Laser Hair Removal

Permanent reduction of unwanted hair can be achieved via our state-of-the-art laser hair removal services. Best results are typically achieved with six treatments. Please call for details and pricing.

FAQ:

Q:  What is Laser Hair Removal?

A:  Laser hair removal is the process of damaging the hair follicle at its base so hair no longer grows.  These new lasers use controlled flashes of a long pulsed light.  The hair absorbs this light and the intense heat destroys it.

Q:  How does Laser Hair Removal (Photothermolysis) work?

A:  Photothermolysis is essentially the act of destroying (lysis) the hair follicle using extreme heat (thermo).  The laser is calibrated to target the dark pigment of the hair follicle.  Since it is targeting the darkest area, it should not affect the surrounding skin.  That is why patients with lighter skin and dark hair tend to see the best results.

Q:  How long does the treatment take?

A:  Anywhere between 15 minutes to an hour depending on the area.

Q:  Is Laser Hair Removal permanent?

A:  The general consensus is that laser hair removal is permanent.  The FDA has approved laser hair removal as permanent reduction.  This is because it is not permanent in ALL cases.  A person may need a touch up 1 to 2 times a year for maintenance.  There are also some people who just will not respond to the hair removal treatments.  They are called “non responders”.  This is extremely rare and there is not enough scientific data to explain why this is.

Q:  Will Laser Hair Removal work for me?

A:  Since the laser targets melanin, the more melanin (dark hair) you have, the more effective the laser will be.  Someone with gray, red or blonde hair would not make a good candidate.

Q:  What areas can be treated with Laser Hair Removal?

A:  Almost any area except the eye area.  The most common areas are the lip, chin, underarm, back, abdomen, bikini and legs.

Q:  What can I expect during the Laser Hair Removal procedure?

A:

• You will wear safety eyewear to protect your eyes from the laser light.
• During the procedure, laser light will be delivered through a hand held device.
• You may experience a slight stinging sensation as the laser pulse is delivered.
• Our laser uses a cool burst of cryogen that protects the upper layers of skin while reducing some of the stinging.
• You may smell a strong odor due to the laser singeing the hair.  This is normal.

Q:  Does it hurt?

A:  This is a relative question since not all people have the same pain threshold.  Some patients may feel a slight discomfort often described like the snapping of a small rubber band on the skin, though the discomfort resolves quickly. Our laser delivers a burst of cryogen that protects the skin and cools it prior, resulting in a more comfortable experience.

Q:  What should I do to prepare my skin before and after my treatment?

A: 

• You will want to shave the area to be treated 1 – 3 days before your laser treatment. 
• Do not wax or do any treatment that will remove the hair at the root at least 4 – 6 weeks prior to your laser treatment.  The root is needed for the laser to target.
• Do not tan 4 – 6 weeks before or after your treatment.

Q:  What can I expect after my treatment?

A:  You will start seeing your hairs shed between 2 – 4 weeks post treatment.  As the hair sheds, it might look like its growing back, but it’s just being pushed up through the skin to be shed.  Once the shedding process is complete, you should have a hair-free period.  As other hairs start their “active” growth phase, you will see some hair coming back to the treated area.  This is normal since not all hair grows at the same rate and can only be treated when it’s in this “active” growth phase.

Q:  Are there any side effects?

A:  As with any medical procedure, there is a possibility for side effects or complications to occur. 

      Normal:

• Redness can last up to 3 days
• Itching can occur during and after the treatments
• Swelling around the hair follicle can last up to 3 days

     Rare:

• Scabs or crusting might form after the treatment….this is usually on in-grown hairs
• Bruising
• Tanned areas may experience Purpura (a purple coloring of the skin)
• A temporary pigment change (hyper-pigmentation or hypo-pigmentation)
• Infection

**If any of these issues last more than 3 days, contact your technician**

Q:  How many treatments will I need?

A:  Since the laser treats hair follicles that are in an “active” growth phase, more than one treatment is required to treat the new hairs entering this phase.  A series of 6 treatments is recommended for best results.