FAQs
How does laser hair removal work? Is everyone qualified to get laser treatment?
Laser hair removal works by disabling hair follicles when the light energy is transformed into heat energy. Since light energy is easily absorbed by melanin, the pigment that determines skin color, the larger amounts of melanin in the skin of people with darker skin color can absorb more of the light energy and lead to skin damage instead of follicle deactivation. For this reason, laser treatments and tanning should not be done within the same period. Nowadays, however, second generation lasers can be safely used on people with darker skin as well as those with fine hairs. Since lasers can only disable hairs that are actively growing and not all hairs are in an active growth phase at the same time, two or more treatments may be necessary to disable those hairs that were previously in a resting phase. We can evaluate you for free and advise as you whether or not laser hair treatment is right for you. Or you can send any inquiries through our free consultation form.
How is laser hair removal different from electrolysis? Are the results
of laser treatments permanent?
Electrolysis uses electrical current applied through a needle to probe and remove hair follicles one by one. Laser hair removal, on the other hand, uses a focused beam of light to disable multiple hair follicles at the same time and, therefore, is a more advanced technology. While results may vary among individuals, laser hair removal results in permanent hair reduction, as evidenced by various clinical studies of patients. Because the hair grows in cycles, multiple treatments, between five and eight, are necessary to disable all the hair follicles. During the first treatment, some hair follicles that lie dormant below the skin surface are stimulated into the next phase of the hair cycle, called anagen phase. The subsequent treatments target those hair follicles that were previously dormant after which permanent hair reduction is achieved.
Why is the GentleLASE® better than other laser systems?
Unlike the first generation ruby laser, the GentleLASE® is an alexandrite laser that penetrates deeper into the skin for a more effective destruction of the hair follicles. For people with darker skin colors, the GentleYag laser is used. To prevent skin damage due to the higher intensity of the GentleLASE® and GentleYag lasers, the dynamic cooling spray device simultaneously cools the skin as the greater amounts of energy is delivered into the follicles.
Which areas of the body can be treated with laser hair removal?
Laser hair treatment can be used on almost any part of the body where hair prominently grows. The parts that are most commonly treated are the face, neck, chest, back, bikini area, legs, and underarms. Check out our laser services page to find out more.
What should I do before getting laser treatment?
If you are planning to get laser treatment, you should avoid the following several weeks prior to treatment: tanning; waxing; plucking; and bleaching. However, it is okay, and even advisable, to trim or shave hairs immediately before you get the treatment. Clipping the hairs short is another option if your skin does not tolerate shaving.
What will the treated area look like after treatment?
After the treatment, there are usually no visible skin changes or adverse reactions. When redness and/or swelling do occur during rare occasions, they usually fade within 24 hours, and it may be possible to cover them up with makeup immediately after treatment. Many of the hairs are immediately removed during treatment and you will continue to shed more for the next one to two weeks.
What things should I avoid after treatment?
While noticeable and adverse after effects are rarely experienced by patients after treatment, patients are still advised to avoid prolonged sun exposure and tanning. For a few days following the treatment, do not forget to wear sunscreen and protective clothing when you do have to go out. You should also handle the treated areas gently and avoid using harsh cleansers or topical medications on them.
Is laser hair removal expensive?
We want to make laser hair removal affordable for everybody. In addition to free consultations, we also offer competitive individual prices for specific parts of the body (prices vary depending on the size and area), package rates for multiple treatments, flexible financing options, and even a referral discount. Send us an email or give us a call and we will devise a treatment plan that will best meet your needs.
Payment options include: all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard,
Discover, American Express); checks; and money orders.
What are the adverse effects of laser treatment?
The FDA has authorized laser hair removal as a safe and an effective treatment since 1997. More than 1,000 clinical studies have shown that side effects from laser treatments, when present, are only temporary. These may include: redness and/or swelling, which only last from a few hours to a few days; blisters are less common; and scarring or infection is extremely rare. Thus far, none of our patients have reported any incidences of scarring or infection. Other aftereffects that may be observed include hypo or hyperpigmentation (changes in skin color), both of which go away over time and which are usually experienced by patients with darker skin colors. Cases of temporary skin discoloration after treatment among our patients are very rare. Permanent discoloration is highly improbable and no cases have ever been reported by our patients. While these side effects may be a cause for worry for those who are considering getting laser treatments, they can also be experienced from electrolysis, waxing, or shaving. Each patient is given proper skin care instructions after every treatment.
Are there individuals who are not qualified to get laser treatment?
People who are tanned as well as those who have an active infection (cold sores, etc.) on the area that they want treated should wait until the tan has faded or the infection has healed before getting laser hair treatment. If you are planning to get a laser treatment, you should avoid getting a tan (whether from sun bathing, a tanning salon, or a self-tanning cream) immediately before and after each laser treatment. Laser treatments may also be ineffective in very dark-skinned individuals, such as a very dark African-American. They also have a higher risk for greater changes in pigmentation.
What do I need to do to get started?
Feel free to call us for a free consultation, to make arrangements for your laser treatments, or regarding any inquiries that you may have. The free consultation offer is only available for a limited time. It is important to remember that immediately prior to your laser treatment; you should not bleach, wax, or pluck the hairs on the areas that are going to be treated. Shaving or trimming hairs is okay and is actually advisable before getting laser treatment. Do not tan immediately before and after treatments.
