Laser Hair Removal

Hair Reduction	alexandrite Laser	Nd:YAG	Diode Laser	IPL	Electrolysis
Fair Skin	+++	++	++	+	++
Dark or Tan Skin	-	++	+	-	+
Dark Hair	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Red/Brown Hair	No	No	No	Yes	Yes
Blond/White Hair	No	No	No	No	Yes
# Treatments	3-6	3-6	3-10	6-10	Variable
Lasting Effect	Permanent	Permanent	Permanent	Variable	Permanent
Cost(*)	$$$	$$$	$$$	$$	$50/Session

(*)Cost depends on body area treated

Treatments: Alexandrite laser, Nd:YAG laser, diode laser, IPL, Electrolysis.

It is safe to say that all of us, some more than others, suffer from unwanted hair on our face, neck and body. This unwanted hair growth can occur due to heredity, hormonal levels, and certain drugs.

Who can benefit from Permanent Hair Removal?

Usually, hair growth is desirable; however, when the hair is on the wrong part of your body i.e. a woman's upper lip or chin as well on your hands or arms then you may be considering the help of permanent hair reduction.

Laser hair reduction works best on dark hair. It should be noted that at this time neither lasers nor IPL (intense pulsed light) are able to treat red or white hair.

There are several methods of hair reduction available, both temporary and permanent.

Temporary Hair Removal

Temporary methods of hair removal are achieved through depilation (removal of the hair above the skins surface) and epilation (removing the entire hair). Depilation refers to methods such as shaving and creams that chemically dissolve the hair. Epilation refers to methods such as tweezing and waxing. These methods remove unwanted hair for a period of a few weeks.

Permanent Hair Removal - Laser

Laser hair removal is the most effective method for permanent hair reduction. Laser hair reduction works well on dark hair in people of all skin types. On average, 20-25% of hair follicles are permanently destroyed after each laser treatment, leading to about 50-70% reduction after three treatments and about 80-90% reduction after six treatments. The remainder of the hair then becomes finer and lighter. However the most common misconception about permanent hair reduction is that a series of laser treatments destroys all hair when in reality some hair follicles are dormant at the time of treatment and are able to produce hair at a later stage. For near complete hair removal, periodic maintenance treatments can be performed.

Permanent Hair Removal - Electrolysis

An alternative method of permanent hair removal is electrolysis. This technique employs an electrical beam to destroy a single hair follicle. Therefore, it is unsuitable for large body areas. Electrolysis can eliminate hair of all color, including white, and red. Electrolysis is often used to remove the occasional gray or white hair that is left after successful laser treatment of laser hair reduction.

Pre and Post Permanent Hair Removal Instructions

If you are planning to undergo permanent laser hair reduction, the hair must not be plucked or waxed for four weeks prior to treatment. Once the treatment has been administered, you should avoid long periods in direct sunlight for six weeks.

Price of Permanent Hair Removal

Permanent hair removal is one of the safest forms of cosmetic dermatology, administered at a reasonable price. We provide our patients in the Philadelphia and Main Line area access to most effective and safe devices. Call us for detail pricing and to schedule a free consultation with Jill, our medical aesthetician.

Patient comments (source: Patient Satisfaction Report)
2008-06-02 11:26:12	Yes, I liked Dr. Ringpfeil's attentive, friendly demeanor and the fact that she expained things well, making available every sort of treatment, but also making clear what was needed/recommended and what could/should be skipped in a sensible, conservative approach.
2008-06-05 11:42:22	You people are superb. The doctor and the assistant understand what they are doing. The doctor really talks like a professional - she knows it for sure.
2008-05-29 10:09:53	the doctor was comprehensive, concerned and frank