LightSheerTM Laser    What is LightSheerTM Laser Hair Removal? A laser produces a beam of highly concentrated light.  The light emitted by the LightSheer diode laser is well absorbed by the pigment located in the hair follicles.  During the procedure, the laser pulses for a fraction of a second, long enough to heat up and significantly impede the follicle's ability to re-grow.  This process also treats numerous hair follicles simultaneously.  Therefore, LightSheer is appropriate for treating even the largest areas of the body both quickly and effectively. An important part of the procedure is the cooling of the skin.  A special contact-cooling handpiece allows the laser technician to treat even the most sensitive skin.  It protects and cools the upper layer of the skin before, during and after each laser pulse while directing the laser energy to the hair root. What is LightSheerTM Laser used for? LightSheerTM Laser is used for any area of the skin which has unwanted hair, including the face, neck, chest, back, bikini area, underarms, arms and legs. Who may have LightSheerTM Laser? This laser procedure may be used in women and men, teenagers to older patients. Any skin type may be treated including those with Asian and African American skin. The hair to be lasered must be pigmented, either brown or black. Because the laser targets pigment, blonde and gray hair is not removed with the LightSheerTM Laser. Is LightSheerTM Laser safe? LightSheerTM Laser is a safe and effective method of hair removal. The procedure is performed by a nurse with supervision by a physician, or by a physician. Is LightSheerTM Laser safe on Asian and African American skin? Because the laser targets pigment, there is a possibility that the laser will alter the pigment of the skin as well as remove the hair. For this reason, we test two to three small areas and wait one to two weeks to ensure that the patient has no change in the pigmentation of their skin.  In addition, the LightSheerTM Laser has a special contact cooling handpiece which helps cool down the surrounding skin as it directs laser energy to the hair follicle. What are the possible side effects from LightSheerTM Laser treatment? Possible side effects include hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin in the treated area) and hyperpigmentation (darker skin in the treated area) and redness. Although scarring has been reported this is unusual. Occasionally, this laser is not effective. Is LightSheerTM Laser painful? When the laser is applied to the skin, patients feel some stinging, similar in sensation to the snapping of a small rubber band against the skin. We therefore have our patients apply an anesthetic cream to the area being treated for 30 minutes prior to the procedure. This ensures patient comfort during the treatment. Are there any pre-treatment procedures? Our nurse or physician will consult with you and review the pre-treatment procedures. The skin being lasered must not be tanned. If the patient has a history of cold sores in the area to be treated, a prescription for an anti-viral medication will be given to you by the physician to be started the day before the laser procedure and taken for a few days afterwards.  Patients who have had Accutane for acne may not have laser for at least six months (and possibly one year) after stopping Accutane. How is LightSheerTM Laser performed? After the patient has had the topical anesthetic cream on for 30 minutes, a cool gel is applied to the area being treated. Dark glasses are worn to protect the patient’s eyes from the light. With the patient in a comfortable, relaxed position, the LaserSheerTM  handpiece is applied to the skin. How long is each treatment? The length of the procedure varies, from fifteen minutes to an hour or more, depending on which area is being treated. How many treatments will I need? In general, patients have three to six treatments, approximately every four to six weeks. Patients with darker skin types may require more treatments.  It is important to know that the hairs in an active growth phase (referred to as anagen) are most affected by the laser.  As all hairs are not in this phase at the same time, more than one treatment will be necessary to achieve the best results. How will I look after each treatment?  The appearance of the skin after LightSheerTM Laser varies from patient to patient, depending on their skin type and area treated. Most patients have redness and some swelling of the treated area with mild discomfort similar in sensation to a mild sunburn. This may last from an hour to a day. Hair from the treated area may shed.  Mild crusting may occur, but if the patient experiences extensive crusting or blister formation they should contact their physician. Most patients are able to return to their usual activities right away. How do I take care of my skin after the LightSheerTM Laser treatment? Cool compresses applied to the treated area help to reduce redness, swelling and discomfort. Patients may shave carefully as soon as the day after their treatment. Patients notice that treated hairs will shed during the week or two following treatment. Gradually, it becomes apparent that some hairs are not regrowing and others are finer. It is important to protect all your skin from the sun using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day as well as sun protective clothing. Is the hair removal permanent? The LightSheerTM Laser causes significant hair reduction in the areas treated. After two to six treatments, most patients are satisfied with the results.  Complete hair removal may not be attained.  These effects are permanent, although a touch up may be required from time to time.

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