Laser Hair Removal - Patients ask, Dr. Ringpfeil answers
Please feel free to use the blog below to share information about Laser Hair Removal or to ask Dr. Franziska Ringpfeil a question that might be of interest to others.
Philadelphia and Mainline Center of Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery
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Written by Dr. Ringpfeil
Arms and Legs Hair Removal
Arms Hair Removal for Women and Men
One of the most common hair removal procedures is underarm laser hair removal for women. As the treated area is small, a $400-$600 can reduce, and sometimes eliminate, the need to shave or vax this area.
Legs Hair Removal for Women and Men
Laser hair removal for the legs is very popular. After years of repeat shaving and waxing women and men can not go a series of laser treatments that will save them the time, pain, and cost of the other alternatives. After 4-6 treatements over 90% of the hair is removed permanently. If some hair "shows up" after the first series of treatment, it is sparse and fine, usually not noticeable, and can be easily removed by infrequent shaving or additional laser treatments
Selected Patient Questions and Answers
# of surveys: 4187
Last updated: 1/02/2024 11:10 AM
PATIENT RATINGS
Would you recommend us?
- definitely
- 93.1%
- probably
- 6.16%
- maybe
- 0.58%
- not likely
- 0.08%
- no
- 0.02%
Compare our service to other similar practices
- excellent
- 87.9%
- very good
- 10.1%
- good
- 1.8%
- poor
- 0.06%
- very poor
- 0%
Overall doctor performance
- excellent
- 94.2%
- very good
- 4.89%
- good
- 0.80%
- poor
- 0.03%
- very poor
- 0%
The doctor listened to you attentively
- excellent
- 93.9%
- very good
- 4.97%
- good
- 1.05%
- poor
- 0.05%
- very poor
- 0%
The doctor took time to answer your questions
- excellent
- 94.0%
- very good
- 4.66%
- good
- 1.27%
- poor
- 0.02%
- very poor
- 0%
The doctor explained treatment options
- excellent
- 94.3%
- very good
- 4.16%
- good
- 1.25%
- poor
- 0.14%
- very poor
- 0.02%
The doctor explained treatment options
- excellent
- 92.0%
- very good
- 5.69%
- good
- 2.18%
- poor
- 0.11%
- very poor
- 0.0%
Front desk performance
- excellent
- 85.6%
- very good
- 10.2%
- good
- 3.66%
- poor
- 0.31%
- very poor
- 0.08%
Aesthetician performance
- excellent
- 88.6%
- very good
- 7.61%
- good
- 3.39%
- poor
- 0.24%
- very poor
- 0.08%
Office comfort
- excellent
- 90.9%
- very good
- 6.93%
- good
- 2.08%
- poor
- 0.05%
- very poor
- 0.05%
Parking
- excellent
- 66.4%
- very good
- 14.4%
- good
- 15.7%
- poor
- 2.49%
- very poor
- 0.9%
Friendliness of the staff during appointment
- excellent
- 90.9%
- very good
- 7.23%
- good
- 1.85%
- poor
- 0.05%
- very poor
- 0%
What WE DID WELL
(Answers:674)
The doctor and her Medical Assistant are very thorough and they take time to explain everything that you need to understand.
#12026-01-12Did not have to wait long.
#22025-10-29I really liked all aspects of my visist. I feel as though I have finally found a dermatologist. She and her staff were willingly to listen and give me their professional opinion and hopefully find a treament that will work longterm.
#32026-02-27n/a
#42026-02-07Staff was friendly, attentive and polite. Dr Ringpfeild is the first Dr I seen that has been able to provide a viable resolution for my condition
#52025-12-11I did not have to wait to be seen at all. From the start of my visit until I walked out the door the doctor & staff were very professional & took the tim to answer my questions and listen to me also. I have been seen by other dermatologist and I was defibately impressed here.+++A+++ Higly recommended.
#62026-03-18The doctor and medical assistant took time to explain all of my treatment options and to answer all of my questions completely and honestly.
