Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal uses fast laser light pulses to selectively destroy hair follicles by targeting their melanin (color). The pigment in the hair follicle absorbs the laser’s light pulse, which damages the follicle enough to significantly slow hair regrowth, it unfortunately will not work on blond or white hair, or peach fuzz.  All laser treatments require a test spot prior to treatment to ensure safety.

Q: How long are the sessions?

A: A laser hair removal session can last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the size and number of areas treated.

Q: Is hair removal painful?

A: Once the session begins, you’ll feel a stinging sensation when the laser becomes active. It really depends on your hair density and thickness, but most of our patients just describe it as a very tolerable prickling sensation and some feel minimal to no pain at all. We can use topical numbing to make it more comfortable.

Q: How many treatments will I need?

A: Because only hair follicles in the active growth stage can be successfully targeted during a laser hair removal treatment, you will need multiple sessions, whether you’re treating your legs, underarms, face, back, bikini. On average, we recommend four to six treatments, spaced six to eight weeks apart.

Q: Who is a candidate for laser hair removal?

A: Anyone who has unwanted brown or black hair can do laser removal. This works best on patients with lighter skin and thick dark hair. All laser treatments require a test spot prior to treatment to ensure safety. This will not work on blond or white hair or thin peach-fuzz type hair.

Q: What side effects can I experience?

A: There are a few potential side effects, The most common ones include redness, swelling, itching or bumps, but they should go away within a day or two.

Q: Is laser hair removal permanent?

A: Laser hair removal provides long term hair reduction by up to 80 percent after a series of four to six treatments. You may require a maintenance session every 1-2 years, or as needed.

Q: How do I prepare for a laser hair removal treatment?

A: We asked to discontinue waxing or tweezing six weeks before a laser hair removal treatment. You’ll also be asked to avoid sun exposure and spray tans or tanning beds two weeks beforehand.

SIX WEEKS BEFORE YOUR TREATMENT…

• Discontinue all hair removal methods in the treatment area EXCEPT for shaving- including waxing, hair removal creams or chemicals, tweezing and electrolysis.
• Discontinue bleaching your hair in the treatment area.

TWO WEEKS BEFORE YOUR TREATMENT…

• Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds.
• Avoid spray tans and any other kind of self-tanners.
• Apply sunscreen SPF 30+ daily,  and wear barrier protection such as wide-brimmed hats, large sunglasses and protective clothing when outdoors.
• Avoid aesthetic treatments that may cause irritation to your skin in the treatment area.
• Not sure? Reach out to us if you’ve had sun exposure or have other aesthetic treatments scheduled, as we may need to reschedule your appointment.

THREE DAYS BEFORE YOUR TREATMENT…

• Avoid topical irritants — these potentially include harsh soaps, medicated washes, scrubs, oils, retinols, scented lotions and peels.

THE DAY BEFORE YOUR TREATMENT…

• • Shave the area(s) we’re treating in the direction that the hair grows with a new, clean razor.
  • Use a moisturizing shaving cream to reduce irritation.
  • If you arrive unshaved, we may have to reschedule or not be able to treat all the areas planned!

THE DAY OF YOUR TREATMENT…

• • Remove any products such as makeup, deodorant, lotion, sunscreen, etc. from the area being treated before your appointment. If you forget this one, we’ll have wipes on hand.

Call for a consultation and your provider will help establish a treatment plan that is both cost-effective and convenient.