Dr. Farrar Offers Laser Hair Removal at MMC Dr. Vereen Farrar is pleased to announce that she is offering laser hair removal at Monroeville Medical Clinic using the Altus CoolGlide Excel YAG Laser. “This laser is used to target pigmented (dark) hair follicles,” said Dr. Farrar. “Light energy from the laser is absorbed by the pigmented hair and turns into heat energy which destroys the hair follicle, causing long-term reduction in hair growth.” This family practice physician points out that the YAG laser can be used on all skin types safely but she does warn that it will only destroy dark hair follicles and is ineffective on blonde, gray, or white hairs. There are products available for an extra cost which will add pigmentation to the hair follicle so that it can be targeted. Dr. Farrar states that any body part can be treated including upper lips, chins, underarms, bikini areas, thighs, and backs. The Altus CoolGlide laser has a built-in cooling device on the part that touches the skin, cooling the skin down prior to firing the laser and thus preventing pain. Most people do not feel anything except for the cold tip of the laser head. Some people occasionally feel a tiny sting, like a pop from a rubbed band. For patients who are sensitive extra measures are taken to provide comfort, such as topical anesthetic or extra cooling prior to and directly after treatment. She states that most people will require three to four treatments to really see a difference in hair growth. “This is because our hairs are in different phases of growth, and the laser targets only hairs during a certain phase of growth,” said Dr. Farrar. “Treatments need to be spaced every four to six weeks to target the different phases of growth effectively.” Dr. Farrar states that some people will notice a difference after one treatment while some will need more than four treatments. The majority of people will require three or four treatments. Unfortunately, insurance does not cover the cost of hair laser hair removal since it is considered a “cosmetic” treatment. Patients may come by Monroeville Medical Clinic for a price list and a set of “pre-treatment” instructions prior to appointment. A free consultation, as well as a free “test treatment spot” is offered for those with concerns and questions. Otherwise, patients can be treated on the day of their appointment after a brief history is obtained and consent papers signed. Patients should bring a list of their current medications with them during their first visit. “Side effects are rare and temporary,” said Dr. Farrar. “Blistering, hyper pigmentation, or hypo pigmentation may occur, but usually resolve on their own after time.” Treatments with warm compresses, antibiotic ointment, and prescription creams may be needed to help heal any blistering or hyper pigmentation. Hypo pigmentation is more difficult to treat and will take longer to heal. Keloids or hypertrophic scarring is also possible in patients who are prone to that type of scarring. Those patients should not be treated with the laser. The following individuals are not candidates for this procedure: pregnant women, those with active herpes simple lesions, individuals who have used accutane in the past six months, those using other certain medications, those participating in recent tanning, recent plucking, waxing, or electrolysis, or those with gray, white, or blonde hair. In the future, Dr. Farrar plans to add other laser services such as spider vein treatments and tattoo removal. For more information, please call 251-575-3266.