The efficacy of laser hair removal is now generally accepted in the dermatology community, and laser hair removal is widely practiced. Many reviews of laser hair removal methods, safety, and efficacy have been published in the dermatology literature.
Both men and women seek laser hair removal services to have superfluous or unwanted hair removed. Hair removal is commonly done on lip, chin, ear lobe, shoulders, back, underarm, abdomen, buttocks, pubic area, bikini lines, thighs, face, neck, cleavage, chest, arms, legs, hands, and toes. Laser works best with dark coarse hair. Light skin and dark hair are an ideal combination, but new lasers are now able to target dark black hair even in patients with dark skin
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser Hair removal is a noninvasive light therapy systems which have been custom designed to eliminate undesired hair from all parts of the body. Laser generate pulses of intense, concentrated light which are directed through cooled hand pieces which are gently applied to the treatment site.
This energy passes through the skin to the hair follicle, where the energy is absorbed by pigment in the hair , causing selective damage to the hair root while protecting delicate pores and structures of the skin. The energy is pulsed, or "turned on", for only a fraction of a second. The duration of the pulses is carefully determined so that energy will be absorbed by the hair follicle without transferring excessive heat to the surrounding skin.
Some of the hair which was in the treated follicles is wiped off immediately after treatment, and the rest is shed over the next 2-3 weeks. The hair roots which have been destroyed are reabsorbed by the body. If you have ingrown hairs, they will be reabsorbed by the body and the appearance of the skin will improve greatly over the next few months.
The surface of the skin is protected by built-in cooling systems on the working hand piece which help to protect and soothe the skin during treatment of your unwanted hair. Your skin is cooled before , after and during the pulses to minimize discomfort and prevent skin damage.
Unlike "hair-by-hair" treatments such as electrolysis, the Laser uses wide beams which treats many hairs at once. Because the laser can treat dozens of hairs with each pulse, it is possible to treat larger areas -- for example the back, shoulders, arms, legs and face. Laser can be used just about anywhere on the body, and usually requires no anesthesia. Even sensitive areas such as the nipples, upper lip and bikini line can be treated easily and with minimal discomfort.
The unique design of this system allows us to customize treatment, according to your hair and skin colour, hair texture, and location on the body. It is important for an experienced laser operator to target hair destruction from the first session. Once hair has been thinned or there is color change due to inaccurate settings, It is more difficult to destroy that hair. Therefore, it is critical for the operator to establish accurate settings based on the type of hair and the skin being treated.
Laser treatments are a safe, fast, gentle and effective method for hair removal. In just a few treatment sessions using the gentle power of this system, you can greatly improve the appearance of skin where there is unwanted hair.
What areas of the body can be treated
ALL parts of the body can be treated with hair removal laser. In women, the most common areas for treatment are eyebrows,upper lip, chin, bikini line, arms and legs, and underarms. In men, the most common areas for treatment are shoulders and back, and the beard area.
What are the benefits of laser hair removal?
The primary benefits of laser hair removal include:
o Larger areas may be treated with less discomfort than with electrolysis, waxing or tweezing.
o The laser combines speed, comfort and long lasting results.
o The laser works on any area of the body where a hair-free appearance is desired.
o The laser is safe for use on pregnant women -- who respond well because their hair is often thicker and darker during pregnancy. Note: we do not treat pregnant women at this time.
Shaving, waxing and depilatory creams remove the hair but leave the hair follicles intact, so the hair re-grows within one to four weeks in most cases. Laser hair removal offers you a long-term reduction in both the amount of hair, and also in many cases a reduction in thickness and color of hair shafts which do grow back.
Hair removal methods like plucking, waxing or sugaring which cause irritation may actually stimulate hair growth. This happens because one way the body defends itself against having hair pulled out is to produce thicker, stronger hairs which are harder to pull out next time. Another advantage of laser treatment is that your skin can be kept nice and smooth between treatments by shaving -- you will never again have to grow your hair out long enough to be waxed or sugared.
