Laser Hair Removal

Winston Salem Dermatology and Surgery Center offers innovative and advanced laser technology to treat unwanted hair. No more painful plucking, waxing, shaving or depilatories. With state of the art laser technology, we can remove your embarrassing and unwanted hair growth. Our office uses the LightSheer Laser by Lumenis (formerly Coherent).

The LightSheer is a 800 nm diode laser system that targets the pigment in the hair follicle beneath the skin. When the laser light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle and the hair shaft, the follicle is damaged. The follicle is either destroyed or hair regrowth is delayed. This laser is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for “permanent hair reduction”.

The FDA describes “permanent hair reduction” as the long-term stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing after a treatment regime. The LightSheer™ Laser is gentle to use and is proven to be effective for removal of unwanted hair. Laser hair removal can be used on the legs, underarms, face, bikini line, back, chest, shoulders, and between the eyebrows. All you need to do is call Winston-Salem Dermatology and Surgery Center to schedule your laser hair removal consultation and soon you will be able to enjoy the beauty of decreased unwanted hair.

For your consultation, call 336-774-8636

Common questions about Laser Hair Removal.

Q. Will laser hair reduction work for me?

A. Laser hair reduction works by targeting the pigment in the hair follicle. The unwanted hair must have either brown or black pigment. The laser does not work on white, gray or blonde hairs. Hair follicles, which are in the active growth stage, are better targets for absorbing the laser light and hence are more effectively damaged and destroyed

Q. How do I schedule laser hair removal?

A. Please call Winston-Salem Dermatology and Surgery Center to schedule a consultation for laser hair removal. There is a nominal fee for the consultation which will be deducted from the cost of your first treatment. During the consultation, your skin type, hair coloring, and prior history of fever blisters will be evaluated.

Q. What preparations should I do prior to treatment?

A. Do not pluck, wax, use depilatories or have electrolysis for at least two weeks prior to treatment. You may shave the hairs with a razor blade or an electric shaver. You may also cut the hairs with small scissors. All cold sores should be completely healed. Be sure to inform Winston-Salem Dermatology and Surgery Center if you have a history of fever blisters. We may want to place you on an anti-viral medication. We ask that you avoid all forms of tanning for approximately 6 weeks prior to treatment and use sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher. On the day of your treatment, please shave the designated area of all hair. The less hair above the surface of the skin will allow for a more comfortable and effective treatment.

Q. What if I have used Accutane (isotretinoin) in the past?

A. We recommend that you wait six months after Accutane (isotretinoin) therapy before you begin laser hair removal.

Q. Can I have laser hair removal treatment while pregnant?

A. Our office policy is to avoid any elective procedures while pregnant.

Q. How much does laser hair removal cost?

A. Winston-Salem Dermatology and Surgery Center provides cost effective and reasonably priced laser treatment for permanent hair reduction. It is a cosmetic procedure and, in the majority of cases, is not covered by your insurance. The cost of the treatment depends on the size and the number of body areas that are treated. Most people need at least a series of three treatments to achieve desired results. Some people require more.

Q. How does the Laser work?

A. Lumenis LightSheer™ Laser targets the pigment in the hair follicle causing damage to the hair root. This results in decreased or delayed hair growth. Hair follicles in the active growth stage are better targets for absorbing the laser light and are more effectively damaged and destroyed. Because hairs are in different stages of growth, more that one treatment is usually needed.

Q. Who is a good candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

A. Patients with coarse, dark hair and light skin are the ones who respond the best. In people with darker skin color (more melanin), the skin competes with the hair for absorption of the laser light. This could result in potential damage to the skin and cause skin pigment changes. People with a tan should avoid laser treatment until the tan has faded completely. The laser utilizes a longer wavelength of light (800 nm). This longer wavelength of light enables the laser to penetrate deeper in the skin. It is theoretically safer than the shorter wavelength lasers because it can better avoid the melanin pigment on the skin’s epidermis. The LightSheer provides enhanced protection of the epidermis without compromising efficacy.

Q. Is there discomfort associated with the laser treatment?

A. Lumenis LightSheer™ Laser has a patented Chill Tip™ handpiece, which cools the skin before, during and after treatment making your session more comfortable. This Chill Tip also allows the LightSheer to preserve the epidermis (the top layer of skin). This cooling effect minimizes the discomfort making your treatment more comfortable. We can also use topical anesthesia prior to the treatment along with ice packs. You still may feel some discomfort associated with the laser hair removal treatments in sensitive areas.

Q. What will I experience after laser hair removal?

A. You may have minimal discomfort or none. Patients with dense areas of hair may experience some stinging and burning. Immediately after treatment, the skin will be slightly red and feel like sunburn. You may also experience some swelling. Ice packs are recommended along with application of a mild steroid. These symptoms usually disappear in a short period of time. Most patients return to normal activities immediately. Hair loss begins within days.

Multi-Application Capabilities When Using The LightSheer Laser

In addition to hair removal and permanent hair reduction, the LightSheer is also FDA cleared for the treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), providing the operator with multi-application capabilities and versatility. Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) – PFB, or razor bumps, is a common condition in which the regrowing hair, after shaving, curves back towards and pierces the skin.

PFB is very prevalent in nearly 85% of men of African decent and a growing number of women. The LightSheer’s excellent safety profile make it an effective and revolutionary alternative for the treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae.