This type of hair pattern is in contrast to the fine pale hair (called vellus hair), which
may be very abundant in humans and non responsive to laser treatment.

Everyone's hair grows differently, depending on their age, weight, metabolism,
hormonal interactions, genetics, medications and environmental influences.
However , regardless of how these factors affect individual hair growth, hair itself
evolves or grows through three distinct phases as outlined below :

1. The ACTIVE or ANAGEN growth phase, comprises approximately 85 % of our
body hair at any given moment in time and can last up to several years . During
this anagen phase, the hair shaft and follicle has an abundance of melanin or
pigment and as such, is most sensitive to the laser light.

2. The REGRESSIVE or CATAGEN phase is the period during which the hair
stops actively growing but is not shed. This phase often lasts several weeks
comprising about 3 - 4% of our total body hair at any given time.

3. The RESTING or TELOGEN phase lasts 5 - 6 weeks, at the end of which the
hair falls out and a new hair begins to form. Approximately 10-13% of our body hair
is in this phase at any one time.

HOW LASERS WORK All Lasers emit a specific wavelength of energy or light
(both visible and invisible) which in turn is directed towards a so called
chromophobe or target cell. In the case of hair removal technology, these laser
produce a wavelength of 750-800 nm which is absorbed by the pigment or melanin
of the hair shaft and follicle . The absorption of this energy effectively destroys the
hair follicles without damaging the surrounding skin . Since all hair lasers are
absorbed by dark pigment , they remain relatively ineffective in removing light
colored hair . That is the reason why Dr. Van Wyck's clinic offers electrolysis as
an alternative in treatment options.

Not only does the density and thickness of the hair affect the results of effective
laser hair removal, but the darkness of hair pigment and skin type or skin color
(pigment) are also critical factors in treatment planning . Since laser hair energy is
absorbed by anything dark in color whether it be hair or skin , the laser perameters
will need to be set differently for individual patients.

SKIN TYPE VARIATION Skin types range from type I-VI based upon the so called
Fitzpatrick scale:

I: White; Always burns, never tans II: White; Usually burns, Difficult to tan
III:White;Sometimes burns, average tan IV: Moderate brown; rarely burns tans
easy V:Dark brown;rarely burns, easy VI:Black; never burns, tans easily.

In general in order that the skin is not adversely affected by laser treatment, it is
recommended that self tanning be avoided both prior to and immediately following
laser hair sessions. Fortunately the laser in Dr. Van Wyck,s clinic utilizes the
LIGHT SHEER TECHNOLOGY which can treat most every skin type effectively
and thus is different from the majority of other laser machines available on the
market.

What does the treatment involve? The patient will be asked to wear eye
protection consisting of an opaque covering or goggles while the area to be treated
will be shaved prior to treatment . Shaving at home before coming to the clinic can
be very helpful particularly for the men with extensive hair growth on the back or
chest region. A small handpiece, or "wand" is placed against the skin and a burst
of laser energy is applied as the laser is activated. In some cases pre treatment
with a special cream to anaesthetize the skin thus decreasing any discomfort
during the procedure may be warranted. The duration of each treatment as well as
the total number of treatments required vary between individuals based upon hair
density, hair thickness, hormonal influences and hair location on the body.
Because hair cycles through "growth" and "dormant" phases, as mentioned above
and because during the "dormant" phase the follicle has no pigment 4-5 sessions
may be necessary for permanent hair reduction.

What are the advantages over other forms of treatment? Traditional hair
removal techniques such as shaving, plucking and waxing, provide only temporary
relief and may actually stimulate hair growth. All of these methods commonly
result in scarring, allergic reactions, and ingrown hairs. With electrolysis, the
operator inserts a needle into the hair shaft with the intention of reaching the
follicle, then sends a small electrical charge designed to disable the follicle. The
operator then removes that particular hair with a tweezer. Hair removal is obviously
much faster with a laser as the laser is pulsed about once per second across the
surface of the skin. Each "pulse" of laser light disables a large numbers of hair
follicles at the same time. Electrolysis operators can only treat those hairs that
they can see but as mentioned earlier may be the only other permanent option if
the patients present with light colored hair which remains ineffective against the
laser.

Are there any side effects? Immediately after the treatment the skin will look
pink and slightly swollen, similar to a sunburn. This will subside within an hour or
two and the skin will return to normal. Occasionally, a patient will have temporary
pigment changes, blistering, or scabbing. As with electrolysis, cases of scarring
have been reported with laser hair removal, but these are extremely rare. A test
spot is often utilized to assess and determine how each individual's skin will react.
Once again, tanning is contraindicated before and between treatment intervals in
order to decrease the incidence of skin reactions and pigmentary changes. Any
history of excessive hair growth (hirsutism), hormonal fluctuations, localized skin
infections or lesions, previous scarring of the skin, specific skin allergies or
photosensitizing medications (Accutane and Retin A), immunological problems,
previous radiation and diabetes all can affect the eventual outcome or your results.

Booking an appointment: We are taking appointments now for this procedure. If
you or someone you know would like to learn more about THE LIGHT SHEER hair
removal system or related procedures, please call our offices. We look forward to
hearing from you. A free consultation will be offered .