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Laser hair removal: Lights out for unwanted hair

What is involved in the laser hair removal process?

The laser hair removal process works by sending a beam of laser light to a group of hair follicles with enough power to disable or destroy the root while not harming the surrounding skin. The pulses of light loosen the hair and disable the cells responsible for new hair growth. The laser beam finds the hair follicles by targeting melanin (the substance that gives skin and hair color). It is important to note that the laser process will not work well on people that have red, white, gray or blond hair.

Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?

Yes with the newer laser technologies such as IPL when performed properly hair removal is permanent. This is why we use the Palomar IPL device, the world market leaders who have developed this technology. Non-responders are primarily limited to those with blond, white, gray or red hair. The new technology is capable of 80-99% permanent reduction for ALL skin types, male and female, and for ALL body areas (except around the eyes). The number of sessions needed to achieve these results can vary from person to person depending on many factors such as age, skin type, amount of hair, hair color, hair texture, etc

How many sessions do I need for permanent hair removal?

Generally most people will need 3 to 6 treatments. On some areas, such as the legs, faster results will be achieved. We guarantee that within six treatments, at least 90% reduction will be achieved. You can expect similar results for the bikini area, underarms, chest area and upper arms. The male back and female face are more challenging and may take a few additional treatments. Of course results can vary from person to person and you could get better results than others.

How do I know when to come for my next treatment?

The average waiting period between treatments is 4 to 8 weeks. Appointments should be scheduled within two weeks of seeing hair growth. Observe the new hair growth and if you are uncertain, stop by our clinic and one of the team will advise you.

How do I know if laser hair removal treatments are working for me?

You will see results after the VERY FIRST treatment. You will have fewer hairs and they will be finer and weaker. Your skin will be smoother and your hair pores less visible. The results will become more impressive with each successive treatment.

Is it true that shaving unwanted body hair makes it grow back thicker and darker?

No. Shaving hair doesn't change its thickness or color. The color, location, thickness and length of hair on your body mainly depend on genetics and hormones. After you shave body hair, it may feel coarse or "stubbly" for a time as it grows out. During this phase, it may be more noticeable - and may appear darker or thicker. But it's not. See your doctor if you have a sudden increase in facial or body hair. Some medical conditions and medications may cause changes in hair growth or color.

How long do I wait between each session?

Facial Hair: Typically, facial treatments are scheduled 6 to 8 weeks apart. This is usually when you start to see new hair growth.

Lower Legs: Legs are the best area for laser hair removal. Within 3 treatments you will achieve smooth hand ingrown-free legs with at least 50% hair reduction. The first 3 treatments are generally scheduled 6 to 8 weeks apart but after these initial treatments, you may not notice new growth for 8 to 12 weeks.

Male Back and Chest: Initial treatments are generally scheduled 6 to 8 weeks apart, but from our experience, after four (4) treatments, you can wait approximately three months between treatments.

Underarms, Bikini, Upper Legs: Treatments should be scheduled 6 to 8 weeks apart.

Will I have hair between the sessions? How will I look?

The treated area will be cleared of the majority of visible hair during the treatment. Remaining treated hair will shed in approximately two weeks. Depending on the area, the skin will remain clear and smooth for 4 to 6 weeks before seeing fine hairs starting to grow again. Repeating the sessions on schedule, the area will remain hair free throughout the entire multiple session procedure. You will look completely clear and smooth.

What are the risks or possible side effects?

Immediately following a laser treatment, clients should experience reddened and puffy skin. This is termed follicular edema and resembles goose bumps. It feels somewhat like mild sunburn.

This effect disappears in a few minutes to a few hours. In the hands of an experienced laser technician using the right equipment, clients will not experience any damage to their skin. Many treatments are scheduled during a lunch break returning to their offices with no visible indications.

Is Laser Hair Removal for everyone?

Laser hair removal will not work on white, gray, light red or light blond hair.

I have a hormonal problem. Would laser work for me?

Females who are experiencing PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) may experience poor results unless they receive medical support along with the laser treatment. These female clients can achieve excellent results over the entire body, but to remain hair free on the face, "touchup "treatments are required every three (3) to six (6) months throughout life.

I have light skin and dark hair. How fast can I get the rid of my hair?

As a rule, multiple treatment sessions are necessary to obtain optimal results. This is because hair follicles are at different stages (i.e. resting, active). The laser works best on the hair follicle during a stage called "anagen" hence repeat treatments may be needed to get rid of all the hair. Hair grows in cycles and not all of the hairs are in anagen at any given time. The combination of light skin and dark hair is ideal for LHR (laser hair removal).

Can I choose to achieve finer and less dense hair in some areas rather than a full removal?

Yes, absolutely. We can customize your treatments according to your needs and expectations. You can thin and reduce the amount of your hair in any area while still leaving a certain amount.

I have ingrown hairs on my face, legs, bikini area, back or other parts of my body. Would laser help?

Laser hair removal is ideal for this and in fact one treatment will remove the majority of ingrown hairs, in fact it is the only permanent cure for ingrown hairs and all the problems that are associated with ingrown hairs. Within a few weeks to a few months, depending on the severity of the scarring and pigmentation caused by ingrown hairs, the skin appearance will be improved overall. The bumps will be getting smaller, the area will be smoother and the color of your skin will be even.

