laser hair removal

→ How does the Laser or IPL work?

The light pulses target the pigment called “melanin”. Melanin is present in the hair shaft, especially when the hair is in the Anagen stage of the cycle. Therefore, even though the entire area is treated, the Anagen hairs are predominantly targeted by the laser light at each treatment. For those with a darker skin type or who have a tan, (more melanin in the skin) a pre-treatment skin preparation is advised to calm the melanin present in the skin and reduce the risk of side effects.

 

→ What does the Laser or IPL treatment feel like?

The sensation during a light treatment is much like a quick, hot tingle, or a rubber band snapping against the skin. Ice packs can be used to chill the skin prior to treatment to reduce discomfort. Topical anesthetic may also be used.

• EMLA (Available without a prescription – 30 gram size):
• You may apply Emla at home, following the instructions below.
• The area needs to be shaved prior to Emla application.
• Emla should be applied in a thick coat and lightly smoothed onto the skin. Do not rub in.
• The area should then be covered with plastic wrap to allow the cream to be absorbed. Plastic will be removed immediately prior to treatment. Effective in 1 hour.

 

→ How many treatments are required?

Because only hairs that are in the anagen stage, at the time of treatment, are effected by the laser or IPL, multiple treatments are required to effectively reduce the hair in the area.

• 4 to 8 treatments for all areas.

 

→ Pre-treatment guidelines

• Do not tweeze, wax or pull any hairs for 1 month prior to treatment.
• You may shave as needed. Do not bleach the hair.
• Treatment is not recommended when skin is tanned.
• Shave treatment areas approximately 2 days prior to treatment so that a light stubble is visible for treatment day.
• With exception, the face should be left unshaved so that hair is visible, but not necessarily long.
• If you are prone to cold sores, a prescription for antiviral can be given to prevent breakout.

 

→ Post treatment expectations

The treated area may be slightly red and may feel warm for up to 24 hours. Treated hairs may still be present in the follicles, and will be sloughed out (shedding) over the next 1 to 6 weeks. Some areas take longer to shed than others, and some do not completely shed after the first treatment. This shedding may or may not be noticeable.