Laser hair removal offer long lasting results. Skin appears smoother, younger looking with each treatment of laser.
What are the advantages over electrolysis?
With electrolysis, the operator inserts a needle into the hair follicle and tries to have the needle tip reach the hair root. The operator then triggers a small electrical charge to disable the hair root. The hair from that follicle is then removed with tweezers.
Electrolysis can be an excellent technique for the removal of:
o small numbers of hairs
o white, red and blonde hair (which do not absorb laser light efficiently).
Depending on the needs and wishes of the patient. For example, electrolysis can be useful for white or light colored hairs which do not respond to laser treatment, or if there are only a few dark hairs which need to be removed. Some people who have a mixture of dark and white hairs will have laser treatment to remove as many of the dark hairs as possible, then have electrolysis to remove any leftover white hairs.
There can be considerable variation in the results between electrolysis therapists, and the rate of permanent hair loss has been reported to be from 15 to 50%. Electrolysis can be a tedious process and is a difficult undertaking for some patients. Even a small area like the face, for example, in the case of a woman with heavy facial hair, could require electrolysis for 2 -3 hours per week for 2 years, with further treatments over an undetermined period of time, for a total treatment time exceeding 210 hours.
Hair removal is much faster with the laser because each "pulse" of laser light disables a large numbers of hair follicles, and pulses can be delivered as often as twice every second. Electrolysis operators can only treat those hairs that they can see and which they can reach the follicle through the hair shaft. The laser treats all "active" follicles, even if the hair has not yet reached the surface of the skin, is ingrown", or if the hair shaft is not straight.
Is laser hair removal covered by insurance?
Most private insurance companies do not offer reimbursement for "cosmetic" procedures like hair removal; however, consult your insurance carrier for more information.
The removal of unwanted terminal hair for the management of hirsutism, congenital or drug-related hypertrichosis, pseudofolliculitis, trans-sexual conditions may be covered by some private insurance plans or may be tax deductable .
What are the risk of laser hair removal?
Short-term side effects may include a slight reddening of the skin or local swelling which typically lasts less than an hour, although it may infrequently last a few days. Long wavelength laser is less likely than older devices to cause prolonged irritation, pigment changes or blistering. Rarely (perhaps 2-4 cases out of a hundred) there can be increased or decreased pigment in the treated area. This is seldom a major cosmetic problem, and generally resolves after several months. Even a single blister (rather like a tiny sunburn) is very rare (less than one in a hundred). The light from the laser is safe, simple infra-red light and does not cause skin cancer.
Unlike plucking, waxing and sugaring, laser hair removal does not run the risk of making hair grow back thicker, darker or quicker.
After laser treatment hair growth will be delayed, AND when hair does grow back, it is often lighter, finer and less dense.
Is cost of laser hair removal tax deductable?
Laser hair removal services may be tax deductible medical expenses
Is laser hair removal permanent?
Permanent hair removal" means: "ALL the hair is gone, FOREVER!"
There is NO hair removal method (including laser) which can guarantee "ALL the hair will be gone, FOREVER!"
The most realistic description of the results after laser treatment is: "long-term hair REDUCTION". This means: "After six to eight treatments most people will see that the total amount of hair is greatly reduced -- generally by 70% to 90% -- and hair which does grow is often much finer and lighter in color."
It is important for you to realize that after having between six and eight treatment sessions it is VERY LIKELY that there WILL BE a very substantial reduction in both the amount of hair and also a reduction in the thickness and color of the hair in the treated areas. You should expect that this reduction in hair may last for many years.
This long-term hair reduction is exactly what most people want, but could be an issue, for example, if you removed hair from an area and later decided that you wanted to have hair in that area.
Lasers have been used for hair removal since at least 1995, and we know that stable, long-term hair reduction commonly lasts for many years. In some cases, dormant follicles will start to produce new hair, or "peach fuzz" .
Should I expect to be hair free after laser hair removal?
