FAQs

What is Laser Hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a procedure which removes hair from the body utilizing a long pulse laser. Laser hair removal lasers have been in use since 1997. The treatment is performed by a specially-trained laser specialist or a doctor (depending on the clinic and state regulations) by pointing the laser device at shaved skin. Laser heat disables follicles from producing hair.

Hair grows in cycles. Since various hairs will enter their growth cycle at different times, about 6-8 treatments at intervals of 8-12 weeks are necessary to disable most of the follicles in a given area.



Am I a Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?
Both men and women seek laser hair removal to remove unwanted hair. Hair removal is commonly done on underarm, pubic area, legs, abdomen, lip, chin, back, buttocks, thighs, face, neck, chest, arms, and toes. Laser technology works by targeting dark pigment. Therefore, it works best on pale skin and dark coarse hair. The lighter the skin and the darker and more coarse the hair, the better are the results. However, gentleYag laser does work on darker skin tone. YAG lasers were specifically created to cater to dark-skinned patients. This is the only type of laser that should be used on skin types V and darker.

The best candidates are patients treating areas with dark coarse dense hair growth.



How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Lasers designed for permanent hair reduction emit wavelengths of light that are absorbed by the pigment in the hair (melanin). If the surrounding skin is lighter than the color of the hair, the energy of the laser is concentrated in the hair shaft, effectively destroying it without affecting the skin or the follicle.

Since lasers target pigment, treatments are most effective on coarse hair because it has a lot of pigment and can absorb a lot of heat. Fine hair cannot absorb much heat.

The ability of the laser device to produce a very narrow bandwidth on a consistent basis is the key to a safe efficient treatment. While the laser emits a beam that only heats the hair shaft, heat is transmitted from the hair shaft to the surrounding tissue for several milliseconds after the laser pulse. Several lasers possess cooling attachments which cool the surrounding skin to fully absorb any heat transmitted from the destroyed hair shafts.



How Many Laser Treatments will I Need and How Far Apart are They Scheduled?
Most patients need at least 6-8 effective treatments spaced 8-12 weeks apart. Because hair grows in cycles, several sessions are necessary in order to affect all hair on any given area. Due to length of hair growth cycles, treatments are usually needed once every 8-12 weeks. Hair cycle length varies depending on body part. Face usually requires more frequent treatments (about 4-6 weeks apart) whereas legs and back need less frequent treatments (closer to 8-12 weeks apart).

Shedding of all treated hair should be expected within 3 weeks of each treatment. The hair that doesnt shed and is growing as usual after 3 weeks  may need a touchup session.Once the hair sheds, patients should experience a hair-free period for several weeks. Once new hair comes in again, patients should come in for their next session.



Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent? Are There Permanent Hair Removal Methods?
Laser hair removal lasers have been in use since 1997 and the Food and Drug Administration approved them for permanent reduction. They disable hair permanently as long as the right type of hair is treated with an appropriate type of laser at effective settings. However, it is called a reduction because, no matter what some clinics may claim, hair removal lasers cannot and do not remove 100% of the hair in an area. With proper treatments, laser can remove the majority of the coarse hair on a body area, but they cannot remove finer hair.



In order to achieve 100% clearance of hair in any one area, most people need to follow up laser treatments with electrolysis treatments to remove any remaining finer hairs. Laser can only remove coarse hair. Generally, a patient can tell how much reduction was achieved from a course of treatments after waiting 6-12 months from their last treatment. Any hair that grows in after the 12-month period is new hair that the body can develop due to numerous factors such as age, diet, hormonal changes, and medical conditions such as PCOS. Patients who experience new growth later in life can get touchup treatments.Electrolysis is the only other proven permanent hair removal method, which has been in use for over 125 years. It involves treating one hair at a time and is a good option for smaller areas where precision is necessary (like eyebrows or upper lip). At this time, it is as the only permanent option for any fine and light-colored hair.

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Is Laser Hair Removal Painful?
In one pulse, laser removes all the hair on a patch of skin the size of a nickel or a quarter. Generally, laser hair removal is not much more painful than waxing, though the sensation is different. With each pulse, the feeling resembles a rubber band snapping against the skin for a quick second. Pain is only felt while laser is hitting the skin and doesnt last. Most people do not require an anesthetic cream, though one can be prescribed to more sensitive patients. EMLA is one popular option. Using anesthetic creams is safest on small areas only. Patients should consult with their doctor. before using anesthetic creams.

*It should be noted not feeling any pain during treatments may be an indication that the laser is set too low to produce permanent results.



What Should I Expect Before and After a Laser Treatment?
Patients should not wax, epilate, or remove hair with the root using any other hair removal method for at least 6 weeks prior to their first session and throughout their course of treatments. The hair needs to be in place in order to be targeted by laser as laser devices targets the pigment in the hair.

The area to be treated should be shaved 1-2 days prior to treatments so that the energy is targeted towards the hair follicle and not wasted it on the hair above the skins surface. Treating unshaved skin can result in burning of the skin by singed hairs. Treatments are relatively quick. Both underarms take about 5 minutes. Full legs can take 1-1.5 hours. After the treatment, applying ice packs and cooled pure aloe vera gel help soothe the skin.

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All hair should shed within 3 weeks* following the treatment. Sometimes, shedding doesnt start until about 10 days after the session. During the shedding phase, hair may look like its growing, but it is actually coming out to shed. Exfoliating and/or scrubbing gently in the shower with a loofa can help speed up the shedding process.



After 3 weeks, some patients may see small black dots remain in the hair follicles on some areas. These are commonly referred to as pepperspots, which eventually shed on their own. Exfoliating may help speed up the process. Regardless, they will be singed off in the following session.

Once the hair sheds, patients should experience a hair-free period for several weeks. Once new hair grows in, patients should come in for their next session. For most people and on most body areas, this happens about 8-12 weeks after the previous treatment.

Patients should continue treatments until remaining hairs are too fine for laser to target, or until they've reached their desired reduction.