HAIR REMOVAL: The laser light targets hair in the active growth cycle, damaging the hair follicle with minimum trauma to surrounding tissue. Approximately 20-30% of the hair will be active at any one time. Effects of this treatment vary with skin type, hair color, and the area of the body to be treated. Because the laser only detects color, people who are very fair skinned and have dark hair in the treatment area usually obtain the best results. Persons who have darker skin may experience little or no improvement because the laser energy is more dispersed in areas with darker pigmentation. This treatment is usually not effective on natural blonde, gray, white or red hair. Although the goal is hair removal, sometimes only modifications are made. For example, coarse hair may be replaced with finer, lighter hair. Some conditions may exclude clients from treatment. These conditions are pregnancy; the use of certain medications, herbs and vitamins that increase photo sensitivity; diabetes; a history of keloid scarring; or if the skin turns brown when it is scratched; and a recent suntan received within six weeks.

SKIN LESION REMOVAL: This particular type of laser is used for removing and/or improving age spots, brown freckling and liver spots that occur on the face, hands or body.

During a consultation visit, Dr. English will examine the areas to be treated and make an assessment of skin type and hair color. The client's medical history and objectives will also be discussed. For persons with darker skin tones, a "test spot" may be recommended.

Understanding the procedure
Use of the Epitouch Ruby Laser is performed as an in-office procedure at English Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Center. Some clients feel discomfort when the skin is exposed to the light pulse from the laser. However, the pulse is very short in duration is usually described as mildly to moderately uncomfortable. The sensation is often described as feeling like a snap from a rubber band. A topical anesthesia is available in our office and can be applied prior to treatment for clients who request it.

Understanding the recovery
A burning sensation may result from the procedure that can last for up to one hour. Redness that lasts from 30 minutes to two days may also occur. Swelling may appear immediately after treatment, especially if the face has been treated. Cold compresses may be used to reduce these aftereffects.

With any laser treatment, there is always the slight possibility of developing a superficial crust or blister on the skin. This crust or blister should not result in a scar and is treated like a sunburn or any other blister. The treated areas commonly heal without any pigment changes, however, there is always the possibility that darker or lighter areas may occur. These changes in pigment are usually temporary and fade within one to six months.

Some activities should be avoided following laser treatment. Shaving in the treatment area should be delayed until redness disappears. Sunblock should be used to protect the treatment area from the sun until the series of treatments is concluded.

Results of laser treatment will not be immediate. For hair removal, the hair shaft will fall out in about two weeks. Clients return when there is evidence of new hair growth. In facial areas, this growth usually appears after four weeks. Hair growth in other parts of the body can be seen in six to eight weeks.

Visit our plastic / cosmetic surgery office located in Little Rock, Arkansas (AR).