Hair Removal - Electrolysis
Question: What is your opinion on electrolysis?

Answer: I rarely see patients who have electrolysis and have never seen one with complications, although I'm sure they occur. Recently, there was clearance by the FDA for use of a laser to remove hair. Many dermatologists and plastic surgeons have this device. It may take 2-3 applications and will be slightly more expensive, but it is permanent and relatively risk free.

Hair Removal
Question: My problem is finding a hair removal method that works for me, especially on my legs. After I shave my legs, you can still see the end of the hair under my skin, so it doesn't look as though they have been completely shaved. In-grown hairs are also a common occurrence for me. I've tried creams such as Neet and body sugaring, but nothing seems to work. I don't particularly want to wax, and at the moment, electrolysis is pretty much out of the question. Do have any ideas?

Answer: The plastic surgeons have a new laser that is supposed to be very effective in hair removal. It will require a couple of treatments and your legs will have the equivalent of a major sunburn. The cost varies, but it isn't cheap ($3000 or so depending on the market). Insurance will not usually reimburse for this purpose. It will be permanent.

Hair Removal
Question: I am looking for a way to rid my face and head of all my hair, other than shaving twice a day. I have checked into the laser removal, electrolysis,and waxing. I would like to find a drug, other than chemotherapy, that could help get rid of this hair. Places that I've talked with say it won't work on men.

Answer: Electroysis is about the only way to permanently remove hair. For a while, a ruby laser was approved for use by cosmetic and plastic surgeons, which was supposed to eradicate hair follicles. However, it was removed from the market before I have had any experience with using it. Systemic spironolactone is the time honored treatment - mainly in women. Some physicians have used topical spironolactone to avoid the breast enlargement seen with this drug, but this is not an FDA approved indication.

Laser Hair Removal
Question: Is removing hair by laser or by using very strong light is safe? Can it cause dangerous side-effects? Maybe cancer? Is there any safe way to remove hair for good?

Answer: The laser treatments seem safe to date-no long term(greater than 8 years or so ) data is available. It also is permanent-although, several treatments may be necessary due to some hair follicles being in a "rest" state. This seems to be the best answer from my prospective; but, I can't guarantee long term safety.
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