What to Expect During a Laser Hair Removal Treatment
Prior to your first treatment, you will have a consultation. During the consultation, we will determine your skin type, review any medications you have been taking and get a general health history.
If you are on medications that could create photosensitivity, or if there is an issue in your medical history that could result in a less than ideal treatment, we will either perform a test spot or inform you that laser hair removal may not be safe or effective at this time.
Following the consultation, if we determine you are a good candidate, we will proceed with treatment starting with a test spot. This spot typically is inside the arm.
While we wait a few minutes to see what effect the test spot has on your skin, we will ask that you specifically let us know what hair you want removed. We can even offer you a new white eyeliner pencil so you can draw where you would like the laser hair removal to start and end.
Excessive sun exposure either before or after laser treatments are not advised and we will not perform LHR on individuals who have had or will have excessive sun exposure immediately before or immediately after laser treatments. Individuals who go to tanning beds are never good candidates for laser hair removal as this concentrated form of UVA light is considered by many to be far more dangerous than traditional sun exposure.
Each person receiving a laser treatment will be wearing protective eyewear. You will still be able to see a flash of light, but your eyes will be completely covered. The laser technicians wear a type of eyewear, as well. During the treatment, all areas of the body that will not be lasered will be covered with clothing. Only the areas to receive laser treatment will be exposed. Much like massage, we use modesty towels to cover any area adjacent to the area being treated. We are always mindful of your comfort and your peace of mind. There won’t be any surprises as we will let you know ahead of time what to expect.
We ask that you arrive on time for your appointment. We also ask that you shave whatever possible yourself. Shaving the full bikini area may be tough for some, but we encourage you to try. Patients are typically much more comfortable shaving themselves than when we have to shave them. We also ask that you are freshly showered or bathed with completely clean skin, without lotions, creams or fragrances of any kind before coming in. Following a treatment you may feel a little sensitive, but generally people just feel very clean and sleek. More good news is you don’t need to wait for hair to grow in like waxing, you can continue shaving any hair you see (it will be reduced immediately).
You want laser hair removal WHERE?
Unless you have hair on the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet, you are not unique. Some women feel embarrassed about hair on their chest, neck, face, feet, forehead, hands, abdomen, hands, buttocks or other areas. Hair in these areas on a woman is not unique. We know men shave their face, but men also shave their noses, ears, eyebrows, hands, shoulders, arms and many other areas of the face or body. Laser hair removal for men of the back, neck, chest and shoulders are some of our most requested procedures. Male athletes must remove hair of the body some way in order to perform.
We have all heard about Brazilian bikini waxing. Well, what about Brazilian bikini lasering? We do that too. What exactly is a Brazilian bikini laser? Well, that part is up to you. During the consultation process, you let the technician know which areas you want treated and any areas you want untreated. A medical office with many years of experience in laser hair removal will not be surprised to hear that man wants his ears and nose treated with a hair removal laser. Likewise, an experienced laser hair removal office will have ample experience performing laser hair removal on any area of the face or body of a woman.
Since 1995, we have been working with laser hair removal and providing training to other medical professionals. We continue to learn and train others about the safest, most effective, fastest, and most comfortable laser hair removal available.
What are the risks involved with laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a 'lunch time' procedure. There is no recovery or down time. Patients can return to their normal activities immediately. These lasers do not injure the dermis so the risks are extremely low. As with any procedure, you will be given an informed consent to read over that explains all the possible risks. Sun exposure or tanning beds and certain medications could possibly make the skin more sensitive to the thermal energy of the laser. For this reason, it is important to seek laser hair removal treatment only from a medical office that requires information about medications, health history, etc. prior to receiving a laser hair removal treatment.
How does laser hair removal work?
The laser targets the darkness of the melanin pigment in the hair follicle. Since melanin is only produced in the growth phase of the hair, the laser must target the hair follicle during this cycle. At any given time, 20-40% of the hair in a particular area may be in a growth phase. Therefore, more than one treatment needs to be scheduled, preferably at 6-8 week intervals. With multiple treatments we can ensure that all hair follicles are being disabled.
Do you offer complimentary consultations?
Absolutely. We believe that a consultation is important for any client considering laser hair removal. We will perform a test spot so the client can see how the laser feels and we can answer any questions so the client can better understand what the laser can do. We can also determine if you are a good candidate for laser before you commit to any treatment. However, some people would like the idea of receiving treatment the day as a consultation. If you are a good candidate for laser hair removal, a treatment can be performed the same day.
Does my hair need to be “grown out” before my treatment?
No. We actually recommend that you shave the area to be treated. Waxing, bleaching, tweezing, or any other method that removes the root of the hair must be discontinued at least two weeks prior to treatment. Since the laser targets the root of the hair, it must be present for the treatment to be effective.
What areas of the face or body cannot be treated with laser?
None. All areas of the face or body can be treated with the laser that is suited for your skin type.