| Frequently Asked Questions |
Why choose Laser Hair Removal?
Traditional hair removal techniques, such as shaving, tweezing, and waxing, provide only temporary relief. Electrolysis, although it can result in lessening hair growth, often requires years of ongoing and frequently painful treatments. Allergic reactions and ingrown hairs are common side effects of all these hair removal methods.
The Coherent Lightsheer Diode Laser™ will safely remove unwanted facial and body hair by selectively targeting the pigment inside the hair shafts. The laser heats the pigment of the hair to destroy the follicle without damaging the delicate pores and structures of the skin.
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What can I expect during a treatment?
A gel may be applied to cool the skin. Then the laser pulses are quickly and evenly applied. No painful waxing is necessary beforehand, and there is no need to grow out the hair first. Anesthesia is not required, and most individuals experience no more than a slight stinging sensation as the laser pulses are applied.
Laser hair removal is non-invasive, and safely removes unwanted body hair without damaging the delicate pores and structures of the skin. Facial and bikini areas are usually completed in less than 30 minutes; legs and larger areas can take longer. After treatment your technician will apply a cool compress of witch hazel to help reduce redness & swelling. The redness & swelling are temporary and will diminish over the next few days.
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Will Laser Hair Removal work for me?
The best candidates for laser hair removal are fair skinned with darker hair. The best results have been achieved on darker, coarse hair, but other factors may influence the treatment process, and are generally best evaluated in your free consultation.
Unfortunately, not everyone is an excellent candidate for laser hair removal. Those men and women with white/gray/blonde hair have a diminished chance of the melanin in the hair shaft absorbing the laser energy. Also darker skin types pose a risk of the laser energy being absorbed by the skin and not the follicle. However, this does not mean that laser hair removal is not right for these situations; a client should always have a consultation to determine the best course of action regarding any treatment process.
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How many treatments will I need?
Hair grows in cycles. The laser is only effective on hair in its active growing cycle. At any one time there will only be certain hairs in that growing phase. This means that consistent treatments are absolutely necessary for the best possible results.
The number of treatments required depends upon your skin, hair coloring, coarseness of the hair and density per treated area. Everyone will require at least 2-3 treatments, as the process is only effective on hair follicles during their growing cycle. Additional treatments will be necessary to treat other follicles when they re-enter the growth phase and produce new growth. With each treatment you will see a reduction in the amount of re-growth.
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Is it safe?
The Coherent Lightsheer Diode Laser™ - is an intense pulsed light device that works with light at the red end of the spectrum. This is safe light as opposed to the other shorter wavelengths in the blue end such as X-rays. Since the first hair removal laser was invented in 1991, there have been no signs of harmful side effects. However, there will always be a slight chance that an individual will react differently to any treatment.
During your consultation, the technician will do a thorough medical history with you to determine if you have any contra indicators for laser hair removal. A test patch will also be done during your consultation to determine you sensitivity and optimal treatment.
The US FDA has approved the Coherent Lightsheer Diode Laser™ for permanent hair reduction. In a recent (1999) U.S. study, clients reported a 60% to 80% reduction in hair growth and complications such as hypo-pigmentation. This study concluded that laser hair removal yielded an effective method of hair reduction with minimal complications.
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Is it painful?
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Clients that have had electrolysis prior to laser treatment agree that laser treatment is much less painful than electrolysis. Our clients describe the feeling as being similar to an elastic band being snapped against the skin in some areas and other areas hardly noticeable. For individuals who are concerned about discomfort, a topical anesthetic cream (EMLA) can be applied one hour prior to treatment.
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How much does it cost?
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ltimately it depends on the area you are having treated (which are priced individually) and how many treatments will be required. Please review our price guide for further information or call our staff at 429-6611, they will be happy to answer any of your questions.
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Is it permanent?
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Clinical trials show that the hair follicles successfully destroyed in the active phase cannot re-grow because the stem cells of the hair are no longer there to produce further hair growth. However, this is not a guarantee of being hair free for life. Hormonal changes, shock or extreme stress could possibly stimulate previously unproductive follicles to produce completely 'new growth'. This is not to be confused with 're growth' of previously destroyed follicles.
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What preparation is needed before laser treatment?
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It is preferred the area be shaved before treatment.
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What will I look like after the treatment?
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Clients typically experience slight redness and swelling immediately after treatment. The intensity of these symptoms varies from person to person and dissipates over a 24 to 48 hour period. At the time of treatment, some of the hairs will be removed and within five to seven days visible stubble may appear. This stubble is the treated hair being expelled by the follicle. This hair will continue to fall out gradually over the next one to three weeks.
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What should I avoid after treatment?
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Sun exposure or tanning should be avoided. This can be accomplished by the use of sunscreens. The treated areas should be handled gently, avoiding the use of AHA cleansers or topical acne preparations. If necessary, a topical antibiotic such as Polysporin (an over the counter topical antibiotic) can be applied. Your technician will provide you with complete aftercare instructions at the time of your treatment.
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What are the contra indicators for Laser Hair Removal?
Diabetes
Recently tanned skin
White, gray or blonde hair
Chemotherapy/radiation treatment
Certain prescription medications
Pregnant or considering pregnancy
Chronic skin conditions such as eczema or vitiligo
Use of Accutane within the past 6 months
Clients with any of these conditions may not be able to have laser hair removal. Your technician will complete a medical history chart with you on the day of your consultation to address any other concerns you may have.
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How do I get started?
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We encourage you to call for your FREE consultation or to arrange a treatment. Our staff will be happy to answer any further questions you may have. Please remember not to wax or tweeze the hairs prior to your visit, and avoid tanning before and following your treatments. Hair should be visible for the consultation/treatment and then should be shaved prior to actual treatment.
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