About Laser Hair Removal
Our skilled providers administer the most sought after hair removal method, which is fast, safe, convenient and pain-free. Laser hair removal involves targeting concentrated laser light directly into the hair follicles to kill unwanted facial and body hair and inhibit their future growth.
How it Works
With the latest cooling technology, laser hair removal is fast, easy and virtually painless. As the clean hand-piece tip is passed over the area to be treated, the laser targets the melanin (dark pigment) in the hair follicle and destroys it. Because hair has several stages of growth it takes a series of treatments to achieve optimal results. There is about 10 to 20 % reduction with each treatment, so generally a series of 5 to 10 treatments (depending on the area) is necessary. Our laser targets unwanted hair with an exact precision that keeps the surrounding skin safe during the procedure. As with all medical aesthetic procedures, maintenance is required to keep looking your finest.
Areas of Treatment
Laser hair removal can be safely used for different areas of the body including the face, arms, underarms, back, abdomen, legs, and bikini area.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
It is important to shave skin prior to treatment. No waxing, plucking or bleaching for four weeks prior and no use of any active ingredients on the treated area 72 hours before. A cool gel is applied to the treatment area to keep the skin cool and help conduct laser light and protective goggles are worn. The provider will determine safe and effective settings for each session and the treatment can last generally 15 minutes to an hour depending on the area to be treated. Sunscreen is applied after the procedure. There are generally 5 treatments in a series with a return visit scheduled every 4 to 6 wks.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE RECOVERY PERIOD?
There is no downtime with our latest hair removal technology. It is common to feel a very mild sunburn-like effect the evening of the treatment but it generally subsides in a few hours. At about two weeks there will appear to be new hair growth but that is often the dead hair falling out. This hair will come out on its own accord and does not need to be plucked. With each successive treatment there will be fewer and fewer patches of hair until optimal results are achieved. Minimizing sun exposure and sun protection is always key following any laser treatment.
COMMON POST PROCEDURE CONCERNS
There may be mild redness or swelling immediately after and it can feel like a slight sunburn. Cold compresses and/or a gentle moisturizer can be applied at home to soothe.
ADDITIONAL PROCEDURE INFORMATION
Who is/isn’t a candidate for laser hair removal?
Patients with extremely light-colored hair are not candidates for treatment. Women who are pregnant or breast feeding are not candidates for Laser Hair Removal.
Is there any preparation for the treatment?
Do not wax, pluck, bleach, or have electrolysis for 1 month prior to treatment. Patients may not be on Accutane for 6 months prior to treatment. Patients should cease using products containing retinol, glycolic acid, bleaching cream, and exfoliants 4 days prior to treatment. Do not wear deodorant or makeup on the area to be treated. If you have a history of cold sores and are receiving treatment around the mouth, we recommend that you take Valtrex 3 days before your treatment (please notify us if you need a prescription for this condition). Patients should shave the area 1 day prior to treatment. The hair will be trimmed just before the procedure so that is only a few millimeters in length above the surface of the skin. Both the patient and the practitioner will also need to wear eye protection before the laser is used. The surrounding skin will also be coated with a protective gel to minimize exposure and also to help the laser penetrate the skin better. Pulses of laser light will then be administered onto the treatment areas to facilitate hair removal. Succeeding treatments will be scheduled in intervals until the hair stops growing in the indicated areas.
How long does the actual treatment take?
The duration of the treatment depends on the size of the areas being treated. Some areas like the upper lip take as little as 15 minutes, while larger areas like the back and legs can take 1-2 hours.
What can I expect immediately after treatment?
It is common for the treated areas to appear as if they were sunburned for at least a day or two) after the procedure. The patient may be advised to apply a cold compress, aloe vera, hydrocortisone cream 1%, or anti-inflammatory preparations to relieve any discomfort.
How many treatments are recommended?
On average, most patients will need 4-6 treatments spaced 4-8 weeks apart.
What should I avoid after the treatment?
Avoid soaking for 24-48 hours. No hot tubs, whirpools, or saunas, or baths. Avoid vigorous workouts. Avoid using products containing retinol, glycolic acid, bleaching cream, and exfoliants 7 days after treatment. Avoid direct sunlight and tanning between treatments. Do not wax or pluck any hairs between treatment sessions (shaving is okay). Do not manipulate the skin on the treated areas. If crusting or scabbing develops, allow it to fall off on its own so as not to damage the skin underneath.
Should I be concerned with sun protection immediately after the treatment?
Patients will be advised to wear sunscreen SPF 30 or higher to prevent color changes on the treated areas. Do not apply makeup to the treated area until all the redness has subsided.
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BEFORE & AFTER IMAGES
