FAQ's - Laser Hair Removal

 

How does the laser treatment work?

The laser creates a beam of high-intensity light that penetrates deeply into skin tissue, where it delivers a controlled amount of targeted therapeutic heat.  Together, the long-pulse laser and air cooling offer optimal treatment with minimal side effects.

 

What can I expect during treatment?

You will wear safety eyewear to protect your eyes from the laser light. Your practitioner will guide the laser to the treatment areas with a small handpiece. A treatment could take as little as a few minutes to as long as an hour, depending on the area and condition being treated.

 

Does it hurt?

Some patients may feel a slight discomfort with each laser pulse, sometimes described like the snapping of a

rubber band on the skin. This discomfort resolves quickly and is minimized by air cooling. For

some patients, a topical anesthetic may be used prior to treatment. Be sure to discuss this with the technician.

 

How many treatment sessions will I need?

The number of sessions depends on the treatment you require and the condition of your skin. For hair removal,

multiple treatments are required, as the process is most effective when the hair follicle is in its active growth phase. Generally speaking, 6 - 10 treatment sessions are needed to achieve permanent hair reduction.

 

How do I prepare for treatment?

Patients scheduled for hair removal should avoid plucking, electrolysis or hair waxing for six weeks prior to treatment.

If you have a history of herpes simplex virus and are scheduled for laser treatment, prophylactic antiviral

therapy may be prescribed. Also, your skin should be clean shaven, and your skin should be thoroughly

cleansed and dried, removing any makeup, creams, oils, topical anesthetics or self-tanning products before

laser treatment. The intended treatment area should not be exposed to sunlight or tanning booth light prior to or

immediately after treatment according to your providers recommendation. Before laser treatment, prevent sun

exposure by applying sunblock (SPF 30 or above).

 

What can I expect after treatment?

A cool compress or gel pack may be applied for comfort following your treatment. Any redness or swelling should

resolve within a few hours.

 

What precautions should I take after treatment?

After laser treatment, prevent sun exposure by applying sunblock (SPF 30 or above). In the first few days after

treatment, don't scrub or rinse the treated areas with abrasive skin cleansers. Your practitioner may advise

additional precautions.

 

Are there side effects?

Your risks are minimal. Side effects may include redness, swelling, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation,

blistering and purpura (a laser bruise) in the treated area-these usually do not last more than a few days.

Permanent side effects are rare. Be sure to discuss potential side effects with your practitioner.

 

Are these treatments covered by insurance?

Most insurance companies do not offer reimbursement for cosmetic procedures. Some carriers will, however,

cover the treatment of disfiguring birthmarks such as hemangiomas. Consult your insurance carrier for

conclusive information.