Laser Hair Removal & Skin Types

Feb. 27, 2010 - PRLog -- Laser Hair Removal & Skin Types

Thomas Fitzpatrick, MD.   Skin type’s scale based on skin pigment and
Is used to calculate the potential of sunlight burning.
Skin types are classified on Fitzpatrick scale from 1-6.
Best results: Fair skin {1&2} with dark hair
Worst results: Black skin [5&6] with gray hair.
White and gray hairs indicate the absence of melanin and are impossible
To be treated by laser hair removal.
                        Fitzpatrick skin type definition
Skin type 1- Always burns, never tans, extremely fair skin,
                        Red & blond hair, blue & green eyes
Skin type 2- always burns, tans less than average.
                        Sandy to brown hair, green & brown eyes.
Skin type 3- sometimes burns, tans average,
                        Medium skin, brown hair, brown eyes.
Skin type 4- Rarely burns, tans with ease.
                        Olive skin, Asian skin, brown-black hair, dark eyes.
Skin type 5- Deeply pigmented, never burns.
                        Dark brown skin, black hair, black eyes.
Skin type 6- never burns,  
                        Black skin, black hair, black eyes,

Laser hair removal treatment FAQ for clients in Long Island, NY


What is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is a faster and gentler way to remove unwanted hair with long lasting results. It applies precisely controlled pulses of energy, reaching deep into hair follicles that lie beneath the skin. The energy heats the hair to the bottom of the root, destroying it without damaging surrounding tissue or skin.

Is the laser hair removal treatment painful?

Our state of the art laser is equipped with a high-tech chilling system, which cools the dermis and neutralizes discomfort. At times, clients may experience a "hot pinch" sensation that only lasts for a fraction of a second.

Are there any side effects from laser hair removal?

The laser energies used by Long Island Laser Aesthetics (electrical and light) have been proven to be safe. Most people experience no side effects at all, though some reddening of the skin may occur. After treatment, you can return to your regular daily activities immediately. Please keep the treated skin protected from direct sun exposure for a short period of time after treatment.

How long does it take before I see results after my hair removal treatment?

You will be able to see some results immediately. It takes 2-3 weeks for all the hairs in the treated area to fall out followed by several weeks of no hair growth. You will see immediate results while moving towards your long-term goal.

How many laser hair removal treatments will I need?

The number of treatments required for long-term benefits, depend on three factors; the area being treated, your hair density, and the hair's growth cycle. Every hair follows three phases of hair growth: Anagen (active), Catagen (regression) and Telogen (resting).

Laser technology is designed to treat hair in the Anagen phase of growth. Additional factors, including age, ethnicity, weight, hormones, diet, medication and metabolism, influence hair growth and play a role in the location, thickness and resilience of your hair. Although each client is unique, an average of 6 treatments spaced between 6 to 12 weeks apart, depending on the body location of the unwanted hair is necessary for permanent results.

What should I do before and after treatment?

Please shave the area to be treated a day before the laser hair removal treatment. The less hair on the skin during treatment will make the treatment more comfortable. Avoid the sun 2 to 3 weeks before and after treatment until your technician allows it. You must not bleach, pluck or wax for 3 weeks prior to your treatment. It is OK to resume shaving of the hair in the treated area 3-4 days after treatment.

You should not have waxing, plucking or electrolysis done after receiving our laser hair removal treatment, because these procedures will temporarily remove pigmented hairs from the hair roots and reduce the effectiveness of your next laser treatment. Sometimes after plucking or waxing, the hair becomes thicker and darker--as one of the ways the body defends itself from chronic irritation is to produce thicker, darker hairs.

Shaving is the best temporary way to remove unwanted hair before and between laser hair removal treatments. Shaving leaves the hair shafts in the hair follicles so they can be good targets during the next laser treatment, optimizing your results.

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.

# # #

Our mission is to deliver effective, custom treatment in a safe and welcoming environment, while adhering to the highest standards of care and employing the very best technology.

Long Island Laser Aesthetics specializes in laser hair removal and anti-aging treatments, and has gained an amazing reputation for delivering superior results via the best technology and service. We bring the highest standard of care and treatment to suit your personal needs.

We have established a luxurious, comfortable and welcoming facility to service the areas of Great Neck, Manhasset, Port Washington, Roslyn, Glen Cove, Garden City, New Hyde Park, Mineola, Albertson, Carle Place, Glen Head, Old Westbury, Westbury, Jericho, Oyster Bay, Syosset, Woodbury, Plainview, Long Island, Queens, and the 5 boroughs of New York City.