Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Background

What is laser hair removal?

It is a method of removing unwanted hair using a laser, which targets the hair follicle to effectively shut down and prevent further hairs from that follicle.

Medical explanation: Laser targets the stem cells located on the outer root sheath of the hair follicle as well as in the middle portion (vertically) of the hair shaft absorbing light on the dark hair.

What kind of laser do you use?

Candela Gentle Lase Plus, and the Lightsheer Diode lasers, both State of the Art.

Treatment Guidelines

Pre Treatment Advice

Avoid deep tanning (tanning bed) 6 weeks before and after treatment. TAN SKIN CANNOT BE TREATED. If treated, you will have hypopigmentation(white spots) and this may not clear for 2-3 months or more. Also the use of tanning cream must be discontinued one week before treatment. If you must go in the sun use a sunscreen SPF 25 or higher. If you have a tan or darker skin types, a bleaching regimen may be started 4-6 weeks before treatment.

To receive the best results, do not wax, tweeze, bleach or have electrolysis treatments 6 weeks prior to treatment. The laser target must be there in order to be absorbed. You can shave or trim the area. However some people can not tolerate this waiting period and can expect an extra treatment down the road.

You may shave the area anytime before treatment, however, stubble should be visible when the treatments are done.

If you have a history of perioral herpes, prophylactic antiviral therapy may be started the day before treatment and a week after treatment.

Post Treatment Advice

Immediately after treatment, there should be erythema (redness) and edema (swelling) at the treatment site, which may last up to 2 hours or longer. The erythema may last 2-3 days. The treated area will feel like a sunburn for a few hours after treatment. You may use a cold compress (ice) for a few hours after treatment to reduce the swelling (if any) and redness (if any). Darker pigmented skin may have more discomfort and may require an over the counter antibiotic or clear aloe gel.

Make-up may be applied after treatment, just use a moisturizer (one with sunscreen) under the makeup, unless there is epidermal blistering. It is advised to use new makeup.

Avoid sun exposure to reduce the chance of hyperpigmentation or darker pigmentation. Again use sunscreen of 25 or greater at all times throughout the course of treatments. I also suggest you use sunscreen for the rest of your life.

You may shave if necessary between treatments. NOTHING ELSE.

At the first sign of hair growth is when you want to get your next treatment. Hairs in the first stage of hair growth receive the fastest results. This can mean 4-6 weeks after the first treatment or up to 2 - 3 months. Hair growth occurs differently for everybody.

Anywhere from 5 - 20 days you will be shedding the treated hairs. This is not new growth. Simply wipe the area with a wet cloth or loofa sponge.

After the axillae or underarms are treated, use a powder, instead of deodorant, for 24 hours after the treatment to reduce irritation.

There are no restrictions on bathing except to treat the skin gently, as if you had a sunburn, for the first 24 hours.

Skin Color

Fair-skinned patients are most easily treated. For patients presenting with a "tan" or with dark skin type, pretreatment with topical 4% hydroquinoine (or other bleaching agents), sunscreen and sun avoidance for 6 weeks, should be considered prior to treatment.

Hair Color

Temporary ( 1-3 mo.) hair loss almost always occurs after each laser treatment, regardless of hair color. However, the effectiveness for a permanent hair reduction is strongly correlated with hair color. Blonde or white-haired patients are unlikely to experience a permanent reduction in hair. Hair loss in these patients can be maintained if desired, by treatment at approximately 3- mo. Intervals.

Questions

Is it permanent?

In most cases yes, The laser is designed to be permanent. Most people can expect long term results. The results from the origins study have shown hair loss for up to 3 years, and then an occasional treatment for maintenance is required.

How much does it cost?

Our consultations are free. The price is based on anatomical areas, which are established at the time of the consultations. For a FREE quote over the phone, please call me at (630) 571-1825.

How many treatments will I need?

The average person has 2 - 6 treatments over a peroid of 2 years. Again a complete examination is needed.

Is the treatment painful?

Our concern is always for your comfort. Should you wish a topical cream anesthetic is available to ensure you a pain-free experience.

What areas can be treated?

Virtually all areas of your body are safe for laser treatment, with the exception of under the eyebrows. The laser treatment is suitable for both men and women.

Is the laser safe?

Yes. As with all our procedures every precaution is taken to ensure safe and painless removal of your hair.

Consultations

At the time of consultation, a complete medical history will be done. This is to determine if the patient is a laser candidate. Certain medications (light sensitive, Accutane, some anti-histamines, ect.) must be considered when treating. Tweezing and waxing must not be done within 6 - 8 wks prior to the treatment for the best results. AND NO SUN TANS!!!!!

Side-Effects

No scarring has been observed, but it is wise to warn patients that this might occur rarely after any skin treatments. The most common side-effect, seen in about one patient in six, is transient hyper- or hypo - pigmentation, which clears in 1-6 months. Pigmented lesions such as lentigines and freckles may become permanently removed. These pigmentary changes are fluence-and skin type-dependent; the ideal patient for laser hair removal has dark hair and fair skin. Moderate pain, perifollicular erythema and edema occur commonly and resolve within a few days after each treatment. Local blisters rarely may occur at high fluences in dark-skinned patients.