What the Doctors Say About Laser Hair RemovalWe have interviewed several of our doctors, who specialize in laser hair removal and asked them what patients should look for in choosing a laser hair removal clinic. First, find out who will actually be performing your laser treatment? Does a physician or staff member administer your treatment? There should be a physician on site to ensure the highest quality of care and to provide care should any side effects arise. It is important to meet the doctor who will be responsible for your care. Make sure that the doctor sees you, examines you, and is involved in your treatment. Are you treated with respect? Do the doctor and staff address all of your concerns in a thorough, non-hurried, non-condescending manner? During your initial consult, you should request assurance that your doctor will handle any side effects should they occur. Is the doctor a member of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS)? This society is the preeminent laser society, where doctors from all over the world stay abreast of the latest developments in lasers. The clinic you choose should offers laser treatments on a regular basis, and is not part of a "discount network" where the lasers or staff are rotated to your center once in a while. This is important because the equipment that is owned and maintained by a clinic is more likely to work properly and function safely so you get the best possible results. In addition, in that situation the continuity of your care is more likely to be consistent. Find out which laser or light source a particular clinic uses. Is this laser the best one for your specific hair type (light, dark, fine, coarse, etc.) and for your skin color? What type of cooling does the device use to protect your skin and reduce your discomfort? Some centers with only one laser may try to use that laser on all patients, even though it may not be the best choice for you. Watch out for centers with heavily-discounted prices (you get what you pay for) or centers which promise unrealistic results. You should go to several laser hair removal centers to make sure you feel comfortable with the setting. Ask yourself: Are you treated as an individual? Do they have a laser compatible with your skin type? Are your questions answered by a physician experienced with laser hair removal? Are they giving you realistic and believable expectations as to your likely outcome? Remember medicine is not an exact science and you should be skeptical of those who make specific and explicit guarantees that may not be met. Overconfidence on expected success from the person offering the laser treatments may be more "sales" than medical reality. The above information was provided by Stephen P. Bracci, M.D. and Richard Ort, M.D. Dr. Bracci owns and operates Verve Laser Center in Manhattan and Long Island New York where he specializes in laser hair removal. Dr. Ort owns and operates Dermatology And Laser Institute Of Colorado, in Highlands Ranch outside of Denver, Colorado. If you are considering laser hair removal, click on our directory of laser hair removal specialists to find an experienced laser hair removal specialist near you.
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