CosmeSurge^® has in all its centers the latest assortment of lasers that include: large spot ND:YAG lasers best suited to treat the whole body of patients with darker skin, smaller spot size ND:YAG lasers for the face, armpit and bikini lines of patients with darker skin. We also have Alexandrite lasers that are suited for fair skin, and Q-switched ND:YAG lasers for light colored and fine hair.

Many centers promise you " to be hair free"... This is not true as all lasers reduce hair only by 70%-80% after a series of 5-8 sessions but the 20-30% that does come back become thinner and lighter in color. Another common marketing lie is "pain free lasers". Any laser can be turned into a pain free laser by lowering the energy delivered thereby lowering the effectiveness of the hair reduction as well. In our experience, Diode lasers create less discomfort but are only effective in the first 2-3 sessions.

We use special cooling devices to reduce discomfort. For sensitive areas such as the bikini area, we use a strong numbing cream beforehand. 

Hair removal or reduction in men: A popular request is for men to have hair reduction in the neck area which is very uncomfortable to shave and or produces skin lesions after each shaving (folliculitis barbae).

Unwanted Hair

Removal of unwanted hair is the most popular cosmetic procedure in the world for women as well as for an increasing number of men. Treatments include the more traditional and often temporary methods, ranging from depilatories, epilators, shavers, waxing kits and electrolysis, to high-tech procedures such as intense pulsed light and laser systems. 

In many cases unwanted hair is considered a cosmetic problem. In particular, women often experience additional hair growth during both pregnancy and menopause. Some diseases also have excessive hair growth as a symptom, but they are less common. 

Skin and Hair Color Considerations

One of the biggest considerations before using laser hair removal is the skin color of a potential patient and the color of their hair. Simply put, the lighter the patient's skin, the easier it is to use laser services for hair removal. For people with light or fair skin, fewer treatments will be required; in addition, results will be obtained faster because of the fair pigment of the skin. People with darker skin should know that results will be slower because of the necessity of more treatments. 

With regards to hair color, however, dark hair is easier to treat than light or red hair. As a matter of fact, blond and red hair is extremely difficult to treat in comparison to dark hair because it contains the pigment Pheomelanin. This pigment is extremely difficult to penetrate through laser. On the contrary, Eumelanin is easily penetrable and is quite pervasive in black and brown hair. 

How Does Hair Grow?

Human hairs are comprised of three distinct parts: the bulb at the base of the hair follicle that produces hair, the shaft, and the hair follicle itself. Both the bulb and the shaft are embedded within the skin, leaving only the hair visible to the naked eye. For long-term hair removal, the hair follicle must be destroyed along with its germinating centers that are in the bulb. 

Another challenge to the hair removal process is the ability to produce long-term effects. This is due to the fact that hair is destroyed only during the active phase of the growth cycle. As a result of these staggered growth cycles, patients usually require multiple treatments over several weeks to months for long-term hair removal results. 

How Do Lasers Remove Hair?

Laser hair removal systems gently remove unwanted hair. While dermatologic surgeons continue to research the exact science of laser hair removal, it appears that the light energy causes thermal injury to the hair follicle. This occurs because laser light is converted into heat as it passes through the skin and is absorbed in the target pigment melanin found in the hair follicle. When the temperature reaches a high enough level in a hair follicle during its active phase, the targeted hair structures are disabled, thus inhibiting hair re-growth. 

Light-Based Sources

Intense pulsed light (IPL) devices operate on similar principles to lasers. Using the photo-epilation process, the device offers a broad spectrum of light to treat a variety of hair and skin colors as well as hair depths. Because it is a light source and not a laser it is widely used in less-regulated beauty salons where lasers are not allowed. It is not the best choice for hair removal in general and especially darker skin as its is less effective and is associated with more complications than lasers.

What Are the Advantages of Permanent Laser Hair Reduction?

Permanent Laser hair reduction is a non-invasive method of photo-epilation, which does not require needles or messy chemical creams. Since thousands of hairs can be zapped in a single treatment session, large areas like the back, shoulders, arms and legs can be effectively and efficiently treated. 

What Are the Limitations and complications of Permanent Laser Hair Reduction?

While laser hair reduction is an excellent treatment option, research efforts continue to enhance the procedure. Although permanent hair removal is the goal of therapy, only 70-80% of the hair is permanently removed. That is why the FDA does not allow the term permanent hair removal. The twenty to thirty percent of hair that grows back is lighter in color and thinner.

In addition, permanent laser hair reduction typically requires multiple treatments, which can make it a more costly hair removal alternative. Possible side effects, though extremely rare, may include damage to the surrounding healthy tissue in the form of scars, burns, redness and swelling. Special considerations are important when lasers are used on darker skin tones to allow for safe and effective treatment. It is best to seek a center where the technicians or nurses are supervised by a dermatologist and where quality control and international standards are adhered to. Some centers invest in a Spa like atmosphere and a great deal of decor. We chose to invest in recruiting and training experienced laser operators, quality control programs and the best lasers.

Many centers employ one dermatologist to cover two to four centers simultaneously.

At CosmeSurge^®, we have at least one dedicated full time specialist per center, hence our outstanding results and track record of safety and patient satisfaction.

How many sessions do I need?

You generally need about 3-4 sessions for legs, groin, bikini line and the armpit, while you need 5-8 sessions for the face and neck. Sessions are spread about six weeks apart.  Long term maintenance can be achieved with 1-2 sessions per year.

How do I prepare for my laser hair reduction session?

Avoid tanning for three weeks before your laser session otherwise you run a risk of getting burned as the laser beam is confused with the tanned skin and zaps it as if it is a dark hair follicle. It is best to shave the area 2-3 days before the session or have it trimmed upon arrival by the therapist. The operator need to see half a centimeter of the hair shaft to determine where to direct the laser beam. That is why shaving with a razor just prior to laser treatment is not ideal.