Hair Removal Laser

Hair Removal Laser (HRL) is a laser procedure that uses intense heat, focused on the root of the hair to get rid of it. It is one of the most successful laser treatments available that provides satisfaction to those to have the procedure and that has been modified over the years, to accommodate a wide variety of skin types.

HRL is often compared to electrolysis because both procedures utilize intense heat to kill the root of the hair to get rid of it. The heat with the HRL is much more intense than the heat of electrolysis, which allows it to work better and quicker, requiring fewer treatments and seeing better results sooner. The number of treatments needed depends on many factors.

Any procedure that uses intense heat (and virtually all laser treatments) has risks. The risks include burning, scarring, discoloration, hair removal bumps, and a lack of and results, to name a few. Although these risks can be uncommon, we need to make you aware of them.

The ways to MINIMIZE the risk are as follows:

Everyone who receives HRL will need at least an average of 6 treatments plus maintenance.

If you tolerate very high settings, you may need only an average of 6 initial treatments (some have only needed 3 treatments). If you only tolerate moderate to the lowest settings, you will need the 6 initial treatments plus maintainence. (Maintenance might be 2 more treatments a year or 6 more treatments a year (if the settings are very low) for a year or two, possiblly more… IT all depends on the amount of heat your skin can safely tolerate and the amount of heat that is needed to kill the root of YOUR hair WITHOUT damaging YOUR overlying skin.

The hair on our face and body is very resilient, like the hair on our head, which allows many to maintain the hair on their head even after months and years of heat applications, manipulation during grooming and chemical treatments for hairstyling. Like the hair on our heads, if these harmful practices persist, the root of the hair is affected to the point that it begins to die and will not re-grow. This is the same process which occurs when intense heat is focused at the roots of unwanted hair on our face and body.

The FDA will not allow HRL to be referred to as "permanent hair removal"but calls it permanent hair reduction because there are many variables that determine if the amount of heat required to kill the root can be safely delivered to the root without damaging the overlying skin. Important variables are the color of the hair and the tone of the skin, along with the diameter (size) of the hair shaft. The laser is not effective on white, blonde and gray hair. Don’t let anyone tell you it is a magic procedure…IT IS NOT! If the majority of the hairs in the area to be treated are dark, HRL may be useful along with other treatments to give you the effect you desire. *Please further discuss this information with your doctor or the clinical procedures coordinator if you have additional questions or concerns before you proceed with the procedure!

Definition
Laser hair removal, an FDA-approved system, has been developed which uses energy from red or infrared light to safely and efficiently remove hair from both small and large areas of the skin. Unlike traditional methods of hair removal such as electrolysis, no needles or lengthy, painful treatment sessions are needed. With the laser system, unwanted hair is removed gently and quickly. This laser energy causes heat damage to the unwanted hair follicle, preventing further growth of the hair.

What other procedure can remove unwanted hair?
The most commonly used procedures include:

Why is more than one treatment necessary?
Hair grows in repeating cycles, and not all hair are in the same cycle at the same time. Active hair growth cycles are called anagen. It is during this anagen cycle that laser treatment is successful. The subsequent treatments are performed to capture remaining hair in the anagen phase.

Are the results permanent?
Since the goal is permanent reduction of hair growth, the laser targets the follicle. Specifically, the root of actively growing hair follicles must be destroyed in order to achieve long lasting results. Because all hair follicles are not in the growing phase of their life-cycles at the same time, all hair will no respond in the same way. Therefore permanent eradication by this or any other treatment method may not produce the amount of growth reduction that is desired . Even with multiple treatments, there can be no guarantees that permanent hair removal will be achieved.

What about safety?
With proper safety precautions, the risks involved with laser treatment are minor. Protective goggles must be worn while the laser is in use, to prevent an eye injury.

What can I expect after treatment?
Some of the risks include these effects, as well as others:

How can I help to reduce the risk of these side effects?
Adhering to the before and after treatment instructions and having a test area done are very important. The test helps identify patients who might have difficulty with laser treatments, and who may require a different or more intensive pretreatment regimen.

Is the treatment painful?
Almost all treatment to remove unwanted hair involves some degree of discomfort. With laser treatment, most patients report feeling less discomfort than with waxing or electrolysis. If the area to be treated is very sensitive, a topical anesthetic can be applied.

