The laser emits a beam of light that is attracted to the pigment or melanin in the hair follicle that is in an active growing cycle. Pre-determined pulse duration and energy settings are directed at and absorbed by the hair follicles, disabling the growth of the follicles, resulting in quick, safe, and effective hair removal.
Lasers are precise instruments that can be adjusted to the exact parameters that will specifically disable the hair follicle. 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.
The treatment does have a slight prickly or stinging sensation. Most of our clients are able to tolerate the treatment without difficulty. However, since every person’s level of sensitivity is different and treatment areas may vary, a topical numbing cream is available.
Reddening of the skin is the desired 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 re-apply your make-up, return to work, and continue with your normal daily activities immediately following treatment.
It has been our experience that most of our patients are able to discontinue treatments, knowing they will probably need an occasional touchup, after an average of 6 to 8 sessions (number of treatments varies from person to person depending on age, hormone levels, ethnicity, or medications used), providing that the recommended treatment schedule is followed. It is also important to understand that results may vary depending on the individuals hair type, their stress levels, certain medications and different hormone levels. Keep in mind some individuals will require fewer treatments and some will require more treatments depending on the results desired.
The FDA has cleared laser hair removal, regardless of the laser, for “Permanent Hair Reduction” only. Based on our experience we believe that the hair treated will probably not re-grow. Each individual’s treatment response may be different because of their hair or skin type and given that there are between 500 and 1000 follicles per square cm, of which many are dormant at the time of treatment, we have no way of knowing if and when they may start growing due to stress levels, certain medications and different hormone levels. Any new growth or re-growth after treatment may result in fewer hairs that are very fine, and less noticeable.
After your initial treatment, you should enjoy a significant reduction of hair. However, 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 growing phase will be effectively treated. Depending on which laser was used and body part/s treated, follow up treatment are scheduled 6-8 weeks later. Facial laser hair removal may be scheduled sooner if necessary. With that in mind, remember the importance of maintaining your follow up appointments.
These hair colors cannot be treated properly by laser. We suggest patients seek treatments with a traditional electrologist.
Hair grows in cycles. The laser only affects hair when it is in its early growth phase. In fact, the system will disable follicles that are actively producing hair at the time of treatment. At any time, some hair follicles are dormant. Repeated sessions will be necessary to treat these follicles when they re-enter the growth phase. Usually 5 to 8 treatments are required to achieve the desired response, but the exact number of treatments may vary depending on the individual. Hormones, certain medications or medical conditions might decrease the response to treatment.