No, most patients experience an 70-90% reduction in the amount of hair in a given area after between six to eight treatments, and a reduction in the thickness and color of the remaining hair, but should not expect to be "hair free". A few patients are satisfied in less than four treatments, and some want or need more than six treatments, in particular in cases where the hair is relatively light colored.
It has been suggested that a 6 month follow-up may be sufficient to assess final outcome after the final laser hair removal session, because once re-growth had stabilized (usually within 6 months), there is usually little or no change in hair counts at 6,12, and 24 months.follicles may start to produce black or brown hair, and this new hair if it develops will respond well to treatment.
How much hair will grow back and how fast will it grow back ?
The laser work by destroying hair roots which are active at the time of treatment, and which are dark enough to absorb sufficient laser energy. The hair shafts in the treated hair follicles will fall out, or be "shed" 2-3 weeks after treatment.
After the first treatment, hair re-growth may resume within a few weeks or it may be anywhere from 2-4 months before any true hair growth is observed, as previously dormant hair follicles become active, and hair follicles which were stunned but not killed recover and start to produce hair shafts again. Some people find that there is not much extra hair reduction after the second treatment, then they notice a substantial further reduction after the third or more commonly the fourth treatment. After six to eight treatments there may be little or no re-growth for many years. In other cases you may wish to have additional treatment after a period of time.
Hair that re-grows after laser treatment generally is finer and lighter in colour, and so is much less of a cosmetic problem. Reductions in coarseness and color can occur independently of each other.
New dark hair appearing in hormone-sensitive sites (mainly the face, axilla and genital area) after successful treatment with laser could result from hormone-stimulated maturation of previously dormant hair follicles and "peach fuzz" follicles.
Why are at least 4 laser hair removal sessions usually needed?
The laser work by disabling hairs that are in their active growth cycle at the time of treatment. Hair follicles in their "dormant" phase have no hair shaft in them and so will not be affected by the treatment. Because hair follicles cycle through "active" and "dormant" phases, additional sessions are usually desired once the "dormant" follicles become "active", and also to deal with hair follicles which were stunned but not killed by previous treatment.
The other group of hair follicles which could produce dark terminal hair in the future are the fine "peach fuzz" follicles which have no pigment and so are not affected by treatment. If some of these fine little "peach fuzz" follicles mature into hair follicles which produce black or brown hair, they can be treated with laser at that time.
There is NO treatment which will kill 100% of the hair follicles, 100% of the time. laser are the longest, most deeply penetrating wavelengths, and special cooling, to maximize the number of killed hair follicles and minimize the number that are stunned during each treatment session.
At any one time, 50 to 85% of your hair follicles are in the active (anagen) phase but only 1/4 to 1/3 of your hairs have enough of the pigment in their ROOTS to absorb the laser beam which destroys the hair root. So, about 1/4 to 1/3 of your hair roots are good targets for the laser beam, and can be damaged or destroyed in a single laser session.
Because 1/4 to 1/3 of the actively growing pigmented hair roots are damaged or destroyed in any one session, almost all people will want a minimum of four treatments to reach a satisfactory degree of hair reduction, and many people will wish to have more than four treatments, most commonly 5 to 7 treatments; and in some cases another session or two in six to twelve months, to eliminate any black or brown hairs which have developed when dormant follicles started to produce hair, or when "peach fuzz" hair follicles mature and start to produce black or brown hair.
The number of treatments desired will depend on:
o the desired degree of hair reduction (as the amount of hair declines, some people become very enthusiastic and want even LESS hair than they had originally planned on).
o hair color (people with naturally light colored hair sometimes need more treatments).
o ethnic and genetic background (people with dark skin sometimes need more treatments).
o hormonal status
o area being treated
o hair density
o age
o weight (obesity can increase hair growth)
o medication (for example medicines like Dilantin and cyclosporine can increase hair growth)
Additional "touch up" treatments on small troublesome areas can be arranged at relatively low cost. There is no safety limit on the number of treatments a person can have. People who have been partially treated with other types of hair removing laser might in some cases need less than laser treatments to reach a satisfactory degree of long-term hair reduction.
