Laser Hair Removal - Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re interested in laser hair removal, it’s important, as a first step, to learn how it works. Laser hair removal technology is using an invisible beam of light as a source of energy that penetrates the hair shaft below the upper skin layer and targets a melanin in the hair follicle, disabling and then destroying it at its root while carefully preserving the surrounding skin.

The hair removal process begins as the laser beam finds the hair follicle that it is targeting and destroys it, thus permanently preventing the re-growth of hair.

Laser Hair Removal is a non-invasive approach to permanent reduction and long term hair removal and the side effects are rare.

Laser hair removal treatments are extremely safe and our professionals are certified laser specialists. The laser emits light rays from the visible light spectrum, just like the light you see normally, which are not harmful for the skin. These rays should NOT BE CONFUSED WITH ULTRAVIOLET rays, those emitted from the sun, for example, which have the potential to cause cancer.

There is NO RADIATION or other harmful effects emitted from the laser. In fact, the laser can aid in reducing acne in the skin as it can kill bacteria and other impurities

Laser hair removal is proven to permanently reduce hair growth. In most cases, hair is reduced by 85-95% after only a few treatments.

The Polylase-LP Laser System that we use has been approved by the FDA and evaluated as the most effective for this procedure. It is multifunctional, versatile, fast and powerful, with sophisticated lasers that target the root of the hair so specifically that they not only eliminate very dark and coarse hair, but are also the most effective lasers for the removal of fine hair and even hair with a light brown root.

We can do laser hair removal just about anywhere on the body! The most common areas for women are the upper lip, chin, eyebrows, legs, arms, underarms and bikini. Men like to do hair removal at the back, shoulders and chest as well as the front of the neck, which is a common place for ingrown hairs.

Unlike other hair removal methods such as electrolysis, waxing, creams and, of course, shaving, laser hair removal is the most state-of-the-art and high-tech method in removing unwanted hair for longer and even indefinite periods of time.

Electrolysis is the only other method for permanent hair reduction, but it is a hair-by-hair treatment that requires a needle to be inserted into each and every hair follicle. The needle emits both heat and electricity to disable the hair. Electrolysis requires regular treatments for several years.

With the laser, we can treat a much larger area in a much shorter time period without the discomfort of a needle, so the Laser is the only proven method available for easily removing hair from mass areas of the body including back, chest, legs, arms and face. Laser hair removal is effective, precise and ultimately ECONOMICAL – BOTH TIME AND COST EFFICIENT!

Epilation done by laser was performed experimentally for about 20 years before it became commercially available in the mid 1990s. Laser and light-based methods are sometimes called photoepilation. The primary principle behind laser hair removal is Selective Photothermolysis.

Lasers cause localized damage by selectively heating dark target matter in the area that causes hair growth while not heating the rest of the skin. Light is absorbed by dark objects, so laser energy can be absorbed by dark material in the skin, called melanin, with much more speed and intensity. Several wavelengths of laser energy have been used for hair removal, from visible light to near-infrared radiation.

These lasers are usually defined by the lasing medium used to create the wavelength. There are three fairly well accepted types of Class IV medical Lasers for Hair Removal, with Alexandrite, NdYAG and Diode been the most popular and effective. Each of these techniques is FDA-approved and proven effective, fast and safe methods for successful hair removal. In our office we use the most advanced model – dual Alexandrite and NdYAG Laser equipment from Polylase and have an ability to treat a variety of patients with different skin types.

Please note, that in addition to Lasers, there are some light-based epilators that use xenon flash-lamp emitting full-spectrum Intense Pulsed Light (IPL).

Devices utilizing IPL method, radio frequency (RF) as well as several other methods are sometimes popularly (and mistakenly) referred to as Laser Hair Removal, though they are NOT LASER devices, and therefore, they are much less effective for hair removal.

Yes, it is permanent in most people after a series of 5-8 treatments. The reason for that is that hair grows in cycles. The laser only destroys hair follicles in the Active stage of growth at the time of treatment, which is about only 20-25% of all hair potentially able to grow. The hairs that return are those that were NOT in the Active stage of growth at the time of treatment, and therefore couldn’t be destroyed. It does, however, affect the hairs in the early and late stages. They appear lighter in color and finer in texture.

We do see results after just one treatment, but additional treatments are needed and the majority of clients will achieve significant reduction of hair after a few treatments.

We do not perform laser on individuals who have been using Accutane, Retin-A and other exfoliants in the past 6 months, have a history of seizures or keloid scarring. If you are taking oral or topical acne medications that cause photosensitivity or if you are pregnant you should consult with your doctor prior to receiving treatments.

Laser treatments are not usually performed directly over a tattoo or over active herpes lesions. A test spot may need to be performed at the time of the appointment to evaluate the skin reaction.

Tanning increases the melanin in the skin. The laser is attracted to melanin, so if the skin has increased melanin it’s difficult for the laser to distinguish between hair and skin.

Tanning can cause complications such as burning or discoloration of the skin. It is best for the skin to be the lightest natural color to achieve optimal results and to maintain the integrity of the skin. You must limit your sun exposure as well as tanning booths for 2 to 4 weeks before and after treatment and wear a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on the areas to be treated.

This will greatly minimize the risk of temporary skin pigmentation and other complications.

At the time of treatment, ideally only the tips of the hair shaft should be visible. Prior to treatment you should shave the area to be treated.

For maximum benefit do not to wax, pluck, or use depilatory creams for 2-3 weeks prior to any laser treatment. And, again, completely avoid tanning and above mentioned medications.

