What is Laser Hair Removal? Laser Hair Removal is a quick, non-invasive way to permanently reduce unwanted hair.
How does the treatment work? The area to
be treated is cleansed and shaved. A topical numbing cream may be
applied. The technician scans the treatment area with the laser, which
emits a specific wavelength that passes harmlessly through skin and
into the hair follicle. The follicle is heated and damaged, putting an
end to hair growth.
How many treatments are required? Hair growth can only be affected during the growth cycle. Several sessions are required to destroy all hair follicles.
Is Laser Hair Removal safe? Laser Hair Removal is a common, quick and safe procedure. A variety of lasers have been FDA approved for hair reduction.
Are there any possible side effects? You
may experience stinging, mild swelling and pigmentation changes
immediately after treatment. These effects are temporary, as are the
rare appearance of blisters and lesions. Scarring and the activation of
viral infections, such as herpes and shingles, may occur if you are
already predisposed. For this reason, you must give a complete medical
history before treatment.
Will there be any downtime? No, you may return to your normal routine immediately.
What are the benefits of Laser Hair Removal over other treatments? Laser Hair Removal is fast and has long term results. Other hair reduction methods must either be done often or hair by hair.
What can be expected post-treatment? The
area may be red and swollen immediately after treatment. You can return
to your normal schedule, but keep out of the sun and use sunscreen.
Over the next few weeks your hair will appear to grow as it falls out.
How soon will results appear? Results are
revealed as your hair goes through its normal cycles. By six months,
you should have an idea of how much hair has been reduced.
How long does a Laser Hair Removal treatment last? The procedure may take anywhere from minutes to hours depending on the size of the area to be treated.
What conditions respond best to this treatment? Laser Hair Removal works best on those with darker hair than skin tone.
Who are candidates for Laser Hair Removal? With the newest lasers, individuals of all skin and hair types can be treated.
Who should avoid Laser Hair Removal? If
you have a history of keloid formation, excessive scarring or poor
healing, you may not be right for this treatment. Tattoos and permanent
makeup can be altered by Laser Hair Removal. This treatment cannot be
performed in areas with open sores, lesions or infections.
How does the treatment feel? Patients usually experience mild pain which can be followed by several hours of a sunburn-like sensation.
How long do the results last? Results vary from person to person. Permanent reduction is common but cannot be guaranteed.
What are the alternative treatments? Traditional methods of hair removal include shaving, plucking, waxing, depilatory creams and electrolysis.
Is additional treatment necessary? Yes, several sessions are required to achieve a consistent hairless effect.
What are the limitations of Laser Hair Removal? Certain
lasers work on melanin, so their use is limited to people with hair
darker than skin tone. In general, Laser Hair Removal cannot guarantee
permanent hair removal.
Instructions prior to treatment: Avoid
Accutane® for six months before treatment, and avoid anti-inflammatory
drugs and Retin-A® for three weeks before treatment. You should not tan
(sunless or otherwise) or use any method of hair removal besides
shaving for six weeks prior to your session.
Instructions for after treatment: Keep the
area clean and dry. For the first few days, do not scrub or irritate
the skin with heavy creams, chemicals, lotions or sun exposure. Use
sunscreen with SPF 45 or greater. Apply moisturizers, cold compresses
or over-the-counter steroid creams at your discretion. Contact your
physician if you develop blisters, scabbing or signs of infection. Your
hair will still appear to grow for two or three weeks as it falls out.
Additional treatments can be performed until you achieve the desired
effect. |