Dr. Guida has used several different hair removal lasers over the
last 10 years. He has been using the Lyra laser exclusively
for laser hair removal for the last 5 years because of its increased
effectiveness in hair removal and its ability to be used on all
skin types, from very dark skin, to suntanned skin to white skin
with no pigmentation. He believes that Lyra laser is the
most advanced approach to laser hair removal available today. The
Lyra is the first and only treatment for pseudofolliculitis barbae
(commonly called razor bumps or shaving bumps) that has been cleared
by the FDA. In addition, it is FDA approved for treatment
of all skin colors and the first hair removal laser that can be
safely used on tanned or darkly pigmented skin.
I have dark skin and was told laser hair removal only works on light skin types. Can the lyra laser help me?
Yes, the Lyra hair removal laser has been safely and effectively used for thousands of treatments with no complications. It is FDA approved for the treatment of razor bumps, commonly seen in dark skin types and African –Americans. Many hair removal lasers effectively treat patients with dark hair and light skin, but the Lyra is the first laser that is effective for hair removal for patients with sun-tanned skin or naturally dark skin tones. The Lyra hair removal laser has revolutionized laser hair removal and the treatment of razor bumps in patients with all skin types, such as African Americans, Asians, Hispanics, and those of Mediterranean descent, as well as sun-tanned patients.
This laser truly works for the conditions described above, but as with any medical treatment, there are limitations that need to be clearly understood so that you have realistic expectations. In addition, there are some tips to maximize each treatment. Below are commonly asked questions with answers that will help you better understand the process.
What areas are treatable?
Any area on the body, except certain areas below the eyebrow, can safely be treated.
Will it hurt?
The treatments feel as though a rubber band is snapping the skin, or like a warm or stinging sensation. The laser is designed with a cooling module that decreases the sensation of heat and patient discomfort. We can prescribe a topical cream, ELA-Max 5, to be applied 5-10 minutes prior to the procedure, though many find it unnecessary.
How many treatments are required?
The laser will not remove all unwanted hair with one treatment. The number of sessions depends on the individual, density of hair growth, hormonal factors, and desired end point of treatment. You will need at least three to five treatments, possibly more. It is impossible to predict the exact number of treatments. You will see a substantial decrease in hair growth with each treatment, but multiple treatments will be required. All session should be done about one month apart.
How soon after the treatment will the hair disappears?
After each treatment, the hair will remain on your face for 1-3 weeks. It does not disappear immediately after the treatment. Over several days and for up to three weeks after the treatment, you will notice the hair and hair follicles falling out when you shave or wash your face.
Does the laser treat all hair colors?
All hair removal lasers work well on black, brown, or dark hair. At this time no hair removal laser successfully treats white or gray hair.
What should I expect after the laser hair removal treatment?
After the treatment, there may be a few areas that are slightly pink, which should be easily covered with makeup. Rarely, there may be a particularly sensitive area that may develop small scab and heal in a few days. Generally, immediately after the treatment you should look fine and feel comfortable to be out socially or return to work.
How should I prepare for laser hair removal?
It is extremely important not to tweeze, pluck, wax, or use depilatory creams for at least 3 weeks prior to the treatment. If the hair follicle is pulled out, there will be no target hair follicle for the laser to treat. If you are on Accutane, it must be discontinued for 3 months prior to the treatment. You should avoid bleaching treatments for 3 weeks prior to the treatment. On the day of the treatment, it is very important that the hair to be treated is shaved or cut as close as possible to the skin surface. Hair growth or stubble on the surface of the skin will make the treatment less effective.
Will all my unwanted hair completely disappear forever?
The laser is FDA approved for permanent hair reduction. The results tend to be additive, meaning more treatments lead to greater degrees of permanent hair reduction. For any given patient, results cannot be precisely predicted. To guarantee that all hair would permanently be removed and never grow back would be misleading. It is possible that with increasing age and hormonal changes, areas that were successfully treated may see a recurrence of hair growth which may be a lighter color and not as thick.
How much does laser hair removal cost?
Treatment cost varies with the size of the area treated. Smaller areas such as the upper lip will be considerably less than treatment of larger areas such as the entire face, entire back or legs. After a consultation with Dr. Guida, his staff will review the costs per session.
How do I set up an appointment and begin a treatment?
Dr. Guida would be happy to meet with you personally to discuss this laser treatment in detail. Please feel free to call the office at 212-871-0900 or schedule an appointment on line. We are here to help you.
