Fact or fiction: Common beliefs about laser hair removal explained

ever underestimate the wonders of modern technology. It has simplified and improved many areas of our lives, from communication to personal grooming. Thanks to advanced laser technology, you can say goodbye to razors and tweezers, and reclaim the time you’ve been spending battling unwanted body hair. If you’ve been considering laser hair removal, you have probably received a lot of advice from friends, family, and your favorite beauty websites. What should you believe? See if you know which of the following statements are fact, and which ones are fiction.

You should have laser hair removal before you go gray

TRUE – Laser energy works on pigment in the hair follicle. Very light hairs are more difficult to treat, and coarse, dark hairs respond the best. When hairs turn gray, they have quit producing pigment, and therefore may no longer respond to laser treatment.

Laser treatment is not safe for people with dark skin

FALSE – At one time, this was true, because lasers reacted with skin pigment, putting the patient at risk for scarring. Thankfully, we now have technology and techniques that allow the laser beam to pass through the skin, selectively targeting the hair follicle. A skilled technician using state-of-the-art equipment can safely treat patients with all skin types and tones.

You shouldn’t pluck or wax prior to treatment

TRUE – Laser treatment targets the base of the hair within the follicle, causing a thermal reaction. This alters the follicle, preventing it from growing a new hair. Any method of pulling hairs will remove the root, leaving nothing to absorb the laser.

Laser treatment only removes between 10 and 25 percent of hairs

FALSE – Actually, this is more like a partial truth. Your hair follicles cycle through active and resting phases, but they are not synchronized. Actively growing hairs are the only ones that respond to laser energy. Therefore, a single session only affects a percentage of hairs in the treatment area. However, laser hair removal is not performed in a single session. The complete treatment plan includes several sessions, carefully timed according to the speed of hair growth. On average, a series of four to six appointments, scheduled several weeks apart, can achieve permanent reduction over 90 percent.

When you visit image Dermatology ® P.C., we will be happy to answer your questions, and discuss your options, to ensure that you are delighted with any treatment you choose. Laser hair removal is a safe, effective treatment with many satisfied patients who have not needed to shave in years – and Dr. Downie is one of them! Our office is in Montclair, NJ, serving Glen Ridge, Essex Fells, and other communities throughout New Jersey. Call us at (973) 509-6900 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Jeanine Downie
image Dermatology ® P.C.

Dr. Jeanine Downie is an experienced and popular dermatologist in Montclair. She possesses extensive experience and training in all aspects of dermatology, including cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery. Dr. Downie provides modern and cutting-edge dermatology treatments to everyone in your family in a professional, competent and compassionate manner while ensuring that your individual and unique needs are met. Having received rigorous academic training, she completed her residency in Dermatology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City and also served as Chief Resident. She continues to upgrade her skills set and share her knowledge through professional affiliations and lecturing assignments on behalf of several renowned medical societies such as The Skin Cancer Foundation and The American Academy of Dermatology, among others. She also frequently interacts with the public through popular television shows such as Good Morning America, The Today Show, and The Dr. Oz Show, to name a few.