The Light Sheer Diode Laser™, a FDA-approved laser for permanent hair reduction, is the most advanced treatment for removal of unwanted hair for both men and women. The diode laser removes more hair in a shorter time with less pain and higher reliability than any other hair removal technique including picking, shaving, waxing, chemical depilatories — even electrolysis. The light emitted by the diode laser is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicles, vaporizing the pigment and disabling several follicles at a time. This procedure eliminates or significantly impedes growth. Loudoun Dermatology Associates provides this safe, effective hair removal treatment for any area where visible hair is not wanted including face, legs, bikini area, underarms, neck, abdomen, chest, back, or shoulders.

A laser session may take a few minutes to two hours, depending on the size of the area being treated. Since the laser works best on actively growing hairs, you may require several treatments to inhibit growth. Laser treatment may cause a slight tingling sensation that most patients tolerate well. To minimize discomfort, the laser includes a special contact-cooling hand piece that cools the skin surrounding the treated follicles. However, for particularly sensitive areas, we provide topical anesthesia.

Immediately after a laser session, the appearance of the treated area varies from patient to patient depending on the extent of treatment and skin type. The after-effects, if any, are minor and may include redness and swelling which disappear in a short time. Most people return to normal activity right away.

Frequently Asked Questions
How does a diode laser work?
The light emitted by the diode laser is absorbed by the pigment located in your hair follicles. The laser pulses for a fraction of a second, just long enough to vaporize the pigment, disabling several follicles at a time. This eliminates or significantly impedes the hair's re-growth. The laser can be used just about anywhere on the body, and usually requires no anesthesia or other treatment.

How many treatments will I need?
Because the diode laser tends to treat hair follicles that are in an active growth phase, more than one treatment may be required to disable hair follicles that subsequently enter the growth phase. Most patients are happy with the results achieved after 4-6 visits; however, many patients have excellent results after a few treatments.

What other options exist for hair removal?
Shaving rids the body of hair, but has no effect on the re-growth of hair. Tweezing is slow, painful and impractical for large areas. Waxing may last a month or more, but is often painful and can cause skin irritation. Electrolysis involves inserting a needle into each hair follicle and applying an electrical current. It can only treat one hair follicle at a time, and can be painful. It is therefore very time-consuming and can be very expensive.

Is it safe?
Yes. Developed from years of research at Harvard University, the diode laser parameters are defined to inhibit the growth of hair without adverse effects. The actively-cooled handpiece was designed to conduct heat away from the treated area.

Does it hurt?
As different areas of the body are more sensitive than others, it is possible you will feel a slight stinging sensation. However, most patients tolerate the procedure well. If the treatment does become uncomfortable, a topical anesthetic cream is available.

Are the results permanent?
Because lasers have only been used for hair removal for the last few years, we can't know if the results will continue to be felt in 10 or 20 years. However, we do know that the laser causes delayed re-growth of treated hair and often lasts over 24 months with several treatments. Most patients will achieve prolonged hair removal and are extremely satisfied with the results of their treatment.

What happens after treatment?
In the first several minutes, the treated area may become slightly red and puffy. This subsides quickly and the areas return to normal within a day. This may feel like a mild sunburn over that time. No bandages are necessary. Our doctors may prescribe a mild topical steroid cream to apply to the treated area for 2-3 days following treatment. If after 3-7 days you feel that hairs are re-growing, most of these are actually treated hairs that are being shed. Do not wax or tweeze any hairs in between treatments.