How long does the procedure take?
The size of the area to be treated determines the amount of time needed. A small area can take up to 15 minutes; larger areas will require more time.

What can I expect after Laser treatment?
Following the treatment, the area treated will be slightly swollen and appear mildly reddish, like a mild sunburn. This usually goes away within a few hours. Some mild redness and/or swelling may persist for a few days. Discomfort is usually not a factor, and most normal physical activities are easily resumed. Rarely there may be an area of crust.

SPOTLIGHT!!

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OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS...
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Be sure to get your copy of ESSENCE-May 2008 to get the most up-to-date information on the lastest advances for securing beautiful skin of color at any age featuring the the Skin Specialty Group!

The Skin Speciality Group featured in Essence magazine.

Dr. Cook Bolden has also been featured in Ladies Home Journal, SELF, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, O Magazine, Dermatology Times and many more!

Check out our In the Media page for additional magazine articles featuring Dr. Cook-Bolden.

The Skin Specialty Group hits international news again!
Dr. Cook-Bolden provides tips in the May issue of Vis.A.Vis Magazine for an age-defying beauty regimen that will help you
Look Great At Any Age

Dr. Cook Bolden has also been in informative news segments in local newspapers and news across the US including The New York Post, Newsday, The Charlotte Observer, The Kansas City Star, New York Times, The Courier, special feature on CBS TV and more.

Check out our In the Media page for additional News and Headlines featuring Dr. Cook-Bolden

Are you hiding out because of ACNE?
If you are 12 years of age or older and have acne, you may be able to participate in a clinical research study testing an investigational gel medication.

Do you have thickened yellow and disfigured toenails (onychomycosis/toenail fungus)?
Enrolling subjects 16 yrs or older, male or female in a research study

Dr. Cook-Bolden & The Skin Specialty Group Discuss Skincare in the FASHION & STYLE section of the New York Times for January 4, 2007:
Skin Deep: The Cosmetics Restriction Diet - By Natasha Singer
"Forget $200 beauty creams and medicine cabinets full of products. The best regimen for your face involves three simple steps and nothing more expensive than $30."

GOT ZITS??
Are you SUFFERING with ACNE??
Are you tired of suffering with acne? Is it getting worse or not responding to treatments? We are currently enrolling for acne research studies. Free medication and compensation provided. Please call 212.249.8394. Limited space available!

New Opportunity for Fraxel Laser Treatments: see information in our Research Division

EXPERTS IN TREATING SKIN OF COLOR
The Skin Specialty Group featured in the New York Times, Thursday, November 3, 2005. An outstanding article on "Treating Skin of Color With Know-How" in which Dr. Fran Cook-Bolden is one of the doctors featured!

THE LATE SHIFT
Are you finding it difficult to juggle your daytime schedule to accommodate your skin, hair and nail health concerns?
We do offer limited after work and evening hours for patients who are unable to make daytime hours. Weekend appointments also available... We're here for you!

EVER THINK ABOUT BOTOX®, RESTYLANE®, TREATMENT FOR EXCESSIVE SWEATING, GETTING RID OF UNWANTED HAIR? Visit our COSMETIC CENTER for the information you have always wanted. NOW IS THE TIME... for Y-O-U!

Opportunity for Laser Treatments
Would you like to improve the appearance of scars, keloids, stretch marks, prominent pores, uneven skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles, unwanted pigmentation, or even acne? Now is the time! Call for a consultation today and ask for the COSMETIC CENTER 212.249.8377.

Clinical Research Studies
Call us about ongoing and future enrollment for clinical research studies of safe and effective treatments for dark spots, acne, razor bumps, hair loss, dry scalp and many other skin problems. All treatments and visits at no cost. To learn more, visit our Research Division.
For more information, contact us at 212.249.8394 or email now.
Enrollment in research studies is limited!

Dr. Cook-Bolden's Book
Now updated in paperback, in all major bookstores (also available in our office), find BEAUTIFUL SKIN OF COLOR: A Comprehensive guide to Asian, Olive and Dark Skin, co-authored by Dr. Fran E. Cook-Bolden.
A great GIFT idea!