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Laser Hair
Removal FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions)
Below, you will find answers
to a number of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). If you
have a specific question not addressed here, contact one
of our locations, or visit our Ask
The Experts page to ask a question online.
How
does laser hair removal work and why is it safe?
What
conditions are treated with the laser?
Will
laser hair removal work for me?
What
does the treatment include?
What
precautions should be taken before and after treatment?
How
many treatments will I need?
Is
this procedure covered by insurance?
How does laser hair removal work and why is it safe?
Lasers have been used for many years for a variety of medical
cosmetic procedures including treatment of facial and leg
veins, age spots and smoothing fine lines on the face. We
use various lasers and provide different options depending
upon skin type and hair density. Our laser systems emit
a gentle beam of light that passes through the skin, to
the hair follicle, where it is absorbed. The laser energy
is transformed into heat, which can disable the follicle
leaving the surrounding skin unchanged. With our alexandrite
and Nd:Y.A.G. lasers the skin's surface is kept cool to
provide clients with increased comfort. This selectivity
helps to protect the skin, while effectively treating unwanted
hair.
Why is laser preferred for hair removal?
Traditional hair removal techniques, such as shaving, plucking
and waxing, provide only temporary relief. Until now, the
only long-lasting hair removal solution has been by electrolysis
- which can be time-consuming and is usually limited to
small areas, because each hair is treated individually.
Laser hair removal is non-invasive, and safely removes unwanted
body hair without damaging the delicate pores and structures
of the skin. Facial and bikini areas are usually completed
in under 45 minutes; legs and larger areas can take longer.
Will laser hair removal work for me?
The best results have been achieved on darker, coarse hair,
but other factors may influence the treatment process, and
are generally best evaluated and discussed in person.
What does the treatment include?
Depending on the amount of hair and area treated, the procedure
varies from patient to patient. Generally, the treatment
will include:
Safety eyewear to protect the patient's eyes during the
procedure
from the laser light. A small handpiece will be used to deliver
the laser light. Most experience little discomfort at the
treatment site. The sensation and the degree of discomfort
varies with each person. In some cases, topical anesthesia
is an option. Your laser specialist will discuss this before
laser treatment. Depending on the size or number of areas
treated, the time will vary in length from minutes to hours.
Patients can return to work or resume their normal activities
immediately following treatment. The area may become slightly
red and may last from a few minutes to several days depending
on the area and skin sensitivity.
What precautions should be taken
before and after treatment?
You MUST stop bleaching, plucking or waxing hair for several
weeks for laser to be optimally effective. If you have had
a history of herpes, prophylactic antiviral therapy may be
prescribed. If you are tan or have a darker skin type, a bleaching
cream should be started 4-6 weeks before treatment for our
melanin absorption lasers. However, we have a variety of lasers
to safely treat all skin types and skin colors including dark
& tanned skin. You should discuss your desired results
an the improvements you expect to achieve. Together you and
the laser specialist can decide if your expectations will
be met and which treatment is the best option for you.
How many treatments will I need?
Hair grows in cycles. The laser is only effective on hair
in its actively growing cycle. At any one time there will
only be certain hairs in that growing phase. This means that
consistent treatments at appropriate intervals are absolutely
necessary for the best possible results. The number of treatments
required depends upon your skin, hair coloring, coarseness
of the hair and density per treated area. Multiple treatments
will be required as the process is only effective on hairs
during their growing cycle. Additional treatment will be necessary
to treat other follicles when they re-enter the growth phase
and produce new growth.
Is this procedure covered by insurance?
Most insurance companies do not offer reimbursement for
cosmetic procedures.
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