What conditions are treated with the laser?

Traditional hair removal techniques, such as shaving, plucking and waxing, provide only temporary relief. Until now, the only semi-permanent way to remove hair has been by electrolysis – which can be painful, time consuming and is limited to small cosmetic areas. Scarring, allergic reactions and ingrown hairs are common side effects of all these hair removal methods. The laser safely removes unwanted body hair without damaging the delicate pores and structures of the skin. Facial and bikini areas are usually completed in under ten minutes; legs and larger areas can take longer.

What does the treatment include?

Depending on the amount of hair treated, the procedure varies from patient to patient. Generally, the treatment will include: Safety eyewear to protect the patient’s eyes during the procedure from the intense laser light. A small handpiece will be used with a probe that touches the skin to deliver the laser light. A light spray of coolant onto the skin will be felt just before each laser pulse. The degree of discomfort varies with each person, depending on his or her pain threshold.The procedure can take as little as 10 minutes or up to an hour, depending on the area treated. All patients can go home immediately following treatment. The treated area may become pink or red within about 30 minutes of treatment; this may last from a few hours to several days.

What precautions should be taken before and after treatment?

Avoid the sun 4 – 6 weeks before and after treatment until your physician allows it. You must avoid bleaching, plucking or waxing hair for 6 weeks prior to treament. If you have had a history of perioral herpes, prophylactic antiviral therapy may be prescribed. If you are tan or have a darker skin type, a bleaching cream may be started 4 – 6 weeks before treatment.

How many treatments will I need?

Hair grows in cycles. The number of treatments required depends upon your skin, hair coloring and coarseness of the hair. Everyone will require at least 2 -3 treatments as the process is only effective on hairs during their growing cycle. Repeated sessions will be necessary to treat these follicles when they re-enter the growth phase.