FAQ

HOW DOES LASER HAIR REMOVAL WORK?

The laser targets the darkness of the melanin pigment in the hair follicle. Since melanin is only produced in the growth phase of the hair, the laser must target the hair follicle during this cycle. At any given time, 20-40% of the hair in a particular area may be in a growth phase. Therefore, more than one treatment needs to be scheduled, preferably at 6-8 week intervals. With multiple treatments all hair follicles can be disabled.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL BE NEEDED?

Laser treatment impairs the growth of hair follicles when they are in the growth (or anagen) cycle at the time of treatment. Unfortunately, not all hair follicles are at this stage at the same time. Therefore, for effective permanent hair removal, most people require approximately four to five treatments to achieve the desired results. The number of sessions also depends on the treatment you require and the condition of your skin.

WHO PERFORMS THE PROCEDURE?

All laser treatments should be performed by fully trained and certified practitioners. Make sure to check that practioners are trained for treatment.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE-EFFECTS?

Risks are minimal. There is no recovery or down time. Patients can return to their normal activities immediately. After the treatment you may experience a slight reddening of the skin similar to a sunburn that will resolve within a few hours to days. In certain instances (especially in patients with darker complexions) temporary pigment changes may occur, but will disappear within a month.

IS THE TREATMENT PAINFUL?

This is a common initial concern for many of our patients. Most lasers use a special cooling system that lowers the temperature of the skin at the treatment site before, during, and after laser exposure. Therefore, the treatment is generally not painful and is well tolerated. Some patients describe the treatment as a sensation like the snap of a rubber band and "much less painful than the waxing I used to subject myself to." Topical anesthetic cream is an option for more sensitive areas.

ARE THE RESULTS PERMANENT?

Results vary depending on skin and hair type. Studies have shown that many patients can achieve permanent hair reduction of up to 85-90% and remaining hair returns lighter and softer.

DOES MY HAIR NEED TO BE "GROWN OUT" BEFORE THE TREATMENT?

No. Actually your practitioner should recommend that you shave the area to be treated. Waxing, bleaching, tweezing, or any other method that removes the root of the hair must be discontinued at least two weeks prior to treatment. Since the laser targets the root of the hair, it must be present for the treatment to be effective.

WILL I HAVE TO USE ANY TOPICAL ANAESTHETICS BEFORE MY TREATMENT?

Absolutely not. In most cases it is not recommended to use any topical numbing preparations (prescription or non-prescription) prior to laser hair removal. The DCD (Dynamic Cooling Device) that lasers are equipped with eliminates the need for any topical numbing preparations. Before every laser pulse, a cryogen (cooling agent) is automatically sprayed onto the skin within the laser field that protects and partially numbs that area. This makes the treatment safer and moflre comfortable.

HOW LONG WILL THE PROCEDURE TAKE?

Full legs or a back can be treated in just 20 minutes. GentleLASE uses an 18mm spot size (about the size of a quarter). This larger spot size coupled with more hertz (power), means a faster and more effective treatment. A full back, for example, can be treated in less than 20 minutes and full legs in less than 25 minutes.