Laser Hair Removal

How it works.

Hair removal lasers are only effective on pigmented hairs. The best candidates for laser hair removal are individuals with dark hair, however any pigmented hair can be effectively treated. The melanin granules absorb the laser energy, which in turnproduces a thermal effect. This heating action is what kills the hair, which later falls out. The projected number of treatments needed is 3-6, with the average being 4-5.  It is suggested at your first visit to schedule all of your visits so that you are kept on a regular schedule to guarantee your results.

When you are ready for your treatment, you will need to be sure the hair in that area is closely shaved. We want as much of the laser energy to be absorbed by the melanin near the hair root. If we left hair on the surface of your skin, too much of the laser energy would be wasted.

Within 10-20 days, the treated hair will fall out. It will look as if it is growing, but be patient. The deeper, darker hairs will take more time to fall out than shallower hairs. You may shave or clip those hairs if needed before they fall out, but do not tweeze and try to pull them out. Allow them to take their own time to completely dry up and fall out.

You should wait 3-6 weeks after your last tanning session before you start your laser hair removal treatments. The melanin in your skin is “activated” when you tan. Activated melanin will heat more quickly when exposed to the laser energy, and therefore afford a higher potential for pigment changes in the skin.

You should plan your laser treatments 4-6 weeks after your last hair removal treatment, including tweezing, waxing and electrolysis. You will receive the most economic benefit with laser hair removal if you have a high density of hair growing in the desired treatment area.

What to expect.

The treatment is described by many as feeling similar to being ‘popped’ by a rubber band. Treatment is so fast that most do not mind what little discomfort they feel. Upper lips can be done in one minute, both underarms in 6-7 minutes, and a bikini line in 10-15 minutes! Hair removal has never been so fast!

Just after treatment, your skin will be warm, and possibly flushed with color. You may also notice some slight swelling, or puffiness. We will apply a topical ointment or lotion to your skin to soothe and cool it. You should avoid rubbing or scrubbing the area for 24 hours. Pat or gently cleanse the area instead.

Treatments are delivered to coincide with hair growth cycles. After your treated hair has fallen out (10-20 days!), you will be hair free for some time. However after all of the treated hairs have fallen out, you may notice that some hairs in the treated area are still there, they were missed. If you will come back within 30 days of any treatment, we will treat any of the hairs that were missed at no charge! We call this a courtesy ‘touch-up’ treatment. Our intention is to treat every hair. If we have missed some of them, we want you to come back and let us get them. But, it must be within one month of having a treatment done. Suddenly, you will notice a new “crop” of hair emerging. This is the next
generation of follicles waking from their dormant stage.

Our Laser Equipment

The FDA has cleared several systems for permanent laser reduction. They include the alexandrines which are called GentleLASE, the GentleLASE Plus and the Apogee. The Nd:Yag laser called Coolglide, the ruby laser called Epilaser, the diode laser called Lightsheer, and a broad-spectrum light device (an IPL which is not actually a laser at all) call an EpiLight.

A Permanent Solution Laser, Aesthetics and Wellness Center uses an alexandrite laser manufactured by the Candela Corporation called GentleLASE Plus. Alexandrite and ruby lasers have been safely used in medical applications for decades.
The GentleLASE Plus has spot sizes up to 18mm. This is one of the largest spot sizes in the industry, allowing a deeper penetration of energy making treatment of deeper growing hairs faster and more effective. The GentleLASE Plus can fire a pulse every second! The cooling system is second to none. It is the only laser on the market that delivers a cryogenic spray to protect your skin. We find it superior to messy gels or contact cooling – which is totally technician dependent and may increase patient risk because it cannot be as precise with each pulse.

What are the risks?

As with any medical procedure, there are some risks involved. Laser, if done improperly or in the hands of untrained, inexperienced practicitioners, can have great risks. Hyper-pigmentation is a darkening of the skin, much like a localized, artificial tan. It could last anywhere from a few days to a few months.

Hypo-pigmentation is just the opposite. It is a lightening or bleaching of the skin. If the laser energy is set too high, it could produce a burn or blistering. If it was intense enough, it could scar.

A Permanent Solution Laser, Aesthetics and Wellness Center has been using the GentleLASE Plus since February of 1999 and has had no problems reported.

Laser Hair Removal FAQ's