Previous laser treatment or electrolysis? No. Problem!
Laser have been successfully used on many people who were not able to tolerate -- or did not obtain satisfactory results with -- electrolysis, or with older laser and "high intensity light" systems, including ruby laser, alexandrite laser, 800 nm lasers, and Epilight™ systems.
In fact, depending on how much hair is left, people who have been partially treated with other lasers may need only one or two treatments with the laser.
Am I a good candidate for laser?
The unique design of the laser and the long wavelengths they use, allow treatment of people with all skin colors, and treatment of even light brown hair. Because hair which is naturally blonde, red or white does not have enough pigment in the roots, it cannot be reliably treated with any type of laser or IPL device. Fewer treatments are needed when the hair is dark and the skin is light colored -- so to get maximum effect from each session avoid tanning, but even people who have black skin can be successfully treated with the laser.
Children can be treated, for example if they have a congenital nevus or other problem with excessive hair, but the children must be old enough (for example, 12 years old) to understand and cooperate with treatment. Laser hair removal are not just for "cosmetic" problems. Patients with excess hair because of medications (for example, organ transplant patients who are taking cyclosporine) can benefit from hair removal; as can patients
who have problems with ingrown hair and folliculitis under prosthetic devices.
My experience has been that just about all patients who have laser hair removal, and other procedures to maintain their appearance and comfort are no more vain than anyone else. What does distinguish these individuals is a desire to get the most out of life, and to look as good as they feel.
Looking after our appearance is not a fault. After all, would you leave your house with broken gutters or peeling paint? Why do less for your body? I think you should feel proud of yourself for having the will and the ability to change something that you find unacceptable. I emphasize that you should only have hair removal, and other treatments if it is for you. Every individual should feel and look good for themselves.
These individuals are normal healthy people, and the same degree of self-interest that prompts them to exercise, be selective in what they eat and drink, and protect themselves from sun damage leads them to explore the benefits of hair removal, and other treatments. Our patients simply want to look their best.
Which color hair respond best to laser hair removal?
Because lasers and IPL devices target the PIGMENT in hair roots, they work best on black or brown hair. Naturally red or blonde hair may respond only partially.
White hair does not respond at all to treatment - so get your unwanted hair removed before it turns grey or white! If you have white or grey hair our qualified electrologist will be able to successfully treat you .
Questions to ask yourself when considering laser hair removal.
o How much are you bothered by your facial hair? Hair on other areas?
o How much are you bothered by the time you spend removing, treating, or concealing your facial hair? Hair on other areas?
o How uncomfortable does your facial or other unwanted hair make you feel in exchanges of affection (such as intimate exchanges with your partner)?
o How uncomfortable does your unwanted hair make you feel when you meet new people?
o How uncomfortable does your unwanted hair make you feel when you go to social gatherings, dine out in a public restaurant, go to a supermarket or other public place?
o How uncomfortable does your unwanted hair make you feel when you go to work or class?
What are Hirsutism and hypertricosis?
Hirsutism is excessive growth of hair in androgen (testosterone)-dependent areas of a woman's body where terminal hair is not normally found, including the face, neck, chest or medial thighs.
Hypertrichosis is excessive growth of hair in non-androgen dependent parts of the body (ie. Areas other than the face, neck, chest and medial thighs).
What is unwanted female facial hair?
Growth of hair on the face which is coarser, longer or more profuse than is "normal" for the age and race of the woman. Unwanted Facial Hair is a chronic problem for about 2 million Canadian women (and about 22 million American women) who remove facial hair at least once a week.
How can I get the best value out of my laser treatments?
To get the best results with the smallest number of treatment sessions, please pay attention to the following guidelines as you work with us:
Avoid waxing / sugaring / plucking / EpiLady and electrolysis
Because the energy from the laser seeks out and destroys ACTIVELY GROWING hair roots, it is important (if you want to get the best value from your treatment) NOT to wax / pluck / sugar / use EpiLady-type pluckers or have electrolysis for at least EIGHT WEEKS before treatment. These things temporarily remove the pigmented part of the hair follicle which the laser need to use as a target when they destroy the hair follicle.
