Laser Hair Removal: Post Treatment Response



Posted: Sunday, October 31, 2010

by John Laurusonis
Doctors Medical Center

Hair has three phases of growth: active growth phase, an intermediate non-growth phase and a resting phase with no hair follicle present. Duration of hair growth cycles vary with the location on the body. The laser can only eliminate the hair that is currently in an active growth cycle so multiple treatments are necessary over a time span (6-8 week intervals) to remove hair from most areas. Final results may not be apparent for several months post treatment.

Erythema (redness) and edema (swelling) may be seen for 4 to 6 hours following the laser treatment. The treated hairs may take 7 to 14 days to exfoliate and may appear to be "growing" during this time. Blistering can occur during the first three days following the laser procedure. Blistered areas should be treated with care, keeping the area moist with an ointment until area has healed. Some patients develop raised papules similar to hives. This irritation usually subsides in a few hours.

Post Treatment Care

Post treatment discomfort may be relieved by acetaminophen or similar mild analgesic. A cold compress or an ice pack can be used after treatment to provide comfort and is recommended for darker skin types. Apply for about 10 minutes at a time and repeat every few hours if discomfort persists. Shower with cool water on the treatment area.

Avoid sun exposure or tanning lights. A broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sun block with an SPF of 30 must be applied 15 minutes prior to casual sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours or always after swimming.

Ointment should be applied to the area to prevent drying and crusting. If crusting develops it should be allowed to fall off naturally (no picking). An antibiotic ointment should be utilized if there is any blistering or break in the skin. Contact the office if there is an indication of infection (redness, tenderness or pus).

You may shave the treated area after 3 days following treatment. No not pluck, wax or use a chemical exfoliant between treatments. So NOT Shave or trim the treated area for the first 3 days.

If treated area is irritated the area should not be rubbed with a face cloth

or towel. Avoid scrubbing. The area should be patted dry. Caution should be used when applying or removing makeup. The treated area is very delicate and should be treated with care. Rough removal of makeup can increase the incidence of post treatment complications

Recommended time interval between treatments is a minimum of 6 weeks.

John Drew Laurusonis, M.D.

Doctors Medical Center
Dr. Laurusonis was conferred his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1983 and has been actively taking care of patients since completing his Internal Medicine residency in 1987 in the Garden State of New Jersey. Dr. Laurusonis has been licensed in four states but ultimately chose to permanently relocate to Georgia with his family and begin a private practice.

He has expanded his practice to include many cosmetic therapies that have previously been treated with painful and extensive plastic surgery. He has been invited to the White House numerous times, has been named Physician of the Year, as seen in the Wall Street Journal, and has served as Honorary Co-Chairman on the Congressional Physicians Advisory Board

John Drew Laurusonis, MD

Doctors Medical Center

3455 Peachtree Industrial Blvd

Suite 110

Duluth, GA 30096

770-232-1101

www.doctorsmedicalctr.com

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