During the session, bright flashes of light penetrate through the skin and target the dark melanin cells in the follicle. The pigment found in melanin absorbs the light energy, which in turn destroys the hair follicle.
Multiple sessions are required to target all hair follicles as they go through their natural growth cycles. Usually, at least 4 to 6 treatments are needed to see long-lasting results. Over time, touch-ups may be needed. Even after the first treatment, the patient’s hair will grow back finer, and the skin will become smoother. Results will become more noticeable with each additional session. Results will continue to become more impressive until all follicles are destroyed, and the hair growth cycle is officially stopped.
Usually at least 4 to 6 treatments each spaced about 4 to 6 weeks apart.
Those with relatively fair skin & dark hair
- Children under 16 years old
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Patients with tanned, brown, or black skin
- Patients taking blood thinners or doxycycline
- Patients undergoing radiation or chemotherapy for cancer
- Patients with active herpes or other skin infection
- Patients sensitive to strobe lights
- Patients who scar easily
Potential Treatment Sites
Benefits of Procedure
- Save money & time by not shaving with a razor
- No more cuts while shaving
Risks of Procedure
Scarring & infection are rare complications.
Changes in skin color or skin texture changes are more likely to occur in patients with darker skin tones.
Before Your Treatment
Avoid exposure to the sun and tanning beds for 1 month prior to treatment. Tanned skin has extra melanin, which attracts laser energy.
Avoid plucking or waxing hair from the root. The hair follicle must be present & in the active growth phase for laser removal to work. The laser energy is absorbed by the hair’s melanin or pigment cells.
Avoid moisturizing with lotion, SPF, perfume, or makeup right before your appointment.
Shave 1 to 3 days before your session. You want to have an even, close shave so that there is no hair outside the skin. Aim to have just enough hair visible so we know where the areas of growth are located.
Day of Treatment
Getting Ready Tips – Wash the treatment area thoroughly with soap and water.
Payment will be requested upon arrival.
During the procedure, your skin will feel a hot, snapping sensation. The hair stubble might get slightly charred during the procedure & it is normal to smell a burning odor temporarily.
You will book a follow up appointment that will take place around 6 to 8 weeks from treatment date.
After Your Treatment
Things to Remember
Avoid sun exposure until skin is no longer red or swollen
Avoid picking or scratching the skin. You will disturb the hair follicle through attempting to remove hair from the treatment area (Ex-waxing, electrolysis, or tweezing)
Makeup may be used immediately after treatment unless there is blistering
Keep note(s) of how long the redness lasted following treatment & when significant re-growth occurred. This information will help us tailor your individualized treatment plan.
Recovery Timeline
Days 1 to 3
- Expect redness & swelling anywhere from 3 hours up to 3 days following treatment
- Sunburn sensation is normal
- Apply ice packs to reduce swelling
- Treat skin very gently the first 24 hr(s)
Days 4
- Start gently exfoliating skin
Days 5 to 10
- Shedding of the surface hair may occur
- This is not new hair growth, instead, the shafts below the skin are being expelled