Laser Hair Removal

Lasers can remove unwanted hair faster, more comfortably and more reliably any other methods. Whether you are a man or a woman, young or old, laser hair removal is an alternative to plucking, shaving, waxing, electrolysis or chemical depilatories that provide only temporary relief.

Utilizing Candela GentleLASE®, Cutera™ CoolGlide® and Cynosure™ Apogee Elite® , we safely remove unwanted body hair without damaging the delicate pores and structures of the skin. Facial and bikini areas are usually completed in less than ten minutes; legs, backs and larger areas can take longer. Laser hair removal is an excellent treatment for ingrown hairs and will provide relief from razor bumps.

For the Darker skin clients, the Cutera™ CoolGlide® or Cynosure™ Apogee Elite® system is selected, which is designed to be the most outstanding laser hair removal system on the market for all skin types, from light to dark, including tanned patients. Its unique design, longer wavelength, and innovative cooling allow extremely effective, safe and permanent results.

Laser hair removal is a finely tuned sophisticated procedure done with the use of a laser. These specific lasers are designed to remove the growth center at the base of the hair follicle. The laser emits a gentle beam of light that passes through the skin, to the hair follicle, where the laser light is absorbed. Upon absorption, the laser energy is transformed into heat, which can destroy the follicle.

The majority of the body parts are appropriate for the use of this laser. It is essentially a painless procedure, it can be performed in the office and does not require anesthesia. The lasers are FDA approved and we have laser systems for all types and color of skin; both dark and light skin types.

Who is a candidate for laser Hair Removal?

The best candidate for laser hair removal would be someone with very light skin and dark hair. That’s because we want the laser to “see” the hair without “seeing” the skin because we want the hair, not the skin, to absorb the laser light. Having said that, basically anyone who has some pigmentation to their hair is a good candidate for laser hair removal. This is as long as the hair is not around the eyes. So that means that almost everyone is a good candidate as long as their hair has some pigment.

Is Laser Hair Removal permanent?

The FDA approved laser hair removal for permanent hair reduction, but our clients often call it permanent hair removal!

How many Laser Hair Removal treatments will I need and how often?

Each hair follicle passes through three different growth phases. An active (growth) phase, an intermediate (resting) phase where no growth occurs but the hair is still visible, and a resting phase where the hair is released from the follicle. It is necessary to treat the hair in an active growing phase in order to target the germination cells that produce the hair in the follicle. Because not all hair follicles are in a growing phase at the same time, multiple sequential treatments are required for optimal hair reduction. On Average, most clients will require over 8 treatments to experience 70% to 90% hair reduction. Treatments for facial areas are usually scheduled 4-6 weeks apart, while body areas are scheduled 4-12 weeks apart. It is recommended to do treatments consistently, as this allows us to treat all the hair follicles in a growth cycle at some time during your hair removal treatments.

What should I do, before and after a treatment?

Please shave the area to be treated the morning of the treatment. The less hair on the skin during treatment, the more comfortable the treatment. Avoid the sun 2 to 3 weeks before and after treatment until your technician allows it. You must not bleach, pluck or wax for 3 weeks prior to your treatment.

It is OK to resume shaving or clipping hair in the treated area after 3-4 days. You should not have waxing, plucking or electrolysis done after laser treatment, because these procedures will temporary remove pigmented hairs from the hair roots and reduce the effectiveness of your next laser treatment. Sometimes after plucking or waxing the hair becomes thicker and darker, as one of the ways the body defends itself from chronic irritation is to produce thicker, darker hairs.
Shaving is the best temporary way to remove unwanted hair before laser treatment and between laser treatments. Shaving leaves the hair shafts in the hair follicles so they can be good targets during the next laser treatment, optimizing your results.

Is Laser Hair Removal painful?

The GentleLASE® with a (DCD)cooling spray, applied to the skin a split second before the laser pulse. Reduces discomfort considerably and allows more energy to be applied to the hair follicle. The technician places the hand piece over the area to be treated and pulses the laser. You will feel a tingling sensation, somewhat like a rubber band hitting your skin.

What to expect following a Laser treatment?

Immediately following a treatment your skin will feel like it has mild sunburn, which will subside quickly. Some clients may experience slight redness and or irritation in the treated areas. These will almost always resolve by the end of the day. Within 2 – 3.5 weeks, you should experience shedding of all treated hair. At first, hair will look like it’s growing back in, but it is just coming through the skin to shed. Shedding starts at about 1.5 weeks and can last until 3.5 weeks post-treatment or so. Exfoliating and/or scrubbing gently in the shower with a loofa can help speed up the process. After shedding finishes, you might experience little black dots still “stuck” in the skin. These are commonly referred to as “pepperspots” and will shed eventually, but might take a bit longer. Exfoliate to help those out as well.