Imagine never having to shave, tweeze or wax. Recent advances in laser hair removal technology now make it possible to permanently reduce unwanted, darkly pigmented hair from all areas of the body quickly and easily, with proven long-term results.
The Laser Advantage
There are many other “traditional” methods of hair removal. These other methods require much more commitment and are more transient and painful compared to laser hair removal. Below are a list of advantages of the laser hair removal in comparison to other techniques of hair removal.
• Removes unwanted hair quickly and safely.
• Greatest chance of success of permanent hair reduction.
• Decreases ingrown hairs.
• Much less painful than electrolysis or waxing.
• Much quicker than electrolysis.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What causes excess hair?
Excess hair may be caused by many factors including age, ethnicity, genetics, hormones, and medications.
2. Understanding Hair Removal
In the past, the usual remedied for unwanted hair included plucking, shaving, waxing or chemical depilatories. Some are painful, some are messy and all are only temporary.
For long-term hair removal, electrolysis is popular and effective, but it is a time-consuming procedure, which can be painful and is useful only in removing hair in small areas. During electrolysis, an electric current passes through a needle to destroy each individual hair root. It typically takes months and numerous regular visits to clear even small areas, like the upper lip. Electrolysis is however, the only permanent choice for people with white, gray and blonde hair. Laser hair removal is a more effective solution. The LightSheer diodelaser is a state-of-the-art system specially designed to remove unwanted hair faster, with less discomfort and more reliably then other methods.
3. About LightSheer Laser Treatment
A laser produces a beam of highly concentrated light. The light emitted by the LightSheer diode laser is well absorbed by the pigment located in the hair follicles. During the procedure, the laser pulses for a fractior of a second, long enough to heat up the hair and significantly impede the follicle's ability to re-grow. This process also treats numerous hair follicles simultaneously. Therefore, LightSheer is appropriate for treating even the largest areas of the body both quickly and effectively.
An important part of the procedure if the cooling of the skin. A special contact-cooling handpiece allows your physician to treat even the most sensitive skin. It protects and cools the upper layer of the skin before, during and after each laser pulse while directing the laser energy to the hair root.
4. What can you expect?
The length of a laser treatment may last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or more, depending on the size of the area being treated. It is important to know that hairs in an active growth phase which is referred to as the anagen phase) are most affected by the laser. As all hairs are not in this phase at the same time, more than one treatment will be necessary to achieve the best result. In your initial consultation the Laser Technician will review a personalized treatment schedule for you discussing how many treatments to achieve the best results for you.
The number of treatments required varied for each individual. As the hair goes through different hair cycles the laser permanently treats only the hair that is in the active phase of growth. On average most people require from three to five treatments. You may require less or more treatments depending on your skin and hair type. The treatments are performed every 4-6 weeks for areas on the face and every three months on areas on the rest of the body.
The appearance of the treated are immediately following treatment will vary from patient to patient depending on the extent of the procedure and skin type. Side effects, if any, are minor. They may include redness and swelling around the hair follicle, which are, in fact, desired clinical results and indicate that the follicle has responded to treatment. Most people return to normal activity right away. We will be happy to tell you more about your treatment, possible side effects and what results you can expect during your consultation.
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5. Is the treatment painful?
The sensation of pain varies for each individual. The laser treatment itself may cause some discomfort. Most patients tolerate the procedure well, but because some areas of the body are more sensitive then others, topical anesthesia can be an option. Most individuals find laser hair removal to be much less painful then waxing or electrolysis.
6. Is laser hair removal permanent?
Hair is natural to your body and it grows in stages. At any given time, not all hairs are growing. Lasers are most effective at targeting growing hairs. In practice, no laser destroys all of the hair follicles. Some follicles are destroyed, while others are reduced to fine hairs, and others are shocked into prolonged dormancy. Multiple treatment are needed for best results, and the best interval for re-treatment depends on the hair cycle growth patterns in that area of the body. It is possible that with a sufficient number of treatments, true "permanent hair removal" can ultimately be achieved, but not for every single hair present in a given area. Be advised that the FDA cleared these lasers for "permanent hair reduction," and not "permanent hair removal," which is advertised by many clinics.
7. Can I do anything to prepare for my first treatment?
Yes! You must stop pulling the unwanted hair out by it's roots (ie tweezing, waxing, sugaring, electrolysis) for 6 weeks prior to your first treatment. You may remove hair by shaving, in fact it is preferable if you shave the area even the day of the treatment. You should avoid sun tanning. Remember laser hair removal is not effective against blonde, greasy or white hair.
8. Are there any other considerations?
If you are undergoing treatment on a body area that is prone to herpetic lesion outbreak (such as lip and /or genital) please advise us as preventive medication may be prescribed. There are a few medications that may make you particularly sensitive to the laser therapy, please let us know if you are taking Accutane of Tetracyclines.
For more information please arrange a complimentary consultation with
our physician to determine the best recommendation for your particular needs.
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