Laser Hair Reduction Results

A male shares his experience with hair reduction through a professional laser clinic using an 800nm diode laser (Coherent/Lumenis Lightsheer XL system). Hopefully this is helpful to those considering this procedure.

The Consultation

Two weeks before my first treatment I was given a consultation. The laser technician explained what skin types are, what mine was (type 3), and that each treatment should cause a 15% reduction in hair appearance. They went over an FDA document showing that the laser was approved for permanent hair reduction.

A test zap was given to my arm in the area to be treated. Without topical anesthetic, it felt like a rubber band snapping hard against my skin over a penny sized area. In contrast, very little pain was felt from a zap in a hairless area. This illustrated how the laser targets hair follicle pigment, and the need for numbing cream to be used before my treatments.

I was scheduled to have a laser appointment every 3 months for at least 6 treatments. Each cost $400 (in 2002) for full arms and hands.

Here is a picture of my arms before any laser treatments. Click on the image for a larger version:

First Session

My arms started to become numb just prior to my appointment, where I was shown into a private room with a reclining exam table, sink, freezer, and the laser system. A single technician came to perform the treatment, who set the system for 28 fluence, a measure of how much power it delivers. Higher fluences are more effective, but can be more painful and cause greater skin damage.

After we each put on protective glasses, the technician unwrapped part of the plastic wrap. The tip of the laser was pressed firmly to my skin and a line of zaps made down my arm, which I didn't feel because of the Emla. I could smell burning hair, but it wasn't that bad. My arms turned completely red and bumpy after the 40 minute treatment. They also felt hot, and were sensitive to heat, so the laser technician gave me disposable ice packs. I went home, showered off the Emla (you should not leave it on) and applied lotion.

Over the next 4 days the redness and bumps faded, leaving light brown marks. They say those with dark, coarse hairs are more likely to suffer from that temporarily. For 2 weeks some hairs gradually came to the surface and shed, while other hairs continued to grow. By the 3rd week the laser marks had faded completely, and I had a good idea of which hairs hadn't responded to the treatment or were missed accidently.

3 months after my first treatment I could tell the hair was thinner and lighter. This was taken right before my second treatment:

Second Session

Here is a picture taken 3 months after my second treatment:

Subsequent Sessions

Since hair grows in cycles, and not all hairs are in the treatable stage, your hair may appear worse at some points during treatment (as old hairs that were poorly or never treated grow back).

Long term results

Below is a time lapse of my results. Your results may be better or worse, depending on how accurate the technician is (mine sometimes skipped patches), the laser used, hair type, etc:

Legs

Pain Management

Topical pain products can significantly reduce the pain you feel during laser hair removal. Most of these products rely on Lidocaine, which is safe and well proven when used as directed. It should be applied thick like frosting (30 grams spread over 35 square inches). Unfortunately this means quickly reaching the maximum (60 gram) dosage, so you may be forced to spread it thinner for large areas or dividing your treatments into smaller areas.

After applying a thick layer of cream, cover it loosely with GLAD Cling Wrap (imitation seran wraps stick together too easy) and use tape to keep it in place if needed.

Lidocaine starts to take effect after 20 minutes and reaches its maximum effect after 2 hours. Your skin should turn red (called blanching) and be numb to the touch. The effect starts to fade an hour after being wiped clean, but can take 5+ hours to fade completely.

Be careful not to scrub, scrape or otherwise damage your skin. Because you won't feel pain, you may not be aware of an injury until well after its happened.

Here are the topical pain products I've tested:

"Emla" (Lidocaine 2.5% + Prilocaine 2.5%) for $0.87/gram (10 x 30g tubes) (Best pain relief, but expensive)
"Lido 4%" (Lidocaine 4%) for $0.50/gram (2 x 60g cans) (Second best. Use Buddy Code 158 and Coupon SAVE3443)
"Topicaine" (Lidocaine 4%) for $0.46/gram (6 x 113g tubes) (Third best, but causes irritation due to alcohol base)
"Betacaine" (Lidocaine 5%) for $0.94/gram (80g pump) (Causes major irritation due to high alcohol base)

"Lidocaine Plus 4%" (Lidocaine 4%) (NO noticeable effect. May not actually contain Lidocaine.)
"Duocaine" (Lidocaine 6% + Tetracaine 4%) (NO noticeable effect, possibly due to petroleum base.)

FDA Orange Book for S-Caine
S-Caine information, safety and dosage

I would also emphasize the use of ice packs. Applying an ice pack for a few seconds before laser pulses can significantly decrease pain. However there is a slight chance it might reduce the effectiveness of the laser. Post-treatment ice packs should have no negative impact.

Tips for Treatment

• Some clinics may offer a discount package. For instance, pay for 5 and receive subsequent treatments and touch ups for free until your hair is gone. I received a written guarentee that I could receive free treatments for up to 2 years after my 5th appointment. I believe this is a good sign in a laser practitioner.

• If you have dark hair or are sensitive to pain, I strongly recommend a topical anesthetic such as Emla (2.5% Lydocaine, 2.5% Prylocaine). Available with a prescription, or from your laser technician if they're under a physician. It can also be mail ordered from canadapharmacy.com.

• Apply Emla 2 hours in advance of your appointment, and wrap in seran wrap. Emla can have side effects, so read the warnings before using it. For instance, you should not use more than 60mg at one time, and should keep it away from your mouth and eyes. My only side effect was a numb tongue.

• Make appointments far in advance, and arrive 15 minutes early. Since laser treatment time is highly variable, it's possible someone before you may get done early, and some clinics may be booked months ahead.

• Buy a few Instant Cold Packs (about $2 a pack) at your local grocery store or pharmacy. These packs, which last about 20 minutes once activated, can reduce the pain, swelling and chance of burns after your treatment. Activate them by squeezing the center carefully, which breaks an inner water pouch.

• For those with sensitive skin, or dark hair, ask your laser technician if they can cool your skin with ice packs before, during, a nd directly after treatment. This further reduces skin damage and pain. A good laser practitioner should have a freezer on hand stocked with such packs.

• Don't be shy! Tell your laser technician exactly what you want treated since this is a permanent and expensive procedure. Don't be afraid to tell them to pause if it hurts too much, and let them know how your results are coming.

• Examine yourself after the treatment, especially if using Emla. You won't feel pain or damage to your skin.

• Another sign of a good laser practictioner is complementary lotion after your treatment. Some clinics sell "special" laser lotions or creams to take home. My dermatologist simply recommended Cerave or Cetaphil, which were far less expensive and has been widely tested.

• When you get home be very gentle with your skin, as it has actually suffered some underlying burns. Bathe or shower in as cold of water as you're comfortable with, and apply ice packs for the rest of the day. This will minimize recovery time. Remember, with anesthetic, you will not feel pain so be careful not to hurt yourself (e.g. frostbite).

Burn Caution During one of my early leg sessions I received minor burns. The laser physician believed they were caused by several factors. The laser itself may have malfunctioned, and was sent in for service. I was sitting on the back of my legs in my car while driving home, which trapped the heat. No ice packs were used, and lastly, I washed the area before the Emla wore off. The burn marks did eventually heal within a few months, which allowed me to continue treatment, and I was never burned again despite higher fluence settings later on. (Your skin should not look like the burn picture, which also illustrates inaccurate laser coverage).