What is the cost of laser hair removal?

Prices are usually based on area per session or packages of 4 to 6 sessions. Since most people do need at least 4 sessions, buying a package offer will be more cost effective and discounts will be applied up to 30%. However, even our single treatment prices are very competitive. Multiple area and multiple treatment discounts are also available and can be discussed during your free consultation.

Why is laser hair removal called permanent hair reduction instead of permanent hair removal?

Lasers cannot target red, white, gray or blond hair and most people have multiple colors of hairs. Laser technology provides for 90% (give or take) permanent reduction in hair growth. We cannot say permanent removal without acknowledging the possibility of the remaining 10%. The FDA defines permanent hair reduction as: The long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs re-growing after a treatment regime, which may include several sessions. The number of hairs re-growing must be stable over time greater than the duration of the complete growth cycle of hair follicles, which varies from four to twelve months according to body location. Permanent hair reduction does not necessarily imply the elimination of all hairs in the treatment area.

I have very dark skin (my parents where African Caribbean). Can I get laser hair treatment?

Yes, absolutely. Most dark skin types, believe they can't get laser treatment. This was true five (5) years ago - not today. Advanced treatments such as the Palomar hair removal systems have treated literally thousands of African Americans clients (where the technology has been more established) over the years and with incredible and permanent results.

I am a darker skin typed person who has severe ingrown hairs. My skin is pigmented and the color is uneven. The surface of my skin is bumpy and irritated. Is laser hair removal good for this?

Yes, absolutely. In fact, if you are prone to ingrown hairs, the only solution is laser hair removal for a perfectly smooth and ingrown free skin for LIFE. Even the most challenging and difficult cases of severe neck and facial ingrown hairs can be treated with 100% success. Laser treatments will start your pigmented skin healing after the first treatment and your skin color will be evenly toned within a few months.

I had some hormone tests done which showed my testosterone is relatively high. As a result, I was sent for a 'synacthen stimulation' test. The results of the test proved I have a hormone problem which causes hirsuteness. I may need to be treated for this using cortisol but I am still waiting for my appointment with the endocrinologist. Will laser work for me?

If you have an underlying hormonal issue causing the hair growth, you won't see good results from laser hair removal until you get it under control. Your body will be busy developing new hair and regardless of how much of the "current" hair is destroyed, it will be replaced by new hair. You will need to stop treatment and obtain medication to stabilize your hormonal levels. When the imbalance is under control, you can start your laser treatments and achieve excellent and stable results on the body. The facial area will require "touchup" treatments every three (3) to six (6) months throughout life to remain hair free.

I'm concerned about what to do between treatments. I usually tweeze or bleach and I understand this isn't allowed. On the other hand, the end result of being "facially" hair free is very promising. Has anyone done their face? What results did they have? I have a type IV skin and fairly dark hair, finer on the cheeks and upper lip, a few coarse ones here and there and under the chin.

Do not tweeze, bleach or wax for at least three weeks before treatment. Shaving is completely safe. You will not grow more hair if you shave. In any event, if you are worried about shaving, you are getting laser treatment! You can shave two days before treatment. Do not shave the same day of your treatment because your technician should be able to see the hairy areas for treatment. After the treatment, if hair grows you can safely shave. On some parts of the body, hair will shed within two weeks and skin will be hair free 4 to 6 weeks.

I have a peach fuzz on my face or other parts of my body. Can I get treatment?

If you have coarse, dense hairs, laser is the best technology for eliminating it. However, if you have fine and sparse hair (peach fuzz), especially on the face and upper arms, these hairs are very sensitive to all hair removal methods, including laser treatments, and instead of being destroyed, hairs appear to be invigorated! We do not know the cause of this; there are no scientific studies documenting it; but we have seen it. If you are not sure you can be treated, come in for a complimentary evaluation. We will always give you our honest opinion and the benefit of our extensive experience.

What can I expect after laser hair removal?

After the laser hair removal, no medications or bandages are necessary. You may notice some redness and swelling for the first few hours. Also, stinging may occur for the first 24 to 48 hours. Some people experience a slight crusting of the skin. If crusting occurs, keep the area moist with petroleum jelly (Vaseline). After treatment:

• Avoid exercise and exertion for the first 24 hours. Perspiration from exertion may increase irritation caused by the laser.
• Avoid exposure to the sun for several weeks after treatment. After this period, make sure you apply sunscreen whenever you're in the sun. Avoid tanning booths - the ultraviolet light damages the skin.
• Don't wax or pluck hairs between treatments.
• Don't pick at or manipulate the skin in treated areas.
• Don't rub or scrub the treated area. You may gently wash the area with soap and water.

Laser hair removal - the risks

• Laser hair removal works best, and has fewest risks, on pale skin.
• Let any sun tan fade before you consider treatment.
• The skin can be left with dark marks or pale patches, which should fade over several months.
• Laser hair removal does not always work well on red hair. Because laser energy is absorbed by pigment, it may not be suitable for people with darker complexions, because of the risk of too much energy being absorbed and damaging the skin. People with Mediterranean complexions can be treated, but with care.
• You should also avoid laser hair removal treatment if you are particularly sensitive to light or have any infection around the place to be treated.
• You should not have laser hair removal treatment if you have been treated for acne with Isotretinoin in the previous year.