Avoid long-term consequences by choosing the right laser hair removal specialist!
Laser hair removal is becoming an extremely popular treatment, and we love to see it! Many men and women are tired of shaving and waxing month after month and dealing with uncomfortable things that go with those, like ingrown hair, razor burn or just having to keep up with the maintenance altogether.
Now that safe, effective laser hair removal is common and affordable for many, we’re seeing lots of providers pop up who aren’t–shall we say–the cream of the crop. Unfortunately, our office has treated many patients who had bad treatments at med spas or by inexperienced technicians, leading to burning and scarring which required follow-up treatments with our dermatologists.
The first step in choosing the right provider is being informed, so we sat down with our resident laser hair removal expert, Amber Blair, PA-C, to give you the information you need.
Q: What are the basics of a laser hair removal treatment plan?
A: Laser hair removal is a semi-permanent hair reduction treatment that can take anywhere from 6 -10 treatments to achieve the desired results, although some individuals (like myself!) can see good results before this. Most of the treated hair is permanently reduced or miniaturized so as not to be noticeable. These treatments are performed every 4-6 weeks to complete the series. However, many patients choose to return for touch-up treatments on an annual basis as needed to maintain the results. It is important to protect your skin in the treated area from sun exposure and wear a sunblock daily. The lasers work by selectively heating and targeting the pigment in the hair follicle when it is in the sensitive active growth phase. Complications such as redness, inflammation and discoloration can occur; however, most are preventable here due to our chosen laser device and careful selection of settings.
Q: What are the different technologies for laser hair removal?
A: There are multiple different laser devices that are FDA-approved for laser hair removal. Not all are created equal and it is important to make sure that you are going to a reputable center with highly trained and experienced medical practitioners to ensure consistent and safe treatment outcomes. The various types of lasers are marketed under a variety of different brand names that are more widely recognized. Sometimes multiple wavelengths are used to achieve the best results.
Q: What training must DLVSC staff have to perform this treatment?
A: At DLVSC, everyone performing laser hair removal has been specifically trained to do so under the direction and supervision of our Board-Certified Dermatologists. It is our position that only those holding a medical license in the state of North Carolina should be administering these treatments. Additionally, our Dermatologists are easily accessible to our PAs and NPs for any questions or concerns that may arise. We also have experienced medical staff assisting the person performing the treatment. In our office, we believe in a team approach to patient care!
Q: Does every business offering laser hair removal require the same level of training?
A: The North Carolina Medical Board creates the laws guiding the use of Laser Hair Removal and considers this to be consistent with a surgical procedure. In the state of North Carolina, a Physician or any individual designated by a physician as having adequate training and experience may operate a medical laser while working under the physician’s supervision. This language allows individual businesses and associated physicians the latitude to appoint this task to anyone they feel is well-trained, but does not define what “adequate training” entails.
Q: What are some risks of having it performed by a technician without enough experience or training?
A: When this procedure is performed by a technician, there is often a lack of consistency in both laser physics education and medical dermatology knowledge. This could lead to treatment of someone who is not an appropriate candidate or an incorrect choice in type of laser utilized or the laser settings. Inaccurate expectations given to the patient can even further complicate the scenario. Complications are common due to a lack of experience, training, and oversight. This can lead to a higher risk of things like inflammation, pain, burning, blistering, crusting, skin discoloration, bruising, and even scarring.
Q: Are any of the effects long-term or permanent?
A: A significant overheating to the skin can lead to scaring or discoloration that may be permanent. Adverse effects can always happen, especially if the post-procedure guidelines aren’t appropriately followed. This is why it is important to also be treated in a center that is also equipped to manage any potential complication that may occur.
Q: What are some common reasons you hear for people choosing a medspa?
A: While we understand the potential convenience and financial reasons for turning to a medspa, we maintain that the risk of the inconsistent nature of these establishments may outweigh the benefits. Additionally, we keep our pricing competitive so that we can offer an affordable and safe treatment option for our patients here at DLVSC.
Q: How can you verify that a center offers high-quality treatment?
A: As a consumer, it is difficult to know which businesses offer top-notch LHR treatments with cutting-edge lasers and excellently trained, licensed medical professionals providing treatments. At DLVSC, we understand these challenges and strive to simplify the decision making process for patients. When looking for the highest quality and safest treatment option, choosing a center where treatment is performed by a licensed medical professional, with an approved device and under the appropriate oversight of a physician is paramount to both safety and great treatment results.
Q: What are your thoughts on the many DIY at-home laser hair removal devices being sold right now?
A: I do not recommend the use of DIY at-home laser devices. Not all lasers are the same, and different skin types require different lasers. In fact, some people are not good candidates for LHR at all, due to underlying medical or skin conditions. Also, I worry about the potential for side effects with at-home devices such as discoloration, scaring or reactivation of the herpes virus.
If you’re interested in laser hair removal with the experienced team at DLVSC, call today to schedule a consultation! And just in time for the warmer months, this service will be offered at a discount during our spring beauty event, Beauty in Bloom.
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Amber Blair, MMS, PA-C has an extensive and diverse background in healthcare spanning over 2 decades. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Central Florida’s Cardiopulmonary Science Program and went on to graduate cum laude from the Physician Assistant – Master of Medical Science (M.M.S.) program at Nova Southeastern University. Amber’s been in practice in dermatology since 2012 and has always worked alongside a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon. Amber developed an eye for the art of cosmetic dermatology in addition to her surgical and general dermatology training early on in her career. She is passionate about helping her patients feel more confident in both their skin health and their appearance – which led her to seek advanced training in cosmetic dermatologic procedures and laser and light-based technologies. She also maintains a keen focus in general dermatology with a special interest in psoriasis and acne.
Amber has been an adjunctive faculty member for Nova Southeastern University’s MMS Physician Assistant program, has lectured at the Maui Derm NP+PA conferences, and has served as a preceptor for a PA fellowship-style training program. Amber is currently President-Elect for the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA), a national non-profit membership organization. Amber has multiple articles published in peer-reviewed and indexed dermatology journals, and has served as a guest editor and member of the editorial advisory board for “NP+PA Perspectives in Dermatology”, a peer-reviewed and Pubmed-indexed supplement series to The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, and was recently named JDPA’s new PA author of the Year award for 2023.