Laser Hair Removal
With our technology, just about anyone with any skin color or ethnicity can have unwanted hair or excessive hair removed. Those who cannot receive treatments are those with very blond, white, red and gray hair to be treated.
Whether it is for cosmetic reasons or if you have excessive hair in places that cause you embarrassment and unease, laser hair removal is perfect for you.
All treatments are surprisingly fast and most patients find that it is even more surprisingly tolerated. The treatment has been most commonly described as a “warm mild rubber band snap”. Most patients will not need any topical anesthetics and for the remaining few that do, we have an anesthetic for you to purchase and use prior to treatment.
Because hair grows in cycles and the treatment can only be performed on actively growing hair it is usually necessary to have 5-6 treatments every 4-8 weeks, depending on the area to be treated. Please call or come in for a free consultation.
What is laser hair removal and how does it work?
We utilize a focused beam of laser light that is attracted to the pigment, or color, in your hair that you want to be treated. This laser follows the hair to the follicle where the laser disables that follicle and is no longer able to grow hair.
What parts of the body can be treated?
Nearly any part of the body can safely and effectively treat unwanted hair. Common treatment sites for both men and women include: abdomen, breast, face, hands, neck, bikini, underarms, ears, full arms, full legs, back, chest, and shoulders.
What are the risks?
1. Be sure that when considering laser hair removal you go to a certified laseographer who is knowledgeable of his or her laser machine since there are many lasers used in the industry.
2. A small percentage of individuals may experience blistering or peeling of the skin. The peeling is similar to the effects of sunburn and it is recommended that the peeling skin not be removed as it may lead to scarring. If the skin blisters, an over-the-counter antibiotic such as Neosporin may be helpful.
3. Scabbing or crusting is possible and temporary should it occur.
4. Hyper pigmentation, a darkening of the skin or hypo pigmentation, a lightening of the skin is a potential but highly uncommon. Clients with darker skin types are susceptible to hyper or hypo pigmentation than light skinned people. Advanced Aesthetic Laser Center boasts Cynosure products which can safely and effectively treat all skin types and ethnicities. Fortunately, hyper and hypo pigmentation eventually resolves itself with time.
5. If you have Herpes in the form of cold sores, fever blisters or genital breakouts, the laser energy during treatment in those corresponding areas can induce a breakout. If you would like, please talk to your consultant about antiviral medication that can help suppress a breakout.
6. Incomplete hair removal or re growth. If this occurs, it is usually related to changes in the client’s medical condition, medication or hormonal changes. These situations can initiate dormant hair follicles to start growing. For example, women in menopause often begin to experience growth in body hair that they didn't have before.
7. New hair growth in absence of medical or hormonal changes. There are numerous dormant hair follicles in your skin. Laser hair removal is only effective on actively growing hair. Fortunately, should these follicles become active after your series of treatments at Advanced Aesthetic Laser Center you are welcome to come in for touch-ups at a discounted rate.
Does it hurt?
Most clients find that the treatment usually causes minimal discomfort. The treatment has been most commonly described as a “warm mild rubber band snap”. Most clients will not need any topical anesthetics and for the remaining few that do, we have a topical anesthetic for you to purchase and use prior to treatment. Occasionally, slight redness and mild swelling may occur but fades after 24 hours.
How many treatments are required?
Because hair grows in cycles and the laser treatment can only be performed on actively growing hair it is usually necessary to have 5-6 treatments every 4-8 weeks depending on what area is being treated.
You are interested in hair removal, how can you prepare?
Ideally, a free consultation is recommended to discuss your concerns and review your medical history for any contraindications to any medications that you may be taking. Some medications will make the client light or photosensitive and that must be taken into consideration prior to treatment. Also, an opportunity to discuss the benefits, risks, and expectations ensure realistic and pleasing results. The client needs to be informed that while dormant hair follicles can be stimulated in the future due to medical conditions, medicine, or other hormonal changes the hair that has been treated will be disabled permanently. Additionally, photographs may be taken.
What do you do Pre -treatment?
1. Avoid sun exposure for 2 weeks prior to treatment and use broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater when in the sun.
2. Treatment cannot be done on areas with significant sunburns. Avoid direct sun exposure, tanning beds, or self tanning lotions before treatment.
3. The area should be shaved 24 hours before treatment. If the area to be treated has a heavy growth of hair, shave 12 hours prior to treatment.
4. Do not wear makeup, deodorant, perfume, or powder on the areas to be treated.
What can you expect Post- treatment?
Remember, the hair will not fall out tonight…or tomorrow for that matter! It can take up to 3 weeks for the hair to fall away. You can help this process along by gentle use of a washcloth or loofa sponge 4-5 days after treatment.
There may be some minor redness or swelling similar to a mild sunburn. These normal tissue effects are temporary and are usually gone within one day. A soothing aloe vera gel or cold packs may be used for discomfort. Rarely will there be blisters but if there are and over the counter antibiotic such as Neosporin may be helpful.
What precautions do I need to take after treatment?
Take care to prevent trauma to the treated area for 1 - 3 days following treatment.
Avoid tanning beds and creams between treatments. Treat the area gently and avoid rubbing, scratching, or picking.
What are the costs?
We offer package discounts as well as individual pricing. Our Mini Package of 3 treatments will reflect a 17% discount and our package of 5 treatments reflect a 25% discount. If necessary, we offer payment plans through Chase HealthAdvance. Call to schedule your free consultation.