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Laser Hair Removal

This patient information and photographs on Laser Hair Removal is provided by John L. Meisenheimer, M.D. a board certified Dermatologist and skin care specialist based in Orlando, Florida.  This information is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice or treatment of a dermatologist or other physician.

Click here for FAQs regarding Laser Hair Removal

Lasers remove hair by emitting a concentrated beam of light that passes through the skin, to the hair follicle, where it is absorbed.  Upon absorption, the light energy is converted into heat, which can destroy the follicle.

There are many different lasers available for hair removal and this can be confusing for patients.  There are pros and cons for every laser being used.  The laser used in Dr. Meisenheimer’s practice is the Smartepil II.  This is one of the newer generation lasers developed for people with darker skin and lighter hair to be able to also benefit from laser hair removal.  In Florida where the constant sunshine gives more color to the skin than other areas of the country some lasers would not work on many individuals and could cause burns.  So now not only can we treat light skinned patients with dark hair, but most other skin types can be treated as well.  All patients to undergo laser hair removal are evaluated by Dr. Meisenheimer. Beware of medi-spas where the "supervising doctor" is not on site.

Our goal is permanent reduction of the hair following treatments.  Unlike waxing, plucking and shaving, laser hair removal results in a permanent reduction in the number of active hair follicles.  Although electrolysis can also be used for a permanent hair reduction it requires many more treatments and longer sessions than laser removal.

The number of treatments needed will vary from site to site.  This is because hair growth rates and activity differs in different areas of the body.   

Last modified: 10/19/08