#72025-06-23knowledge and friendly
#82025-07-20I was scared that I had something on my face after my laser treatment. As it turns out Jill took a second look and told me it was normal and it will resolve. The reason why I tell you this is because Lisa at the front desk was instrumental on making sure I was followed up and that my fears were elevated. Lisa was outstanding! From my experiences in the past, I find most people at the front desk don't really care about the patients. However, I did not get that from Lisa. She kept in contact with me until I was completely satisfied with my care. She really is a professional and deserves recognition. Her job is the most important one in the office. I have left other offices in the past because I didn't care for the staff. That won't happen here! Hats of to LISA!!!! P.S. The computer in the waiting room is AWESOME too!!!
#92012-12-06 11:38:48as a man and coming in to see a doctor is usually awkward especially a female doctor to look over your entire body. The staff made me feel very comfortable and relaxed. Thanks so much.
#102025-07-11What can we do better?
(answers:373)
Everything was great! and everyone was very nice.
#12010-10-19 10:16:48music mix
#22026-02-17Complain to the insurance industry that they cove too little, complain to the product manufactures that they truely charge too much for the products. I feel that the industry in general is very slow to treat because of insurance allowances. Patients have busy work schedules and pay for monthly coverage that covers too little. In one hour or less could do what multiple appointments do to remove or treat small skin defects require many visits. Should provide payment better incentives.
#32010-11-10 12:28:11Can't think of a thing
#42025-06-02I do not believe there is a need to improve.
#52010-11-01 14:00:26Everything was wonderful
#62025-04-13just continue listening which is so important
#72026-03-10I have a suggestion: I noticed that two of the lovely rugs pose hazards to patients using walkers or who may have other mobility issues. The large rug placed at an angle and the narrow rug placed in front of the reception desk leave no room for these individuals to safely manuveur around the reception area and are likely to contribute to fall risks. I would suggest leaving these areas clear.
#82010-10-04 12:14:56more relaxing music
#92025-10-19don't change a thing, you guys are the best! Please send me Real Estate Referrals, thanks
#102010-09-30 09:51:55
Would like to schedule a consult / removal session for the Haverford office for partial leg (in between tattoos), upper lip. and bikini area. I have had 3 previous sessions on these areas at a different medspa in 2022.
Samantha, you can book the appointment online by following this link:
https://www.ringpfeildermatology.com/schedule/settime.php?visittype=LaserAlex
If you prefer you can call us or text us at 610-525-5250 to schedule the appointment
Can you get laser hair removal treatment while taking Accutane?
Laser hair reduction can safely begin as early as one month after completion of isotretinoin (Accutane). It is probably safe while taking isotretinoin but this has not been studied.
thanks for sharing this blog
Hello,
After reading many reviews and side affects of laser hair removal, I have a few questions. I am an Indian womon, I have dark dark and fair-medium skin. I am interested in laser hair removal on my chin/upper lip. The questions i have are:
1) Is hyperpigmentation common in this area? How long does it take to appear after a treatment? How long does it last? What about hypopigmentation? I have dark spots and scars from acne as a teen, so I am concerned about this issue and if i would be prone to it.
2) I have read that some women develop hair growth in the adjacent areas to the chin/lip. Why does this happen and is it common? This actually happened to my sister a few years ago.
3) I read that some women get burns from laser hair removal, but the only images i have seen were on the legs and abdomen. Can this happen on the face or chest? What is the followup if this happens?
4) lastly, what type of laser is most suitable for my skin and hair type? dark hair/fair-medium skin color.
These are the questions I thought of after I already had my consultation. Thank you!
1) Hyperpigmentation is not common on the upper lip and chin. If it occurs, it is usually visible within 5-7 days. A history of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation puts you at risk of future hyperpigmentation and we adjust our laser settings to prevent this.
2) Hair growth immediately adjacent to the treated area can occur when heat spills sideways. According to most reports, it can affect a couple of centimeters next to the treated site. The risk is highest in the Mediterranean population. I have not yet seen it other than on photos – we have not had this side effect in our practice.
