Laser Hair Removal

---

Laser hair removal is a gentle, safe and effective way to permanently reduce unwanted body hair compared to traditional methods of hair removal such as shaving, tweezing, waxing, threading, and depilatory creams that are only temporary and often problem-causing. Laser treatments can be performed just about anywhere on the body, and depending on the person, significant hair reduction can be enjoyed for months to years. In general, the procedure is comfortable (thanks to its patented dynamic cooling device) and quite quick too! For example, small areas such as a chin can take a few minutes; medium areas such as a bikini may take less than 15 minutes; and large areas such as full legs or a back can take less than 30 minutes. For optimum results we typically recommend at least 6-8 treatments within a certain time-frame (usually 4-8 weeks apart depending on the area); however, each individual is different and more or less treatments may be necessary to achieve desired results. What our clients love most about their laser results in between treatments is the progress they see when they stay on their customized schedule. They also enjoy having less skin irritation, needing to shave less, getting rid of razor bumps and stubble, and being more confident in their own skin.

Our Candela Gentlelase is an alexandrite laser that targets dark pigment, so in order to be a candidate for this procedure, you must have pale white skin, fair skin, or darker white skin and dark hair. (We can only treat up to Skin Type IV on the Fitzpatrick Scale with our laser.) Your skin must also be untanned. In addition, it is very important that the laser does not waste its energy on hair stubble above the skin.  In other words, the area to be lasered needs to be clean-shaven or trimmed just before a treatment. That way when the laser's light is pulsed on the skin, it will directly travel beneath the skin,  and solely attack melanin in the hair follicle (not the stubble), convert to heat, and cauterize the blood supply to hairs present in the anagen (growing) stage.  A sensation like a gentle pinch or rubber band snap may be felt, but it is tolerable and well worth the ouch factor! Once the laser beam damages the follicle enough to retard future growth, hairs will become finer, grow slower, and become more sparse. 

For safety reasons, we will not perform laser hair removal on anyone who has a tan in the area to be treated. This means if you have recently been in the sun, use self-tanners, or have a pre-existing tan, you will need to wait until the fall or winter when your skin tone is back to it's lightest pigment. In addition, we recommend that you avoid sun exposure for at least 2 weeks before and after a laser hair removal treatment. Exposure to the sun's UV rays can cause pigment changes that may not be reversible. Underarms are typically a safe area to laser during summer months, but the face and other areas that are prone to sun exposure are not. It is also necessary to use a broad spectrum sunscreen (with a 30 SPF) daily when you are undergoing laser hair removal treatments. Reapplying your sunscreen is necessary too!