite Laser which provides superior results in fewer treatments for most skin types.
How the laser works:
The laser is attracted to melanin (dark pigment) in the hair follicle. Because hair grows in cycles and the laser will only treat actively growing hair, permanent hair reduction will takes a series of treatments. There are 500 - 1000 hair follicles per square cm and much of the hair is dormant at any given time. Because the dark pigment is required in the hair follicle, the laser will usually not work for grey, white or red hair.
How many treatments will it take:
Since we use the Alexandrite laser, it will take fewer treatments for the best results, than other types of lasers or permanent hair reduction treatments (e.g. Yag laser or intense pulsed light - IPL). Because skin and hair reaction differ, there is no way to predict the exact results or the number of treatments it will require. On average, most people require five treatments, though some will need more and others will need less. The treatments will be scheduled every 4 - 8 weeks. Some people will need a "touch up" months or years later.
Does it hurt?
For most people it feels like a prickly or stinging sensation or a "snapping" like a rubber band. The Alexandrite laser tends to be less painful than the Yag laser. Since most people tolerate the treatment well, we do not recommend a numbing cream until after the first treatment. However, a numbing cream is available at a nominal charge if you need it. There is no bleeding with the laser treatment like there can be with waxing.
Are there any adverse side effects?
Most people will notice slight reddening of the skin lasting several hours or several days after the treatment. Occasionally there might be a blistering of the skin similar to a curling iron burn that will go away in 2 - 5 days. Rarely there can be a decrease or increase in pigment of the treated skin that will almost always return to normal over time.
Is there any preparation required for treatment?
- To maximize the effectiveness of the treatment and to minimize risks, it is very important to avoid tanning, tanning beds and tanning lotions for 30 days prior to treatment. We also recommend at least a SPF30 sunscreen for the same amount of time. (We don't want the laser energy to be attracted to the pigment in your skin.)
- Do not wax, pluck, or depilate (e.g. use Nair) for 30 days prior to treatment. It is important to have the intact hair follicle to treat.
- Shave the area to be treated within 2 days of treatment. We only need the hair below the skin for treatment.
How much does it cost?
We charge per treatment depending on the size of the area to be treated. Please call our office at (410) 224-3504 for a price estimate. To reduce your costs you can purchase a package of four treatments and receive a fifth treatment FREE if used within one year of purchase. If you do not require all five treatments, the remaining treatments can be used by yourself for treatment of other areas or by a friend. There is an initial $75 consult fee for all new laser clients, but this fee will be applied to any laser treatment you have within four months of the consult.
Can anyone have laser treatment?
While this laser is safe for most people, there are a few conditions that might make laser treatments unsafe. The more common conditions are the following:
- currently pregnant
- hypersensitive to light
- seizure disorder triggered by light
- on medications which increases sensitivity to light (e.g. tetracycline, Doxycycline, acutane, Retin-A or gold treatment)
- your skin color is very dark
- you are on a medication that suppresses your immune system (e.g. prednisone)
We will be glad to answer any questions you have over the phone.
To see if the Alexandrite Laser is safe for your skin type, take the "Fitzpatrick Skin Rating" by clicking [HERE]. If your score is 25 or below, this laser is safe for you. If your score is above 25, you should be treated by a facility that has a "Yag Laser" for hair removal.
Please call us at (410) 224-3504 for an appointment or for more information.