3) Burns with laser treatment are even less likely than hyperpigmentation. A burn can theoretically happen anywhere on the body. Foreign material that was not removed from the skin or hair that was not trimmed are the most likely causes. As with any burn, ice should be applied immediately after a burn and kept on for 30 minutes. Sun protection, a topical steroid and fading cream is needed after that for several days and would be prescribed according to the findings by our dermatologist.
4) Nd:YAG laser.
Hello Dr.
I tried laser treatment in the past and would like to start again but because I have so much hair that grows on my neck and chin, I have to pluck every day. I cannot imagine letting the hair grow in-between treatment especially being in pubic and at work. Is there an alternative treatment in between treatment that helps with the seeing the hair that grows?
Shaving, bleaching, and depilatories are acceptable techniques to keep the hair from the surface of the skin while preserving it in the follicle where the laser can target it.
I like to know if you do nose hair? thanks
We do not remove hair on the inside of the nose. It is not accessible by laser or electrolysis.
what would be the cost for electrolysis of the back of my neck (elevate hairline)?
also, is there a current laser technology that will remove grey/white hair?
thanks
We do not perform electrolysis only on the face. Please check with a Lucy Peters Salon. They might be offering electrolysis on the back of the neck. There is no laser hair reduction for grey or white hair yet.
I have age related white/grey hair which i color. I’d like to elevate my hairline at the neck. Will this type of hair lend itself to laser removal? If not, what are my options? Thank you.
The only lasting option is electrolysis.
I am interested in laser hair removal for my bikini area. I suffer from terrible ingrown hairs, any where from 2 to 6 cysts at a time. I am fair skinned and have dark brown curly hair. I have waxed for years and it seems more recently the ingrown hairs have gotten worse! Generally how many treatments will it take and is the price listed above per treatment? Also how long in between treatments? I also noticed the list of Medical Insurance listed below, is this something that could be covered? And do you offer any financing? I am desperate for some relief and to resolve this once and for all…..Thank You!
Your description is that of pseudofolliculitis or even a mild variant of hidradenitis suppurativa. Destruction of the hair follicles through laser assisted hair removal is extremely helpful, if not curative. Most people will notice reduction in their symptoms after 1-2 treatments. It takes about 6 treatments 6-8 weeks apart to reduce 90% of the hair in the affected area. Any discoloration from repeated inflammation will resolve simultaneously while going through laser treatments. The price listed on our website is per treatment, We offer financing through Care Credit. While I believe that insurance should cover the first 3 treatments, the reality is that insurance coverage is next to impossible to obtain even with repeated appeals. Please schedule a consultation with one of our dermatologists before you start treatments if you would like to submit your receipts to your insurance. Most of our patients will use their flex spending account for these procedures.
Hi,
My daughter has been experiencing pustules under her arms. She rows which generates a lot of sweat & is often not able to shower for a while after exercising.
She has dark, course hair.
Would laser hair removal help reduce the pustules? I’m beginning to wonder if it is Hidradenitis Suppurative. She has also experienced pustules in her bikini area.
Thank you
Pustules under on the skin of the underarms suggest bacterial infection. Repeated sterile abscesses or cysts in the underarms are a sign of hidradenitis suppurativa. Laser hair removal is very helpful in hidradenitis suppurativa. Good hygiene is important to reduce bacterial infection. I recommend that she be evaluated by a dermatologist to make the proper diagnosis and discuss treatment options.
Hello,
I also wanted to inquire as to the prices for hair removals for full body parts:
How much for:
Full back? Does this include shoulders?
Full leg?
Full arm?
Back of neck?
Underarms?
Buttocks?
Brazilian Bikini? What does brazilian bikini hair removal include?
Thank you!
You find our current price list at https://www.ringpfeildermatology.com/laser-hair-removal.php
It contains all of the areas you are looking for. For upper an lower back, please combine their cost and for shoulders please add cost of shoulders to arrive at the total. Brazilian bikini refers to complete removal of hair around the genitals but does not include perianal area or buttocks.