Laser hair removal has become the second most common non-surgical cosmetic procedure performed in the U.S., surpassed only by BOTOX® Cosmetic , according to statistics provided by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Over 1.3 million treatments were performed in 2005, with an average national cost of $347 per treatment.

Ever since the first ruby laser was developed in 1960, the medical field has sought to use virtually every laser wavelength on most anything within zapping distance of their lasers: birthmarks, tattoos, skin conditions, tumors, and among other things, unwanted hair! The first medical lasers were bulky, low-power, and often had no specific improvement or real benefit over traditional techniques. Non-laser photoepilators were first developed in 1969, but proved to be ineffective, and prompted lawsuits (settled out of court by the manufacturer), as well as removal from the market in 1972.

By the 1980’s, specific lasers were being designed and built to treat specific conditions, and by the mid 1990’s, lasers were being used for “permanent hair removal.” By 1997, several different kinds of laser (different wavelengths, power density, spot size, pulse duration, and manufacturer) were FDA-approved, but advertisements that promised “permanent and painless” were found to be untrue. At least one lawsuit was settled out of court; meanwhile, the public still clamored for laser hair removal. FDA approval for “permanent hair reduction” lasers proved to be more truthful, but confusing, as multiple manufacturers sought better technology and more selective laser parameters to achieve the Holy Grail of Complete, Permanent, and Painless. At present, the best lasers achieve significant hair reduction, mostly permanent removal, and minimal discomfort!

Laser hair removal utilizes beams of highly concentrated light (at a precise wavelength, power, and pulse duration) to be absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle (or more accurately, the hair-producing areas within the follicle) at the proper time in the hair growth cycle to permanently destroy the hair. Since different hairs are at different phases of their growth cycle, multiple treatments are necessary for maximum removal. Most patients achieve 60-95% hair removal if they complete the recommended number of treatments. Some regrowth is seen by most patients, but regrowth may be finer or lighter in color.

The state of the art in 2006 is that there are at least six types of laser or IPL (intense pulsed light) technology utilized by over 20 manufacturers, with almost 40 different machines, just for hair removal. But here are the facts:

• The best results are still seen in dark-hair, light skin patients;
• Multiple treatments are necessary to target as many hair follicles as possible in the appropriate phase of hair growth;
• Complete removal is unrealistic, but permanent reduction is;
• Cooling or anesthetizing the skin surface reduces pain and side effects;
• Ultraviolet avoidance before and after treatment is advisable;
• Results vary with machine, operator, and patient;
• Not everyone gets great results, but many do;
• There are very few peer-reviewed medical reports in the literature regarding specific lasers, long-term results, or comparison between lasers, hair colors, or skin types;
• “Newer” lasers or IPLs are capable of treating lighter hairs and/or darker skin types, but results can be less dramatic;
• There can be blisters, scars, skin color change, or other problems;
• Not every spa with a laser is appropriately physician-supervised, and the actual laser technician may have little on no medical training.”

At Carillon Clinic, Ltd., laser hair removal has been performed since its incorporation in 1998 by registered nurses under direct physician supervision and overview. Cheryl Turner-Nelson, R.N. has been doing Carillon Clinic’s hair removal for the past 7 years. Dr.Gervais and Dr.Tholen feel this is the most appropriate way to provide both physician supervision and experienced patient care in cost-effective fashion.

Cheryl says, “At both of our Carillon Clinic locations ( Golden Valley across from Minneapolis Plastic Surgery’s office and surgical facility, and Maple Grove Main Street) I personally perform all of the laser hair removal treatments. Although it’s rare, whenever there is a patient concern or special situation, Dr. Tholen and Dr. Gervais are available for consultation. Not every patient requires our (Carillon’s) services, and is better cared for at Minneapolis Plastic Surgery. On the other hand, Dr. Gervais and Dr. Tholen send patients to us who aren’t candidates for plastic surgical care, but would benefit from Carillon’s services.” She adds, “Laser hair removal is our most common procedure; it really works, and patients are happy with the care and results we provide.”

At Carillon Clinic, we are now utilizing our fifth device (4 lasers and 1 IPL) since 1998. We try to not only employ technology that is time-proven and effective, but we also reevaluate and upgrade to new lasers as the devices prove themselves.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please call:

Carillon Clinic Golden Valley: 763-540-1837

Carillon Clinic Maple Grove: 763-494-9939