Tanning should be avoided!
Laser is the safest and most effective devices for ALL types of skin, even black people who cannot be safely treated with other hair removing lasers. Italian, Greek, and East Asian people are successfully treated with the laser .
BUT: the lighter your skin color at the time of treatment, the better the laser beam can get through the skin to the hair roots, where it is needed.
SO: tanning is not a BIG deal, but if you avoid tanning and stop using artificial "tanning" creams for six weeks before treatment, you will get the maximum possible benefit from each treatment session. People with very dark skin (and people who are really into tanning) sometimes need one or two extra sessions to reach their desired degree of long-term hair reduction.
It is also a good idea to minimize tanning for a few weeks after laser treatment, to reduce the chance that your tan will be somewhat uneven.
Recommended sunscreens include Ombrelle-SPF 60™ .
Shaving or clipping the hair?
Shaving or clipping the area to be treated is not a problem. In fact, we like the areas to be shaved the day of treatment or the day before. Some people find that the skin is less sensitive if it is shaved at least a few hours before treatment. Another advantage of shaving the area to be treated BEFORE you come in is that YOU can shape the area to be treated exactly the way YOU want it to be. This is of particular importance in areas like the sideburns, temples, and bikini line / bikini area.
Excess hair should be removed from the treatment area before laser treatment, because hair ABOVE the surface of the skin will simply absorb and waste laser energy and keep it from getting to the hair roots, where it is needed.
shave before treatment, and between treatments!
Hair Dye and bleaching? No, Problem!
Because the beam only acts on the hair ROOTS, it is OK to dye and/or perm hair in the areas to be treated. Likewise, it is OK to bleach hair in the areas to be treated because bleaching will not affect the color of the roots.
Treatment timing?
It takes 8 weeks(Body) and 4 weeks (face) for the next crop of hair roots to become active and develop pigment which is the target. So, to get the best value, you should wait 4weeks(face)and 8 weeks (body) between treatments.
There is no harm in having treatments MORE FREQUENTLY than every 8 weeks, or having laser teatments less than 8 weeks after waxing, plucking, etc. -- but this is less efficient, and could increase the total number of treatments needed to get a good result.
Medications ?
We are not aware of any medications which should not be taken while you are getting laser treatment. Anabolic steroids should certainly NOT be taken unless medically necessary, because these can increase male-pattern hair growth in some cases. Women to take injections of Climacteron (testosterone & estradiol) as part of therapy for menopause and to increase libido often experience unwanted hair growth, which can be treated with laser hair removal.
Recent studies have confirmed our experience that treatment can safely be done for patients who are taking Accutane™ or using Retin-A™ and similar medications. At this time we will not treat patients who are on accutane or Retin - A .
Medicines which inhibit hair growth (for example, spironolactone, Diane-35™ birth control pills, Euflex™, Androcur™ and Vaniqa™ cream) might slightly reduce the pigment in hair roots and make laser treatment less efficient, but this seldom interferes with the effectiveness of treatment. laser hair removal can certainly be done WHILE you are on those medicines, if you wish. These "anti-androgenic" medicines produce gradual but temporary effects, and will not remove unwanted hair from areas that are independent of androgen regulation.
Pre-treatment with medicines like Zovirax™, Valtrex™ or Famvir™ is NOT necessary, unless you tend to get a lot of cold sores in the area to be treated.
Moles, freckles and tattoos in the area to be treated?
Small moles and freckles do not require any special precautions. Large, dark moles and freckles which are to be treated may require a reduction in the intensity of treatment, the same way that the intensity would be reduced when treating a dark-skinned or tanned person. Tattoos will be avoided, because exposure to laser could cause fading of the tattoo, discomfort, or even a burn. Be sure to tell your nurse and the physician certified laser staff if you have permanent lip liner or permanent eyebrow liner, because these are tattoos and special precautions may be needed if there will be laser treatment in those areas.
Why does hair in the treated area sometimes look like it is growing?
