Best type of Laser for hair removal?

[Pazwell]

Dr.,

   When I choose a place to perform my laser surgery for hair removal what should I look for as far as procedure/equipment? Some offices use different types of lasers and some use a carbonite "salve" to be applied beforehand to help "tag" the hairs and then again some do not. How is anyone to know what the differences are and which ones are better?

Thanks

Paz

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Paz:

It's turning out that almost all the lasers approved for hair treatment have about the same degree of success: up to 70% reduction after 3 sessions, at 8 week intervals.  The carbon-based system has been less effective at long-term reduction.

I would look for experience (who's doing the treatment: doctor, nurse, technician?) and price.  And if you're Caucasian, don't tan, since lasers are hard or even impossible to use on dark-skinned individuals in a way which produces long-term results.

Best.

Dr. R

[MJ]

Does this mean that African -American people cannot (or should not) utilize laser tx for long term hair removal?  Why?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Lasers target pigment.  Up to now, lasers which target hair shaft pigment are too strong for dark skin, and can blister or scar it.  This may change with new technology.

Dr. R

[Julie]

I had my first session of laser surgery.  I am concerned that i didnt research this enough prior.  I was told afterwards to stay out of the sun.  How long should I avoid sunlight.  What happens if I failed to use 45 spf sunblock.  After the third session, will I have any scarring?  Will the blonde hairs grow back?  What percentage of hair will grow back?
Thanks in advance!