Frequently Asked Questions about Laser Hair Removal

What is Electrolysis?

Electrolysis hair removal - Electrolysis is when the clinic technician inserts a needle into the follicle and sends an electric current through the hair root, killing it. Since every hair has to be dealt with at a time, electrolysis is a very slow procedure, usually done for small specific hair removal.

The Best Permanent Hair Removal

• Shaving : is not permanent. Causes cut, scars and sometimes skin rashes. Hairs grow back as soon as within the same day.

• Waxing : is not permanent. Causes ingrown hair which looks acne, dark spot. Hairs grow back in a month or so.

• Threading : is not permanent either. It is painful and needs to be repeated as often as once a week forever.

• Electolysis : is a permanent solution. The process is done on each hair one by one. It is very painful and time consuming process.

• IPL : is a permanent solution. It is similar to Laser, is just a lot weaker. Thus it takes twice(or more) as much as laser process.

• Laser : is the fastest, the most reliable permanent hair removal solution.

What is the GentleLASE laser 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 rejuvenating the skin on the face. The GentleLASE System, a revolutionary long-pulse high energy alexandrite laser emits 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 destroys the hair follicle leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. The skin is further protected during treatment by a Dynamic Cooling DeviceTM where cryogen is sprayed onto the skin cooling the upper layers and providing patients with increased comfort.

What are the benefits to laser hair removal?

It combines the speed of shaving with the lasting results promised by electrolysis. Laser hair removal is effective on almost any area of the body were smoother, younger, hair-free skin is desired.

Why we do not use IPLs

IPLs are a low-power intense pulse light. IPLs will not do the job that a laser light will do at all—not even remotely close.

Does Laser Hair Removal hurt?

Some patients may feel a slight discomfort with each laser pulse, sometimes described as the snapping of a rubber band on the skin. This discomfort resolves in several seconds and is minimized by Candela’s DCD cooling. For some patients, a topical anesthetic may be used prior to treatment. Be sure to discuss this with your practitioner.

How do I prepare for the hair removal treatment?

Patients scheduled for hair removal should avoid plucking, electrolysis or hair waxing for six weeks prior to treatment. If you have had a history of herpes simplex virus and are scheduled for facial hair treatment, prophylactic antiviral therapy may be prescribed. Also, any hair should be completely removed by shaving, and your skin should be thoroughly cleaned and dried, removing any makeup, creams, oils, topical anesthetics or skin tanning products before the laser hair treatment. The intended treatment area should NOT be exposed to sunlight or tanning booth light for 14 days prior to treatment.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING THE LASER TREATMENT?

Treatment will take place in your practitioner’s office. You will wear safety eyewear to protect your eyes from the laser light. Your practitioner will guide the laser to the treatment areas with a small handpiece. Each laser pulse may be preceded by a short pulse of cooling spray. A treatment could take as little as a few minutes to as long as an hour, depending on the area and condition being treated.

HOW MANY TREATMENT SESSIONS WILL I NEED?

The number of sessions depends on the treatment you require and the condition of your skin. For hair removal, multiple treatments are required, as the process is most effective when the hair follicle is in its active growth phase. Many factors impact the efficacy of individual laser treatments, including the severity of the condition being treated.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER TREATMENT?

A cool compress or gel pack may be applied for comfort following your treatment. Any redness or swelling should resolve within a few hours.

WHAT PRECAUTIONS SHOULD I TAKE AFTER TREATMENT?

After laser treatment, prevent sun exposure by applying sunblock (SPF 30 or above). In the first few days after treatment, don’t scrub or rinse the treated areas with abrasive skin cleansers. Your practitioner may advise additional precautions.

I have acne. Will laser treatment make it worse ?

Laser treatment will not make it worse, it some cases it will actually help improve the condition. Acne is often caused by dirt/excess oil stuck in pores. So, when you have laser hair removal process, the folicles are destroyed and the pores shrinks, it will be harder for the dirt to get stuck, so less chance to get acne. Even the ones just emerged will be healed faster if laser shoots the target. The folicle will be destoyed and the dirt will be pushed out and cleansed naturally. Best to always consult with the Doctor before moving forward with the treatment. Call: (818) 502-1166

I have ingrown hair after waxing. Can I have laser hair removal?

Yes. In fact, the laser hair removal treatment will fix the ingrown hair problem. Ingrown is often caused by waxing or shaving. The hair get stuck inside underneath of the skin, it looks like acne or dark spot. Could be bumpy and red or brown. Stop waxing if this problem occurs and switch to Laser. The dark spot will be improved once the hair is out.

What are the Side Effects?

Your risks are minimal. Side effects may include redness, swelling, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, blistering, and purpura (a laser bruise), itching, and in the treated area—these usually do not last more than a few days.

Side effects are not permanent, if you take care your skin according to your doctor's instructions. You will have relief after three or four days.

Be sure to discuss potential side effects with your provider.

Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?

Contrary to statements made by those unfamiliar with this technology, when laser hair removal is properly performed, it is effective for the vast majority of candidates. Non-responders are primarily limited to those with blond, white, gray or red hair. The new technology is capable of 80-99% permanent reduction for ALL skin types, male and female, and for ALL body areas (except around the eyes). The number of sessions needed to achieve these results can vary from person to person depending on many factors such as age, skin type, amount of hair, hair color, hair texture, etc. In any event, if we agree to treat you, we stand behind our Guarantee.

Is Laser Hair Removal for everyone?

Laser hair removal will not work on white, gray, light red or light blond hair.

Is Laser Hair Removal for Men?

It sure is! Please read: Are men going in for laser hair removal treatments?

ARE THESE TREATMENTS COVERED BY INSURANCE?

Most insurance companies do not offer reimbursement for cosmetic procedures. Consult your insurance carrier for conclusive information

I am pregnant, can I still have laser treatment?

Yes, with the exception of the abdominal and pelvic areas. Any treatments in these areas will be avoided for the duration of your pregnancy. There are no restrictions for patients who are breastfeeding.