Laser Hair Removal
Need hair gone fast? Laser may be the perfect solution.
about laser hair removal
Laser hair removal is one of the most popular ways for getting rid of unwanted hair. The laser pulse covers a much larger area than an electrolysis probe, which usually results in lower time commitment and seeing results much faster than with electrolysis. Laser destroys up to 50 hair follicles per zap using heat.
quick facts…
1 Laser is great for quick results: While electrolysis requires a generous commitment in time and patience, laser hair removal is a much faster method. Depending on the area treated, one can see near-perfect results in as little as three to four treatments!
2 Laser is an FDA-approved solution: Any stubborn areas can be treated with both laser and electrolysis, achieving the effect you want with 100% permanent results.
3 It’s not for everyone: Laser treatments may or may not be effective or even desirable based on factors like skin color/sensitivity, hair color and type, hormonal imbalance, area being treated, and many more.
4 For your safety: All of our laser patients will have a small spot tested during the free consultation with our doctor before any laser treatments.
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HOW DOES LASER HAIR REMOVAL WORK?
It all comes down to the melanin in your skin and hair. The relationship between laser and melanin is very important because it affects how laser hair removal works, what hair color it can target, and how it can affect the skin. Laser is a concentrated beam of light that targets melanin in the hair follicle, which resides inside your skin. When laser is absorbed by the hair follicle, it creates heat that damages the follicle. If the damage is sufficient, the hair will not grow back.
WHAT CAUSES UNWANTED HAIR GROWTH?
Hair growth is the result of heredity and hormone levels. Some medications, stress, temporary methods of hair removal, and certain conditions (ovary, thyroid, pituitary, adrenal glands) can stimulate hair growth. Laser and electrolysis may be an option when hair growth is in an undesired area of the body.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO REMOVE HAIR?
Laser is most effective when hair is treated in the growing stage, or when melanin concentration in the hair follicle is higher. We recommend a series of treatments at perfectly-timed intervals, generally over the course of several weeks to months depending on the area of the body. This helps us ensure that most follicles are targeted when they are in the process of growth.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED?
On average, it takes six to eight treatments on the body for semi-permanent removal. However, it may take more treatments for facial hair: Because hair grows in cycles, all permanent methods of hair removal require a series of treatments. Many factors influence hair growth and its cycles, so most people will need to return for several visits. The total number of sessions needed to remove hair permanently from a particular area will vary from person to person. Laser can target as many as fifty hair follicles per second, so most treatments don’t require more than fifteen minutes.
WILL THE REMOVED HAIR COME BACK?
Laser is classified as permanent hair reduction. The hair successfully destroyed by the laser beam is permanently gone and will not return. Once the hair follicle is taken care of, no new hair can grow out of it.
A few years after treating an area fully, however, some new hair follicles can pop up. Our bodies have up to 10,000 hair follicles per square inch. Most of those will stay dormant, but with age or a change in hormones, those dormant hair follicles could activate and produce new hair. A maintenance visit once every six months to a year will keep the hair at bay.
IS LASER SAFE DURING PREGNANCY?
There are no known adverse side effects of laser hair removal during pregnancy. However, we do recommend that you wait until the little one is born. That excess hair is most likely caused by higher levels of hormones during pregnancy, and it usually goes away on its own after you have the baby.
If in doubt, ask your doctor and your dermatologist. We will need a letter from them before proceeding.
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?
We use the ever-awesome CANDELA GentleLease line of laser machines, surgical loupes, and clean, sterilized necessary instruments as per the Ohio Medical Board guidelines.
IS LASER EXPENSIVE?
At FYI Medical, it’s not. Our prices are fair and affordable. We’re positive you’ll agree. If you’re serious about getting rid of unwanted hair and never having to shave, depilate, epilate, or wax ever again, laser hair removal is priceless.
IS LASER PAINFUL?
In most cases, laser does not cause much discomfort. A topical anesthetic cream may be used in some cases.
WHY CAN'T I USE SPRAY-ON TAN?
Because laser is a concentrated, hot beam of light, the area of skin that is to be treated with laser must be clear of any and all chemicals, creams, makeup, and topical treatments—including spray-on tanner. If heated up, most of these compounds could combust.
WHY CAN'T I TAN BEFORE OR AFTER LASER TREATMENTS?
Melanin is the reason we cannot treat skin that has been exposed to sunlight or has begun the tanning processes. When unprotected skin is exposed to direct sunlight, it starts producing melanin in the skin at the epidermis layer, which is much higher up than the dermis layer where your hair follicle resides. Unfortunately, the laser does not know the difference between hair and skin; therefore, if you have dark or tanned skin, the light will be absorbed by your skin before it reaches your hair follicle, possibly causing an adverse side effect.
After laser treatment, you'll want to keep your skin out of the sun, as exposing it to laser is not much different than exposing it to the sun, and we do not want to overdo it--especially while it is the most sensitive and vulnerable.
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before your treatment
1 Avoid the sun or tanning booths for four to six weeks before treatment. If you’re going to be treating sun-exposed areas, apply sunblock (at least SPF 30) each morning for one month before treatment.
2 No bleaching, plucking, electrolysis, or waxing of hairs in desired treatment area for six weeks beforehand.
3 If you have a history of herpes or cold sores, you may need antiviral medication. This medication should be started one day before laser treatment and continued for one week after treatment.
4 You may shave as often as desired.
5 Carefully shave the treatment area the evening before your laser session.
6 Arrive at our office with the treatment area clean and free of topical creams and makeup.
after your treatment
1 There may be redness or swelling around the treated area that could last for a few hours. The skin will be sensitive and feel similar to a sunburn. Treat the area gently by keeping the skin moist with aloe vera gel. If any blistering or scabbing develops, switch to bacitracin ointment and give us a call for next steps.
2 Do not pick, rub, or scratch the area. Do not use any irritating substances on the treated area (i.e. Retin-A, glycolic acids, alpha-hydroxy acids, hair removal products, etc.) until the skin returns to normal.
3 If your face was treated, your skill will be extra sensitive to heat. Keep away from any heat sources for 24 hours and maintain a cool water temperature when taking a shower or bath.
4 If the treatment area will be exposed to the sun, apply sunblock (at least SPF 30) after the skin returns to normal.
5 If your face was treated, you may resume using makeup when the skin looks and feels back to normal.
6 Shedding of the hair follicle may or may not occur after five to seven days.
7 The treated area should be ready for the next session in about four to eight weeks.
skincare: routine suggestions
Personal skin care plays a very important role in our lives, especially after cosmetic therapy treatments.
For at least three days after any treatment, you should be cleaning the affected area with a mild cleanser.
1 Apply an antiseptic (we prefer 100% natural witch hazel, but you may also use hydrogen peroxide, etc.).
2 Follow with a gentle moisturizer like aloe vera, CeraVe, Aquaphor, or Vaseline. Applying ointments to the area moisturizes the skin and helps prevent scabs from forming.
3 Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Dehydrated skin lacks moisture and is less conductive. Dry skin lacks oil, which means it will take longer to heal and will be more prone to scabbing.
common side effects
1 Skin irritation: Temporary discomfort, redness, swelling and itchiness are common immediately after the procedure. These symptoms typically disappear within a few hours to a few days. If you are very uncomfortable use hydrocortisone cream.
2 Pigment changes: The treated skin may lighten or darken after laser hair removal. This effect is usually temporary but can be more pronounced in individuals with darker skin tones. All of this can be prevented if you avoid sun exposure before and after treatment.
3 Changes in skin texture: Though rare, some people might notice slight changes in the texture of their skin after undergoing laser hair removal.
