Laser Hair Removal

Laser Hair Removal FAQs

What is the advantage of using a laser?
Lasers are precise instruments that can be adjusted to the exact parameters. The laser uses a wide beam that treats many hairs at once, instead of treating hair-by-hair like electrolysis. Because of this, large areas such as your legs, arms, or back can be treated in a short period of time. You will see results that last far longer than tweezing, waxing, shaving, chemical depilation, or other temporary methods.

How does the laser remove hair?
The laser emits a beam of light that is attracted to the pigment, or melanin, in the hair follicle that is in an active growth cycle. A pre-determined pulse duration and energy setting are directed at and absorbed by the hair follicles, disabling the growth of the follicles and resulting in quick, safe, and effective hair removal. We have 500-1000 follicles per square cm, most of which are dormant throughout our lives. Our hair cycles between actively growing and resting phases—the laser will effectively treat the actively growing hair. It damages resting hair follicles, but does not completely disable them. Because of this, it requires multiple treatments to clear an area of hair.

How many laser treatments will I need?
We say an average of five treatments—some people take less and some take more. This is providing that the recommended treatment schedule is followed. It takes a series of treatments because of the follicle growth cycles. We cannot tell you how many treatments it will take because everyone is different. Once you've been treated, it will take anywhere from 2-4 weeks for the treated hair to fall out. We reschedule the next treatment in 6-8 weeks.

What does the laser treatment feel like?
The treatment does have a slight prickly or stinging sensation. Most of our clients are able to tolerate the treatment without difficulty. Our cooling system is very effective and takes most of the discomfort out of the procedure.

What can I expect after laser treatment?
After your initial treatment, you should enjoy a significant reduction of hair. It will take 2-4 weeks for the treated hair to push its way to the surface and fall out. With each treatment, the hair in the active growth phase will be effectively treated and the hair in the resting stage will come back much finer when it returns to its growth phase. Additional appointments are scheduled 6-8 weeks after each treatment. Keep in mind the importance of maintaining your follow up appointments for the best results.

Are there any adverse side effects?
No. The worst-case scenario is that you could get a small blister, compared to a blister you might get from a curling iron, which will go away in 2-5 days. We have products available if that should happen. Typically, following treatment you will have reddening in the treated area that will last from 15 minutes to a few hours.

What happens to the skin after laser treatment?
Reddening of the skin is the typical reaction. The redness usually subsides within a few minutes to a few hours and returns to normal. Since the laser is not invasive in any way, no bandages are necessary. You are able to reapply your make-up, return to work, and continue with your normal daily activities immediately following treatment.

Is laser hair removal permanent?
The FDA has cleared laser hair removal regardless of the laser for "Permanent Hair Reduction" only. There are between 500 and 1000 follicles per square inch, of which many are dormant at the time of treatment. There is no way of knowing if and when they may start growing; therefore, the hair that might grow at some future time most likely is new hair. Based on our experience, we believe that the hair treated will probably not re-grow. Each individual's treatment response will be different due to his or her hair or skin type. Stress levels, certain medications, or changing hormone levels may also cause new hair to grow.

Do you offer a guarantee?
Physicians cannot legally offer guarantees. We are very cautious of anyone who offers a guarantee and suggest carefully looking at the fine print. The fact is every laser treatment will provide results. The question remains, are the results what you expected? It is impossible to determine which hair has been treated and which hair may be in another growth stage. Therefore we can not offer a guarantee for hair loss but feel confident you will see a significant reduction if you follow the recommended schedule for treatment.

What makes your laser better?
There are many lasers on the market today. There are lasers and IPLs (Intense Pulse Lights), which are not lasers at all. The fact is all lasers will provide results. The difference between lasers boils down to different levels of power and different wavelengths. Most lasers use 755, 810, or 1064 wavelengths. Our laser has a 755 Alexandrite and a 1064 YAG wavelength, which are considered the gold standard for hair removal. What that means is that unlike IPLs or other lesser technologies, we can effectively treat the follicles within any skin type, without damage to the surrounding tissue, complications, or adverse side effects.

How do you treat hair with little or no pigment?
Hair colors such as blonde, gray, white, or fine red hair usually have little or no pigment, which is required for the laser to effectively treat the follicle. Please note that we may not be able to treat this hair. We will do a test spot for a minimum fee to see if the hair is treatable with the laser. Sometimes these hair colors have enough pigment in the roots that they may be treatable.

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