Intense Pulsed Light /Laser Hair Removal

To be hair free for the long run, Intense Pulsed Light now plays a central role in hair removal with superb results.

What are the benefits of Laser Hair Removal?

• safe

• effective

• no downtime

• no need to shave, wax, or pluck

How does it work?

Laser hair removal works by directing the laser light to a group of hair follicles, using enough power to disable or destroy the root without harming the surrounding skin. This process is called selective photothermolysis. It is selective because it targets only the hair and not the skin. Photo means light and thermolysis means destroying with heat. The surrounding skin is usually cooled.

Who are the best candidates for laser hair removal?

Because the laser's light energy is absorbed by the pigment melanin, in the skin, people with greater contrast respond best. So individuals with dark hair and light colored skin get maximum results. That's why you should avoid tanning before and after the treatment for best results. However new laser technology has made it possible for other people (including dark complexions) to get significant results.

What should I expect?

The result: A 50 to 80 percent (or better) reduction in unwanted hair.

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 miniaturized into fine hairs, and others are shocked into prolonged dormancy. Multiple treatment are needed for best results and the best interval for retreatment 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.

What areas can be treated?

Laser hair removal is good for both facial hair removal and for body hair removal. Specific body sites include the upper lip, underarms, legs, back, shoulders, chin, cheeks, and other facial areas for women.

Laser hair removal can be used almost anywhere that's covered with unwanted hair. Perhaps the most commonly treated areas are facial hair in women. This may be because facial hair is so obvious and so troublesome for those who have it. It can also take a lot of time, on a very frequent basis, to get rid of facial hair by plucking. The chin and the upper lip are the most commonly treated.

Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?

Not really. As compared to the pain from waxing or electrolysis most patients say their laser treatment was relatively pain-free. Many patients describe the treatment as tingling or a slight snapping sensation. Usually, the majority of patients can easily tolerate this sensation without any type of anesthetics. However you may elect to use a topical numbing cream before your procedure.

If you do feel any discomfort it's only while the area is being treated. Then after the procedure the area treated may become pink or red (like a mild sunburn) for a day or so. Also after leaving the office you will not need any bandages because there is no damage to your skin.

How many treatments will I need?

The laser can only disable actively-growing hairs during your treatment. And because hair growth occurs in cycles, only a certain amount of hair follicles are growing at any one time. The number of treatments you may require for optimal long-term benefits depends on the area you wish to have treated, the hair density and your hair's growth cycle. Your hair grows in cycles and many factors influence its growth. Age, ethnicity, weight, hormones, diet, medication, and metabolism all play a part in your hair's location, thickness and resilience. The laser energy is only effective on hairs which are in their active growth phase.Many hair follicles are in their resting stage at any one particular time. That means several visits will be necessary (but nowhere close to number needed for electrolysis) to catch the hairs that were in the resting stage before.

As a general rule, several treatments will be required. However, most times you can expect to see a 50 percent reduction in hair growth after just one treatment. Then after determining your individual characteristics we can develop a treatment schedule that's best for you.

How far apart in time should laser hair removal treatments be given?

Because the hair removal laser is only effective on actively growing hair follicles, treatments should be spaced apart so that the hair follicles in the area have time to begin growing again.

If the treatment is given too soon, that particular treatment episode will not be effective.The answer is dependent upon several factors. But, for the bulk of cases, we suggest about two months between treatments.

What complications and risks are possible?

Lasers have been carefully tested for their safety. Occasionally blisters can develop and, very rarely, scarring or infection. Also there is a possibility of hypo or hyperpigmentation (if this does occur most changes in skin color will fade away over time). But these same effects can also occur with electrolysis and even shaving or waxing.

What do I need to do before my laser hair removal treatment?

Tanning should be avoided. You should shave 24 hours prior to the treatment. Also avoid waxing, tweezing, or bleaching those areas several weeks before laser treatment.

What can the IPL be used for besides hair removal?

IPL stimulates new collagen to form in the skin thereby reducing fine lines, minimizing pore size and acne scars, and increasing skin elasticity. Intense pulsed light also diminishes flushing or redness of the face associated with Rosacea, reduces brown spots, erases broken capillaries, and smoothes roughly textured skin. After IPL therapy, it is especially important to wear sunscreen and a hat to avoid sun exposure and prevent discoloration or recurrence of sun damage, brown spots, and lines.