Psuedo-folliculitis (PF) is a condition that is a widespread problem amoung individuals with curly hair and dark skin. As the hair grows out of the skin it immediately curls and re-enters the skin. The skin reacts to it as a foreign body and becomes inflamed and irritated, creating bumps. These bumps may appear on any commonly shaved area of your body.

Folliculitis is an inflammation of hair follicles due to bacterial or fungal infections. The area around the hair follicle looks inflamed and acne-like, and often extrudes pus. Unlike PF, folliculitis can occur in all hair and skin types and is not always related to shaving. This problem can be temporary or chronic. Because bacteria and fungus cannot exist outside the hair shaft, by removing the hairs, the laser significantly relieves this malady. At Southern Utah Laser Aesthetics our advanced laser technology allows us to treat all ethnic groups and skin types safely and effectively.

How does it work?

Laser light is absorbed by pigment inactively growing hair, damaging the hair follicle. In doing this, hair re-growth is impeded, reducing and eliminating the bumps caused by ingrown hairs. The destroyed hairs are then dissolved within the skin or shed by the body. Because the laser beam is larger in diameter than the hair follicle, a large number of hairs can be treated simultaneously.

What results can be expected?

The average patient sees at least a 75% short-term reduction of shaving bumps within two weeks of their first or second treatment. One or two annual touch up treatments may be required after completing the initial series of treatments. Because only a portion of your hair is in the active growth phase at the time of treatment, a series of treatments will be required to achieve the long-term improvement you desire. Treatments are spaced approximately 4-12 weeks apart, based on hair growth cycles.

Is the treatment painful?

Most patients experience little discomfort, but may feel a stinging or burning sensation when a laser pulse is delivered. A topical anesthetic may be applied to sensitive skin. To further reduce discomfort, our laser utilizes a special cooling system that lowers the temperature of the skin at the treatment site before, during, and after laser exposure.

What should be expected after treatment?

After treatment, some patients may experience a slight reddening around the hair follicles. This typically disappears within just a few minutes. It will seem that the hair continues to grow for a period of one to two weeks after laser treatment, but in fact, these hairs are actually lifeless and are simply being cast out by your body.

How long does the treatment take?

Sessions to treat the neck or bikini area can take as little as 15 minutes, while a full beard and neck may take 45 minutes.