We are pleased to offer state of the art laser treatment for long term removal of unwanted hair for women, men, and teenagers. This method is specifically designed to remove unwanted hair faster, less painfully and more effectively than traditional methods of long term hair removal such as electrolysis. This method is FDA approved for “permanent hair reduction.”
How do I know if I am a candidate for laser hair removal?
A consultation is required for all patients. Your medical history will be reviewed to identify the risks and benefits of treatment as well as alternatives for hair removal. We use the most advanced laser hair removal system from Lumenis which makes it possible to treat all skin types including dark skinned and tanned individuals. It is also effective in treating ingrown hairs. Some individuals may not be candidates for laser hair removal, including patients with grey, white, blonde, or red hair, patients using Accutane within the last 6 months, and those with active herpes in the area to be treated.
How does laser hair removal work?
Lasers emit a specific wavelength of light that is attracted to the natural hair color (brown/black). The energy that is emitted by the laser is absorbed by the hair follicle. The follicle is heated up and is damaged. This prevents or retards future hair production by that hair follicle. Hair grows in three cycles, active growth, regression, and resting stage. Only the hairs in their active stage of growth at the time of treatment can be damaged by the energy emitted from the laser. Therefore multiple treatments are required for optimal results.
How many treatments are required?
The average number of treatments for light skinned individuals is 3-5. For dark skinned or tanned individuals the average number of treatments may be more than five. This is because as the color of skin becomes closer to the color of the hair, there is less contrast for the laser to be able to distinguish between the two. Therefore lower settings must be used to protect the skin. If the patient has a history of hormonal issues/imbalance or has not completed puberty, the number of treatments required may also be greater than five. Treatments are usually scheduled every 6-8 weeks. What are the risks associated with laser hair removal? A small percentage of patients may experience permanent pigmentation changes to the skin. These changes, although rare, are usually transient. But in a small percentage of patients it may be permanent. Therefore it is important that you notify us if you have recently been in the sun or have used self tanning lotions. Dark skinned individuals are test patched and then may return for a full treatment two weeks later. Many patients will have mild crusting after the treatment.Blisters are rare and should be reported if experienced. If you feel you need to be re-evaluated after your treatment please call us and we will arrange an appointment. How do I prepare for the consultation? Two days prior to your evaluation/consultation we ask that you do not pluck, wax, shave, bleach, or use depilatory creams in the area requiring evaluation, so that we may accurately evaluate your hair. How do I prepare for the treatment? You must refrain from using Retin A, alpha hydroxy, beta hydroxy, and glycolic acid peels for two days prior to treatment and two days after your treatment. This includes make-up, moisturizers, and face creams. You must refrain from using Accutane for 6 months prior to treatments. Self tanners should also be discontinued prior to treatments and the treatment area should be scrubbed with a loofah and Head and Shoulders shampoo. This will help to remove the remaining self tanner. You must also avoid prolonged sun or tanning bed exposure. Prior to your treatment you need to shave the treatment area. If you are having facial hair treated and are uncomfortable shaving your face you may use a depilatory cream such as Sally Hansen or Nair or you may use a bleaching cream. We ask that you do not pluck the hair or wax beginning 2 weeks prior to treatment and throughout the duration of your series of treatments, as plucking and waxing removes the hair from the follicle which will make treatments less effective. What does the treatment feel like and how will I feel after the treatment? During the treatment patients report an elastic band sensation against their skin. Depending on the surface area being treated an anesthetic cream may be prescribed. Specific instructions on how to use this medication and where to purchase it will be given at the time of your consult. Most patients will have mild to moderate redness that will last 20 minutes to three days. Perifollicular edema (goose bumps) occur with most patients and will dissipate in a few hours with post-treatment icing. After the treatment, cool compresses or ice may be applied for 20-30 minutes. This will reduce the redness and swelling. Some patients find a topical antibiotic ointment such as Aquaphor or Bacitracin soothing after the treatment. You may elect to chill the ointment in the refrigerator prior to applying it. You may apply make-up and deodorant immediately after your treatment. Can I shave after my treatment? Initially after your treatment your skin may be red and slightly inflamed. It is recommended that you do not shave, bleach, or use depilatory creams until the inflammation resolves. This usually takes three days. It may take the body up to three weeks to push out the dead hairs. Therefore, it may falsely appear as though the hairs are continuing to grow after the treatment. Be patient! At week three you will notice your hair has thinned out. Gradually the hairs that were not actively growing at the time of the last treatment will begin to erupt and you will be due for your next treatment.
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