Frequently Asked Questions

What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is the non-invasive removal of unwanted facial and body hair with the use of a laser. The light emitted by the laser is highly concentrated and targets the pigment in the hair. The heat builds up in a fraction of a second, destroys the hair follicle and retards or prevents future hair growth. Our LightSheer™ and Sciton™ lasers use patented technology that actively cools your skin before, during and after treatment. This technology protects your epidermis, minimizes discomfort and allows for the use of a more powerful, more effective laser.

Are the results permanent?
Yes. The LightSheer™ Diode laser and Sciton™ laser have been approved for permanent hair reduction by the FDA. A long term clinical study was done to evaluate the LightSheer™ Diode Laser for hair removal. Of 92 patients, all had temporary hair loss and 89% had long term hair loss. Also, regrowing hairs were shown to be thinner and lighter than previously. Because the laser tends to treat hair follicles that are in an active growth phase, more than one treatment will be required to disable hair follicles that subsequently enter this growth phase.

Is hair removal safe?
The laser is pulsed, or “turned on”, for only a fraction of a second and the duration of each pulse is just long enough to disable the hair follicles. A unique component of our laser hair removal treatment, the actively cooled handpiece, was designed to protect the skin by actively cooling it before, during and after the laser light is transmitted. It also draws off heat from the skin surface, which protects the skin from injury.

Is hair removal painful?
The cooling tip has a mild anesthetic property, which allows tender areas to be treated in a relatively painless fashion. You may find that the laser produces a feeling that has been described as a tingling sensation, somewhat like the snap of a rubber band. Different body parts vary in sensitivity. If you find that the first treatment is too uncomfortable you can request a prescription for a topical anesthetic.

What are the after effects?
Within several minutes, the treated area may become slightly red and puffy. This reaction usually subsides quickly and returns to normal within a day or so. Depending on the area treated you should plan work or social engagements accordingly. Around days 3-7 after treatment you may experience what seems to be regrowth of hair. Actually, most of these hairs are being shed as result of your treatment and are not regrowing. In-between treatments you should not wax or pluck your hairs, but it is permissible to shave.

Who are ideal candidates?
Ideal candidates include: women and men who have unwanted hair on any facial or body part; women with hormonal imbalances that have resulted in excessive body or facial hair; women or men who have excessive hair growth due to medications; individuals who are tired of shaving every day; are prone to skin rashes, irritation or bumps after shaving; or suffer from ingrown hairs. Laser hair removal does not work well on white, gray, blonde or most shades of red hair.

How many treatments will I need?
Hair grows in three stages. When hair is in the anagen stage, it contains the maximum amount of pigment. It is at this point that it is most vulnerable to the laser. Catagen and telogen hair has less pigment and will not be affected. Generally, an individual will see a 20% - 25% permanent reduction after their first treatment. It is then necessary to wait until the unaffected hair in the catagen and telogen stages change cycles, therefore usually 3-5 treatments are needed.