Joel Schlessinger MD discusses some of the frequently asked questions about laser hair removal.

1. FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS – LASER
HAIR REMOVAL
Dr. Joel Schlessinger, MD
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546
or visit http://www.LovelySkin.com/dermatology/laser-hair-removal.asp for more info.

2. What is the best method for Laser Hair
Removal?
While laser hair removal is optimal, it can't be
done on some men and women with white or
blonde hair, so electrolysis or waxing still play a
role. The same goes for "peach fuzz," which is best
addressed by waxing.
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546
or visit http://www.LovelySkin.com/dermatology/laser-hair-removal.asp for more info.

3. I’ve heard about a drug that removes
hair. How does that work? (Part 1)
A drug called VANIQA is the only prescription drug approved
by the FDA to reduce the growth of unwanted facial hair in
women. You apply it to your skin after cleansing. It works by
slowing the growth of hair at the enzyme level. Many
women who use it see results in 4 to 8 weeks when used
twice a day. For some women, results may take longer.
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546
or visit http://www.LovelySkin.com/dermatology/laser-hair-removal.asp for more info.

4. I’ve heard about a drug that removes
hair. How does that work? (Part 2)
VANIQA plays a vital role in extending the results of laser hair removal and
other treatments. Clinical studies have shown that VANIQA improves the
effectiveness of laser hair removal. One study with 31 women showed that
after 6 months of treatment, complete or almost complete hair removal
was achieved in 94% of patients receiving laser plus VANIQA, compared to
68% for patients receiving laser without VANIQA.
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546
or visit http://www.LovelySkin.com/dermatology/laser-hair-removal.asp for more info.

5. I’ve heard about a drug that removes
hair. How does that work? (Part 3)
A second study with 54 patients found a similar effect with
the combination of VANIQA plus laser between 6 and 22
weeks of treatment. Approximately 75% of these patients
reported a preference for combination therapy over laser
treatment alone. VANIQUA takes 12 weeks to see results.
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546
or visit http://www.LovelySkin.com/dermatology/laser-hair-removal.asp for more info.

6. Which is better for Hair Removal:
Laser or IPL? (Part 1)
As for laser hair removal versus IPL, we do
both in our clinic, and I was involved in the
initial trials that led to the approval of the
first IPL device for hair removal, so I do see
that it works well and have over 12 years
of experience in it.
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546
or visit http://www.LovelySkin.com/dermatology/laser-hair-removal.asp for more info.

7. Which is better for hair removal:
Laser or IPL? (Part 2)
Having said that, laser hair removal is a
little better in my opinion. It also can be
less painful in some people.
There is no one better or worse choice, but
different situations merit different
treatments. Luckily, we have great options
now for everyone.
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546
or visit http://www.LovelySkin.com/dermatology/laser-hair-removal.asp for more info.

8. What other ways can hair
be removed? (Part 1)
You may have tried other ways to remove hair.
There are advantages to many of these
methods and some drawbacks.
Shaving removes hair immediately. But it
grows back. Some people think shaving makes
hair darker and coarser. It does not. The hair
follicle is below the surface of the skin.
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546
or visit http://www.LovelySkin.com/dermatology/laser-hair-removal.asp for more info.

9. What other ways can hair
be removed? (Part 2)
Shaving simply lops off the topmost part of the
hair shaft. Shaving does not cause hair to grow
faster either. Hair grows at its own pace no
matter what you do. Sometimes those stubs of
hair just seem thicker. If shaving caused hair to
grow thicker and denser, don't you think balding
men would have figured that out?
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546
or visit http://www.LovelySkin.com/dermatology/laser-hair-removal.asp for more info.

10. What other ways can hair
be removed? (Part 3)
Waxing and hair removal formulas remove hair
much like shaving. The result seems a little
smoother, and regrowth may take a little
longer. But hair will grow back because hair
growth is influenced by hormones for both
men and women, by age, and by your genes.
Waxing and shaving can cause a condition
called folliculitis.
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546
or visit http://www.LovelySkin.com/dermatology/laser-hair-removal.asp for more info.

11. What other ways can hair
be removed? (Part 4)
Folliculitis is an infection that looks like a small
pimple around your hair follicle. Ingrown hairs
can occur when the hair grows back just under
the skin and can cause irritation too.
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546
or visit http://www.LovelySkin.com/dermatology/laser-hair-removal.asp for more info.

12. What other ways can hair
be removed? (Part 5)
Electrolysis is sometimes used for
this, but is very painful and not all that
effective. A hair-thin metal probe is
inserted into the hair follicle that delivers
electricity to destroy the hair-producing
cells. Scarring often develops as a result
of this procedure.
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546
or visit http://www.LovelySkin.com/dermatology/laser-hair-removal.asp for more info.

13. What other ways can hair
be removed? (Part 6)
Plucking simply pulls the hairs out. They grow back.
Your eyebrows are a good example of hair regrowth
after plucking. Threading, an ancient art of hair
removal originating in India, is another method of
plucking hair. Scarring, infections and reactions
frequently develop from this treatment.
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546
or visit http://www.LovelySkin.com/dermatology/laser-hair-removal.asp for more info.

14. Here’s how you can find out
more about Dr. Schlessinger.
- Facebook http://www.facebook.com/drjoelschlessinger
- Twitter http://www.twitter.com/drschlessinger
- Blogs http://drjoelschlessinger.com/
http://drjoelschlessinger.wordpress.com/
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546
or visit http://www.LovelySkin.com/dermatology/laser-hair-removal.asp for more info.