Allan Zacher, MD (retired)

At our practice we find that the Lumenis LightSheer with a liquid cooled artificial sapphire is the best for both reducing or eliminating pain with the procedure - but also delivers the most energy for effective destruction of generative tissue that grows the hair. ALL of the FDA approved laser hair removal (LHR) lasers will do a fine job, but again, we find the LightSheer to be the most comfortable and the most effective!

See our description here.

The LightSheer uses a specific wavelength of light (805 nm) that is the most effective at "killing" the root. That is the way that it works (see photo above). While intense pulsed light (IPL) is FDA approved for LHR it does not do as good a job in my experience. LHR is broadband with all the colors, but the 805 nm wavelength, again, is the most effective. 

I hope this helps!

Allan Zacher, MD

Yes. hair follicles can become infected a variety of ways, sometimes shaving sometimes waxing. Laser will take care of all of this. Just remember it takes several treatments (we say 4 - 6) to reach completion for most people. 

 

Do NOT! Pluck, Wax, Epliate ***BEFORE*** laser hair removal. While it is not dangerous, it will make the treatment less effective. The root has to be there and these techniques usually pull the hair out "by the root". DO SHAVE because this will remove the external hair but leave the roots for the laser to heat up.

Hi Rosy, thank you for your question!

Based on your photographs I agree you have had some loss of volume in the face. Everyone experiences this sooner or later. I agree with your Derm that filler could restore much of the "rosey cheek" look for you!

In the cosmetic world the most common reasons for someone to have a bad outcome are a provider who is either not properly trained / has not had much experience, OR is "selling" too much product and is over using the filling technique - this is what may give the swollen face look. 

Use an experienced provider with a lot of good reviews, also remember "Less is More"! Fillers are generally sold in 1 ml syringes (unlike Botox and Dysport which are sold in units). You may need between 2 to 4 syringes to correct your situation, but some providers (including me) would start with 2 syringes, evaluate in maybe 2 weeks to see how the result is and if you want / need more. 

I hope this helps! This recommendation is based on what I can see of your photos, this is not a specific recommendation for you - as nothing substitutes for a face-to-face visit with your provider, an in-person visit may result in a different recommendation. 

Sincerely,

Allan Zacher, MD 

Hi Helen, thank you for your question!

Laser Hair Removal (LHR) has its effect on the hair follicles in the dermis (part of the skin) only. This part of the skin is far, far away, anatomically speaking, from the generative organs of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and etc. There is no physical way the light from LHR could get to the organs of reproduction in a way that would damage them, so no, LHR will not create infertility.

LHR is not recommended for women who are pregnant or who might be pregnant. This seems to be a recommendation from the manufacturers of laser equipment without any apparent basis in medical logic, however, most or all laser clinics will not perform LHR for a pregnant patient based on these recommendations for liability reasons. 

I hope this has answered your question! Thank you again for asking!