Scientific Evidence
A clinical study evaluated the use of the LightSheer Diode Laser for laser hair removal. Of the 92 patients studied, all had temporary hair loss and 89% had long-term hair loss. Additionally, the regrowing hairs were shown to be thinner and lighter than previously observed. The study demonstrated the use of a diode laser to cause permanent hair reduction without damaging the epidermis, regardless of skin type.

During the anagen phase, the hair contains an abundance of melanin. The catagen phase is the regression phase when the lower part of the hair stops growing but is not shed, and the follicle is reabsorbed. The resting phase is called the telogen phase, during which the old hair falls out in preparation for the development of new hair.  Studies have shown that laser hair removal treatments are most effective when hair is in the active or anagen phase.  It is during this phase when melanin, the target of the laser light, is most abundant.

Q: Why do we chose our laser hair removal systems?
The Brandeis Medical Center only uses laser systems specifically designed for laser hair removal. We have chosen hair removal lasers which have consistently demonstrated safety and effectiveness for permanent hair reduction. There have been other laser hair removal systems that we have investigated that have not consistently demonstrated this degree of safety and effectiveness. 

Q: Does laser hair removal hurt?
The cooling tip has a mild anesthetic property, which allows even sensitive areas to be treated in a relatively painless fashion. Most patients describe the treatment as a tingling or stinging sensation during the laser hair removal treatment. External cooling is also used during the laser hair removal process to aid in comfort and safety. Therefore, most people tolerate the procedure extremely well with no need for pain medication or topical anesthetics. If you find the first laser hair removal treatment too uncomfortable a topical anesthetic is available at a nominal cost.

Q: How many laser hair removal treatments will I need?
The diode laser is most effective in the treatment of follicles that are in the active growth phase at which there is an abundance of melanin which the laser targets. However, not all hairs are actively growing at the same time. Hairs actually go through three distinct growth phases: active growth, regression and resting. Therefore, because the laser is most effective for hair follicles that are in the active growth phase, more than one treatment may be required to remove hair follicles. However, one treatment may result in a significant enough improvement that it may be all you desire or require. On the average three to five sessions will be necessary depending upon a patient’s skin and hair type. The interval between sessions is approximately four to five weeks.

How long does a treatment session take?
The length of an individual laser hair removal treatment may last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or more, depending on the size of the area being treated.

How will the area look after a treatment session ?
The appearance of the treated area immediately following a laser hair removal session will vary from patient to patient and varies for different body parts. If swelling or redness at the laser hair removal treatment site occurs, the swelling and redness typically goes away within a couple hours. You are able to return to normal activity immediately.

Who performs the procedure?
All laser hair removal procedures are physician performed upon request or by our registered nurse. 

Who is an appropriate candidate for laser hair removal?
Because the Brandeis Medical Center utilizes several types of lasers for hair removal including diode and Nd:YAG lsystems all skin types and even tanned skin can be safely treated.

Is the laser safe for darker skin or tanned skin?
Many limitations remained prior to the introduction of the CoolGlide® aesthetic laser system for laser hair removal. Previous laser systems were not well suited to treat  patients with darker skin. Unfortunately in inexperienced hands, people of color suffered burns and scarring with the use of laser systems not suitable to use on their skin pigments. The laser hair removal market was in need of a laser hair removal system that allowed for the safe treatment of a wider range of skin types. The CoolGlide® and CoolGlide® Excel were the first long pulse ND:YAG laser systems (1064 nm) to receive clearance to claim permanent hair reduction. At the Brandeis Medical Center we have available the CoolGlide® Excel laser system to achieve laser hair removal for patients of color.

Are there any pre-treatment restrictions?
Yes. Any amount of suntan will make the laser treatment less effective and increase the chances for an adverse effect such as blisters or burning. Therefore sun bathing and tanning are to be avoided prior to the procedure. The same precautions that apply to sun bathing and tanning also apply to the use of self tanners. Additionally, as the follicle beneath the skin contains the melanin that the laser targets waxing, plucking and electrolysis should be avoided for several weeks prior to the procedure. The laser should be avoided in cases of active outbreaks of cold sores or Herpes Simplex virus.

Can there be any complications from the laser?
Yes. There have been cases reported of temporary lightening or darkening of the skin following a laser treatment. There have been reports of permanent scarring as well. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery recently reported that half of its 2400 members reported seeing an increase of complications when minimally trained and unsupervised technicians performed laser hair removal procedures. Therefore the importance of supervised and properly trained and experienced technicians cannot be overemphasized.   

How is laser hair removal different from electrolysis?
Electrolysis works by the use of an electric current delivered through a small needle or electrode which is passed through the skin and, hopefully, into the hair bulb beneath the surface of the skin. There are several drawbacks with electrolysis. Firstly, the electric current can damage normal skin around the hair follicle resulting in scarring. Secondly, since it is impossible to see the hair follicle that is being treated, the practitioner cannot be certain that the electric current is being placed in exactly the right space. As anyone who has had electrolysis can attest, electrolysis can be exceedingly painful. Therefore, electrolysis is more costly, slower, and most dangerous when compared to laser hair removal.

Is the office setting comfortable and reassuring for the female patients?
The Brandeis Medical Center recognizes the special concerns that women have when it comes to laser hair removal. For this reason we have a staff of compassionate women professionals including a female registered nurse who also performs the laser hair removal procedures who are dedicated to aid you with comfort and total privacy.

·         Our prices are realistic and affordable.

·         All laser procedures performed by Dr. Brandeis upon request

·         Evening and weekend hours are available.

·         Clinics that base price on skin color or hair type.

·         Clinics that are staffed by unsupervised and minimally trained personnel