|
•
How does the process work?
Through a process called Selective Photothermolysis laser light
is passed through the skin and is absorbed by pigment in the hair
follicle. The heat generated by the laser light both injures the
follicle and inhibits future growth, while leaving the skin unharmed.
Back to
Top
• What may I be asked before treatment?
A treatment specialist will likely run through your medical history
to see if you have had any issues that may impact the procedures
safety. For example: have you had keloid scarring, used Accutane
in the last 6 months, etc.) In addition the specialist will request
that you not wax, pluck, or tweeze for four weeks preceding the
treatments as doing so may reduce the effectiveness of the treatments.
Note: shaving should not affect results.
Back
to Top
• What can I expect during treatment?
Laser light will be delivered through a hand held wand attached
to a laser console. You may experience a stinging sensation as
the laser pulse is delivered. To reduce discomfort, the cooling
system automatically removes heat from the surface of your skin
before, during and after the laser exposure. You should not need
general anesthesia or pain medication, but a topical anesthetic
cream may be applied to sensitive areas. The process can take
from just a few minutes for an upper lip to several hours for
a full back and legs.
Back
to Top
• How many treatments will the patient need for hair removal?
Hair growth involves several cycles and, thus, some hairs may
be affected during a single treatment and some may not. We have
seen that after several treatments most terminal (mature) hairs
are replaced with finer hairs of lighter color. Some hairs are
completely eliminated. Although complete hair removal may not
be achieved, the hairs become less visible and, thus, less bothersome.
The number of treatments needed to obtain optimal results varies
with hair density, color and growth cycle as well as skin type,
though it is common to have 3-4, and possibly as many as 8, treatments;
one every 4-8 weeks. Results will improve with each subsequent
treatment.
Back
to Top
• What can I expect after treatment?
The treated area is cleansed and you are free to return to your
normal routine. Some patients may experience a slight reddening
around hair follicles, though this will typically disappear within
a few minutes. It is always recommended that you avoid sun exposure
or use sunscreen following treatment.
Several days after treatment injured hair follicles will begin
to fall out, a process that can be sped up by lightly rubbing
the skin with a towel. It may seem that some hair continues to
grow for several weeks after the procedure, but many of these
will also fall out. What hair that is not eliminated will likely
be replaced by thinner, lighter, significantly less noticeable
hair.
Back
to Top
• How "permanent" is "permanent" following
the course of epilation treatment?
Since the procedure is very new and people go through so many
stages in their lives it is impossible to completely determine
at this time. However, we have seen up to 2 years with no hair
re-growth following several treatments.
Back
to Top
<<more
info on laser skin treatments>>
> |