Laser hair removal is considered a purely cosmetic procedure but the reason that unwanted hair is growing in the first place may be due to a medical condition. Hirsuitism is defined as male pattern facial hair growth in a woman. This disorder is either caused by excess male hormones circulating in the woman’s blood or that the hair follicle itself is very sensitive to even tiny amounts of male hormones. Nineteen times out of twenty it is the latter. If the problem of hirsuitism is due to excess circulating hormones, your physician may look for a specific medical cause before laser hair removal.

 

Hypertrichosis is another disorder of excess hair growth that can be treated with laser hair removal. This type of hair growth is not related to hormones but may occur as a side effect of certain medications or even be present at birth. Hypertrichosis is usually easily treated with laser hair removal, but the root cause of the disorder should be determined and the causing agent removed, if possible.

 

Pseudofolliculitis barbae is the medical term used to describe an area of skin irritation and inflammation caused by ingrown hairs. Areas with thick and tightly curly hair are especially prone to ingrown hairs and this disorder. Patients will often undergo laser hair removal to avoid the problem of pseudofolliculitis barbae, especially if the area is likely to scar.

 

Patients should avoid tanning and excessive sunlight prior to the procedure. This allows for the surgeon to more easily identify active hair follicles and is for skin protection. Patients may shave or use chemical hair removers (depilatories) up to 24 hours before laser hair removal. These remove hair down to the surface of the skin but leave hair follicles intact so that the surgeon can visualize them during the procedure. Waxing, plucking or any other method of hair removal the removes or disrupts the hair follicle should be avoided prior to the hair removal process.

 

In order to reduce discomfort, topical anesthetics and creams may be applied to the face to deaden the nerve endings. The skin may also be cooled with compresses prior to the procedure. Any creams, lotions, ointments, or gels must be completely removed for the procedure. Also, the skin must be thoroughly cleaned of all makeup and concealers.

 

You and everyone else in the room will wear protective eyewear to prevent eye damage from the laser energy. The physician will explain the procedure ahead of time and prepare you for the sensation and sounds that will occur.