Laser destroy hair roots which are active at the time of treatment, but do not remove hair shafts instantly. Hair shafts in the treated hair follicles will fall out, or be "shed" mostly in the first week after treatment, with all of the treated hairs falling out within 2-3 weeks.
It is normal that some hairs in the treated area may not fall out within 2-3 weeks. These will be treated in the next session.
These hairs which are being shed will come out on their own. It is best not to shave the treated area or to wash it with anything but mild soap like Gentle Cleanser™ and your bare hand (no Buf-Pufs, washcloths or Body Washes) for 3-4 days after treatment, because some people find that their skin is irritated by these things.
Are there any restrictions on my activities after treatment?
Since the laser do not burn or cut the skin in any way, no bandages are necessary. You can return to work the same day and resume all your regular activities. To reduce the chance of uneven tanning in the treated areas, you should minimize sun exposure and tanning for a week or two after treatment.
It is OK to resume shaving or clipping hair in the treated area after 3-4 days. You should NOT have waxing / sugaring / plucking or electrolysis, because these things will temporarily remove pigmented hairs from the hair roots and reduce the effectiveness of your next treatment. Sometimes after plucking, waxing or sugaring the hair will become thicker and darker, because one of the ways that the body defends itself from chronic irritation is to produce thicker, darker hairs.
Shaving really is the BEST temporary way to remove unwanted hair before treatment, and between treatments. Shaving leaves the hair SHAFT in the hair follicle, so the hair shaft can be a target for laser energy, heat up and KILL the hair follicle.
You can shave as often as you want.
What will happen on the treatment day?
Lasting hair removal has never been this easy!
Other than your regular skin care routine, there is no standard "prep" for this procedure. It is important not to wear any makeup -- or at least wear simple water-based makeup that can be easily removed -- because makeup can sometimes absorb laser energy. This could interfere with treatment, or even cause overheating of the skin surface and burning. Makeup can be re-applied immediately after laser treatment, if you wish.
There are no restrictions on what you may eat or drink prior to your appointment -- in fact it is a good idea to have a nice breakfast or lunch before coming in for treatment.
Please shave or clip the areas to be treated before you come in for treatment. Freshly shaved skin is more sensitive, and there is less discomfort if you wait at least an hour between shaving and having laser treatment. Shaving also allows you to shape the exact area you want treated -- this is sometimes very useful in the bikini area. Excess hair above the surface of the skin absorbs and wastes laser energy, and reduces the amount of
Everyone in the treatment room must wear protective goggles while the laser is in use.
The length of the procedure itself can range from a few minutes for the upper lip to an hour or more (for example, a man's chest and back). You may save considerable time, as you reduce or eliminate the need for shaving and other hair removal methods.
If you decide before coming in that you would like to have additional areas treated, please call ahead so that we can schedule enough time to accommodate your needs.
The process is very simple...
Cooling pads are sometimes applied to the skin for a few moments before the area is treated, to large areas like the back or legs to increase your comfort. The laser pulses are quickly and evenly applied by our trained knowledgeble and staff.
You can bring a friend or family member if you like -- quite often mothers and daughters will come in together for treatment.
Does it hurt?
The laser uses pure, simple light. You will feel a momentary "snapping" sensation like a rubber band. There is no bleeding and no open wound is created. Some people find the FIRST treatment more uncomfortable than subsequent treatments. Maybe this is because there are more hair roots which are destroyed during the first treatment; and perhaps also because some people are more apprehensive during the first treatment, because they are not sure of what to expect.
Many patients find that they have less discomfort if they shave the area to be treated at least a couple of hours BEFORE coming in for treatment, because freshly shaved skin is often somewhat more sensitive. Shaving before coming in for treatment also allows you to shape the area to be treated exactly the way YOU want it. This is of particular importance in areas like the forehead, sideburns and bikini/pubic hair areas.
While some areas of the body like the upper lip and pubic hair area are more sensitive than others, many patients report little or no discomfort. If there is unusual discomfort, please let us know so that we can apply more cooling or adjust the settings.