During laser hair removal, you’ll wear a special goggles at all times so your eyes won’t be exposed to light from the laser. At first, you will likely feel a stinging sensation, indicating that the laser has been activated. The treatment involves a series of impulses that cause prickling and a slight burning sensation. Your clinician may also apply a topical anesthetic to the area being treated to minimize discomfort, but most people can tolerate the procedure without it.

Some people have likened the feeling to that of a rubber band snapping against your skin. You might also detect the smell of singed hair, which is nothing to worry about. You won’t fall asleep in the treatment chair but you will not be in pain – it is much less uncomfortable than traditional hair removal methods, such as waxing, plucking, and electrolysis. The discomfort associated with laser hair removal is minimal and depends on the treatment area.

The Laser we use has a cool stream of air that cools the skin immediately before the laser fires. We can make the treatment effective yet comfortable by adjusting the amount of energy delivered. Furthermore, our Laser is the latest in Laser Hair Removal technology, and one of the most distinguishable qualities it has is the minimal, sometimes absent, level of pain during treatments. In fact, majority of our patients do not require the use of any numbing agents.

Immediately following your treatment, the area might feel like it has mild sunburn with some redness and slight swelling around the treated hair follicles. These symptoms usually disappear within 2-24 hours. If you have prolonged redness – ice, cold pack or cooling gel can be applied to the treatment area for 10-15 minutes every hour or as needed.

Tylenol can be taken to reduce discomfort. In some cases, prolonged redness or blistering may occur. An antibiotic ointment like Neosporin and/or Hydrocortisone may be applied to the affected areas twice a day until healed. Aloe Vera and Vaseline can be applied to soothe the treated area. Avoid aggressive scrubbing and use of exfoliants until the treatment area has returned to its normal condition. Most people resume normal social activities immediately following laser treatment.

For a couple of weeks after treatment you may experience what seems to be an intense re-growth of hair. Actually, most of these hairs are being shed as a result of your treatment, and are not re-growing. Between treatments you should not wax or pluck your hair, but it is permissible to shave after about 3 days.

Not necessarily. Laser or any other light-based systems cannot treat light blonde, white, bright red, fully gray and very fine hair or “peach fuzz” since there is almost no melanin in it to absorb the energy. We will evaluate if you are an appropriate candidate at the time of your consultation.

Yes. With our laser hair technology, we are able to treat all skin types, including light, dark or slightly tanned skin. We will evaluate which laser will be best to use on your skin type at the time of your free consultation.

Laser hair removal is a permanent solution to all of those tedious, time-consuming grooming tactics most people deal with on a daily basis. Laser hair removal can also improve the appearance of painful razor bumps. You’ll avoid the hassle and expenses of razors, bleaching cream, and depilatories, as well. A laser procedure is so convenient it can be done over the lunch hour or on the way home from work and you can return to your normal activity immediately.

The length of an individual laser hair removal treatment is determined by the density of hair growth and overall size of the area to be treated. Small areas may take as little as 10-15 minutes, while larger areas, such as the back and leg, may require up to an hour or longer.

Compared to a lifetime of waxing, shaving or purchasing depilatory creams, laser hair removal is very affordable. Price is based on the size of the area to be treated, hair density, skin condition and some other factors. Please make an appointment for a FREE CONSULTATION and after the initial evaluation our friendly staff will gladly answer all your questions, address all of your concerns and will give you straight, no “fine print” estimate, that we are sure is very competitive and will not break your budget.

You will be presented with a choice of prices for individual procedures, discounted multi-treatment packages, as well as all current specials, discounts and promotions, which will make our expert services to be very affordable so that you can finally do away with your unwanted hair, permanently.

We believe in very honest, up-front, and simple extremely competitive pricing – we give you the best price available; no up-charges, no up-selling, no forced prepayments!

In our office your privacy, safety, and trust are of the utmost importance. We are passionate about our quality of service and we care about our clients. You should choose us for the following seven simple reasons:

EFFECTIVENESS: Laser hair removal is proven to significantly reduce hair permanently. In most cases, hair is reduced by 85-95% after a few treatments. The lasers we use are FDA approved and have been evaluated as the most effective in peer-reviewed medical journals.

PROFESSIONALISM: All treatments are performed by our Certified Laser Specialists who have years of Laser Hair Removal experience.

AFFORDABILITY: We offer very competitive prices, ongoing promotions, discounts and other incentives. We never insist on paying for packages up front, our clients can pay per treatment. We are confident that our lasers’ great results will bring our clients back for completion and follow up treatments.

EVALUATIONS AND CUSTOMIZATION: Before, During & After: Your safety and satisfaction is our primary concern. Our laser specialists perform test spots and assess hair and skin types for treatment eligibility. We thoroughly review every client’s skin type and hair color to determine customized treatment settings before and during the treatment.

TRUTHFULLNESS: No False promises. We explain what works and what doesn’t. Our first priority is your health and your satisfaction and therefore we educate you about your skin, our services, and the best options to achieve your goals.

CONFIDENTIALITY: Our professional staff understands the intimate nature of laser hair removal and is accustomed to addressing our clients’ most private concerns. You can rest assured that anything discussed or treatments performed will remain discreet and confidential.

GREAT CORTEOUS SERVICE AND FRIENDLY KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF.

IF YOU GET A LOWER QUOTE FROM A LOCAL COMPETITOR,
WE’LL MEET IT OR BEAT IT!!!