If you are plagued with unsightly hair growth in unwanted areas like your face, arms and bikini line, know that you are not alone. It is nothing to be ashamed about because there are countless women and men who experience the very same problem.
Several factors cause this unwanted hair growth. Most times, it is a hereditary or hormonal balance issue. Sometimes it can be caused by certain medications that are taken on a regular basis, leading to hormonal balance changes. There is a procedure that can help with this unwanted hair growth.
How Does PhotoDerm HR® Work?
PhotoDerm HR® laser hair removal eliminates unwanted hair with the high-intensity light beam that is comparable to a laser. This intense, pulsating light beam is absorbed by the pigmented bulb of the hair follicles and converted into heat. The heat destroys the hair follicle’s ability to grow hair.
The PhotoDerm HR® Procedure
The first step in the procedure is to apply a cooling gel to the surface of the skin to reduce any discomfort. Then a quartz crystal head is placed over the desired treatment area, and the pulsating light beam is activated and aimed through the crystal, intensifying the light beam. The light beam passes through the skin and is absorbed by the hair follicles without damaging the surrounding tissue.
Since the heat is absorbed by pigmented skin, the procedure works best on those with tans and darker hair colors. This is very beneficial, because darker hair is more noticeable, even in very small amounts that are not very noticeable on those with pale hair and skin.
Low Discomfort Levels
There is rarely a need for anesthesia during the PhotoDerm HR® procedure. The cooling gel that is applied to the skin greatly limits the amount of pain that is felt. The most discomfort a patient might feel is a light stinging, similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin. This only happens for a brief second, causing only mild or moderate discomfort. In rare cases when the discomfort is greater than this, an extra anesthetic cream can be applied to the skin
Length & Frequency of Treatment Sessions
PhotoDerm HR® treatment sessions are usually very short, lasting no longer than five to 20 minutes on average. The length of time it takes depends on the thickness of the hair and how large of an area is being treated.
It takes about five to eight treatment sessions to achieve the desired results. Once again, this depends on the thickness of the hair and how large the treatment area is.
Side Effects
The side effects from the PhotoDerm HR® procedure include light to moderate swelling of the treated areas and some redness. These are not ever troublesome and will disappear after just a few days. Sometimes reactions similar to sunburns occur, but these heal very well in a very short amount of time. In general, you can go back to your regular lifestyle right away or a day after the procedure.
At Grossman Dermatology, we offer PhotoDerm HR® treatments. Dr. Grossman will be able to answer any questions or concerns you might have. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to see if PhotoDerm HR® is right for you.