People who have had waxing, sugaring, and/or electrolysis (or treatment with other lasers) usually report that laser causes less discomfort.
Another possible explanation for reduced discomfort with the laser compared with other forms of treatment is that the long wavelength of this equipment delivers more energy into the deeper part of the skin where the hair roots are -- and wastes less energy in the top 2 millimeters of the skin where many of the nerve endings are. In addition, the laser has the ability to reduce the frequency of pulses and increase the cooling time in sensitive areas, to maximize your comfort.
EMLA™ anesthetic cream is occasionally used in very sensitive areas or by those who think they have a very low pain threshold. EMLA™ can be purchased without a prescription, and a very thick layer should be applied an hour before the procedure. Most people do best with cooling gel pads ., and do not bother with EMLA anesthetic cream. We ask you not to use any topical anesthetic cream during your first treatment so that a true intensity can be established for your hair removal in order to achieve the best possible desired result. Most people do not require topical anesthetic cream.
Many people find it helpful to simply take two plain Tylenol and/or Advil a couple of hours before coming in for treatment. Some women who find that they are less sensitive after their menses prefer to schedule their treatment sessions to avoid the premenstrual and menstrual time.
Pre- treatment instructions
Please do not do any waxing, plucking or sugaring for 6 weeks before treatment, because hair follicles which do not have hair shafts in them to absorb energy will not be killed by the treatment.
2. Please try to minimize tanning for a week or two before treatment: a fresh tan can interfere a bit with the effectiveness of the treatment, though this is less of a problem than with older, short wavelength lasers and IPL devices.
3. Please do not wear makeup on the areas to be treated, or at least wear makeup that is easy to remove. If makeup absorbs energy, less energy will reach your hair follicles and hair shafts, and if the makeup heats up it could irritate or burn your skin. Makeup can be re-applied immediately after laser treatment, if you wish.
4. Please shave or clip the areas to be treated the day before treatment or on the morning of treatment. This way, the skin will be less sensitive. Shaving before you come in also allows you to shape the exact area you want treated -- this is sometimes very useful in areas like the hairline and sideburns, and in the bikini area. Excess hair above the surface of the skin absorbs and wastes energy, and reduces the amount of energy that reaches the hair root, where it is really needed. Excess hair above the surface of the skin also increases the chance of burning or irritating the skin.
5. Many people find it helpful to simply take two plain Tylenol™ and/or Advil™ 2 hours before coming in for treatment. Some women who find that they are less sensitive after their menses prefer to schedule their treatment sessions to avoid the premenstrual and menstrual time.
During the treatment, remember that: We want to be doing this FOR you, not doing it TO you. Unexpected discomfort is Nature's way of telling us something is wrong, so please tell us and we will go slower, apply more cooling, or adjust the settings for you.
Post - treatment instructions
Redness often has faded greatly by the time you get home. It would not be uncommon for the skin to be slightly drier that evening and to require more of your favorite hydrating moisturizer. The hair follicles may appear slightly more obvious or a bit pink for the next day or two, but this is seldom a cosmetic problem, and generally much less obvious than after waxing or sugaring.
o Try to avoid tanning for a week or two after treatment, because occasionally the tan could be somewhat irregular (lighter and/or darker in the treated areas.) Ombrelle-60™sunscreens.
o Hair shafts will be released from hair follicles in the treated area for a week or two after treatment. You do not need to do anything, but you may gently exfoliate or shave the areas if you wish.
o Shaving is OK between laser treatments. Plucking, waxing and sugaring should be avoided because these things could reduce the effectiveness of your next treatment.
o Blistering or scaling after laser hair removal is very uncommon, but usually resolves over a few days or a week with a bit of Polysporin™ cream several times a day. Please call us if this happens, or if you have any other problems or questions.
he efficacy of laser hair removal is now generally accepted in the dermatology community, and laser hair removal is widely practiced. Many reviews of laser hair removal methods, safety, and efficacy have been published in the dermatology literature.
