Laser Hair Removal

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Good candidates are those looking for a long-term solution to reduce unwanted hair. This technology is effective across various types of skin and hair colors, although it works best on those with contrasting hair and skin colors.

While laser hair removal is safe and effective for most people, some individuals may not be ideal candidates  due to hair color, medical conditions, or lifestyle factors. Medical clearance may be required for certain conditions. Please consult with your healthcare provider if you are unsure. Precautions to consider: 

• Patients who are pregnant. 
• Patients who are undergoing treatment for skin cancer.
• Accutane - must wait at least 6 months.
• Photosensitizing drugs (Tetracycline, etc.) - can increase skin sensitivity and the risk of side effects.
• Herpes/cold sores in treatment area - heat from the treatment could induce a flare-up; pre-treat with an antiviral a few days before and after treatment to reduce the risk of an outbreak. 
• Compromised skin (dermatitis, sunburn, open wounds, infection) in the treatment area.
• History of keloid or hypertrophic scarring.
• Patients with pacemakers, internal defibrillators, or a history of seizure disorders should avoid laser hair removal, depending on the area being treated.
• Patients with PCOS or hirsutism – certain hormonal conditions may cause persistent or new hair growth, requiring more sessions or maintenance treatments.
• Tattoo in the treatment area - can cause significant color changes.
• Very light, gray, red, or white hair – laser hair removal works by targeting melanin (pigment) in the hair follicle. Lighter hair colors contain little to no melanin, making the laser ineffective.

Treated hairs can take up to 7-14 days to exfoliate from the follicle and may appear to be “growing” during this time, however it is not new growth. Once the hair has fully shed, you may be hair free for a few days or weeks leading up to your next treatment. Permanent results require several treatments spaced out over several weeks to capture all hair growth phases. 

After completing the full treatment series (usually 6-8 sessions), most people experience an 80-90% reduction in hair growth. Results can last for months to years, depending on individual factors like hormones, genetics, and hair type. Some areas may remain hair-free indefinitely, while others may require occasional maintenance sessions (once or twice a year) to stay smooth. 

There is minimal downtime; most can resume daily activities immediately. After your treatment, there may be some slight redness, swelling around the hair follicles, and mild discomfort similar to a sunburn. These usually resolve within a few hours, however, cold compresses may be used to provide comfort during this time, as well as Vitamin E or Aloe Vera. 

Patients will wear protective eyewear during treatment. A hand-held laser device is used and adjusted according to the target hair’s color, thickness, and location. Most patients tolerate the procedure well and describe the sensation similar to that of a rubber band snapping against the skin or small bursts of heat. Most sessions last minutes to an hour, depending on the area treated.

• Avoid photosensitizing drugs (Tetracycline, etc.) 5-7 days before your treatment. Consult with your healthcare provider before discontinuing.
• Avoid sun exposure, including tanning beds, and artificial tanning (spray tans, tanning lotions, etc.) for at least 2-4 weeks prior to treatment. Use SPF 30+ if sun exposure is unavoidable. Patients with any residual sun tan in the treatment area have a higher risk of pigmentation changes.
• Shave the entire treatment area within 24 hours of your appointment. Do not wax, thread, tweeze, etc. for 4-6 weeks prior and in between sessions (shaving or trimming of hair may be resumed normally during the duration of treatments.) If the area is not cleanly shaved in larger areas, we will not be able to treat it.
• Avoid skin irritants (products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, astringents, depilatories etc.) or any other exfoliating products in the treatment area for 3-5 days prior to each treatment.
• Remove reflective or metallic items like jewelry in the treatment area as these may cause injury or damage. If piercings cannot be removed, they will be avoided during treatment.

• Most people can return to their normal activities immediately, but it’s best to avoid strenuous exercise, sweating, hot showers, heat, saunas, and tight clothing in the treated area for at least 24-48 hours.
• Avoid direct sun exposure for 1-2 weeks following treatment. Keep the area covered or apply a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) SPF 30+ to prevent hyperpigmentation.
• Avoid swimming, hot tubs, skin irritants (products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, astringents, depilatories etc.) or any other exfoliating products in the treatment area until the skin is fully healed.
• Makeup may be applied immediately after as long as skin integrity has not been compromised. 
• Electrolysis, waxing, threading, tweezing, or sugaring is to continue to be avoided between sessions. Shaving or trimming of hair may be resumed normally during the duration of treatment.