laser hair removal
HOW DOES IT WORK?
A low energy laser beam is used. As the laser energy passes through the skin, it is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicles. This converts the laser energy to heat, which kills the follicle cells without damaging surrounding tissue.
HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM OTHER HAIR REMOVAL METHODS?
Shaving requires regular daily maintenance and can irritate skin. Razor burn and ingrown hairs are quite common.
Tweezing is slow, temporary, and suitable only for small areas.
Depilatory creams are messy and offer temporary solutions.
Waxing may be painful and hair eventually grows back. It can cause allergic reactions and inflammation of the hair follicles.
Electrolysis can leave scarring, is painful, and very time consuming because a needle is actually inserted into each follicle, one at a time.
ARE ALL LASERS THE SAME?
No. We use the Cynosure Apogee Elite laser that allows the selection of the wavelength that best meets each patient’s needs. All skin types and tones can be treated using the Alexandrite wavelength for lighter skin types and the Nd:Yag wavelength for darker skin types. Another advantage of this laser is the speed: It treats many times faster than other lasers. Lower legs, for example, only take 45 minutes. And for your comfort, the laser has a built in Smart Cool system.
IS IT SAFE?
Absolutely! According to the American Society for Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery about two million people enjoy Laser Hair Removal every year, making it the second "Botox" is the first most requested non-surgical cosmetic procedure in the US.
DOES IT HURT?
As the laser beam is gently guided over your skin, you will feel a slight tingling sensation, often described as a rubber band ping. If needed, a topical anesthetic gel may be applied.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
Hair grows in cycles. Only hair that is actively growing on the day of your treatment can be successfully treated. In most body sites, only approximately 30% of the hair follicles will be in their active phase at the same time. Keep in mind that no two persons are the same. Many factors influence hair growth such as age, ethnicity, hormones, diet, medication, metabolism, and even time of year. Each has a part in your hair’s location, thickness, and resilience. However, for most persons 4-6 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart will result in permanent hair removal. With us, when you buy four treatments, the fifth is free.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER EACH TREATMENT?
After the first treatment, most people can expect up to a 15% reduction in hair, up to 20% after the second, up to 30% after the third, up to 60% after the fourth, up to 80% after the fifth, and over 90% after the sixth treatment.
WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE TREATMENT?
Avoid sun exposure and tanning salons because tanning limits the effectiveness of Laser Hair Removal.
Do not pluck, bleach, use depilatories or wax for 30 days prior to treatment because these methods of hair removal take the hair shaft out of the follicle. If you have had cold sores or Herpes Simplex it is important to let us know because these may flare with Laser Hair Removal.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING TREATMENT?
Your skin will be carefully examined and shaved and you will be marked with a white pen to guide the laser. You will need to wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from the laser light during treatment. The laser settings are calibrated to your skin color, hair color and hair texture. Multiple hairs are treated at once, with little or no skin irritation.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER TREATMENT?
Immediately after treatment, your skin may be red or feel sunburned. For the first 24 hours, avoid rubbing or scrubbing, very hot showers, excessive perspiration and sun exposure. Be sure to use an effective sun block such as Procyte Z-Silc. Because Laser Hair Removal is a non-surgical, non-invasive procedure, you can return to work and normal activities right away. Also, for the first 2-3 weeks after your treatment it will look like your hair is growing. Actually, it is the dead hair being pushed out.
> Click here for before and after images of laser hair removal treatments.