Laser Hair Removal – Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How does the laser work?

    The laser targets melanin (pigment) in the hair follicle, and generates energy in the form of heat at the root of the hair. When multiple treatments are done on the same area, the follicles are damaged so their ability to grow a normal hair is affected.

  2. Does the laser work on blond, gray or red hair?

    No, the laser interacts with pigment or "melanin" in the hair root, and these hair colors either don't have much or any melanin, or it is of a type (pheomelanin) that doesn't absorb light as well as the other form of melanin (eumelanin).

  3. What happens during the treatment?

    The practitioner and patient will wear safety eyewear to protect from the laser light during the procedure. A small handpiece that touches the skin will be used to deliver the laser light. A light spray of coolant onto the skin will be felt just before each laser pulse. A test area will be done prior to the entire treatment. Your full treatment may be done on the same day or up to two weeks later, depending on the skin reaction.

  4. Is the treatment painful?

    The degree of discomfort varies with each person, depending on his/her pain threshold. Most patients experience little discomfort because of the dynamic cooling device. Topical anesthesia may also be requested based on individual preferences or tolerances. Be sure to discuss this with your practitioner in advance of the laser treatment.

  5. How long does the treatment take?

    The procedure can take as little as 10 minutes or up to an hour, depending on the treatment area.

  6. How will my skin look after the treatment?

    The skin in the treated area will have some redness and the hair follicles will welt up, looking like goose bumps on the skin for approximately 1-2 hours. This effect can last up to a couple of days in some patients.

  7. How will I know if laser treatment is right for me?

    All clients must come in for a consultation before scheduling a laser treatment to assure they are suitable candidates. Some consultation questions can be handled over the phone. During the consultation the Physician Assistant will evaluate the skin type and take a thorough medical history. A treatment plan will be devised as to pricing and number of treatments anticipated.

  8. Can I be treated if I am pregnant?

    You should not have laser treatments for hair removal if you are pregnant. No known problems have been documented; however, skin vascularity and sensitivity changes can occur during pregnancy.

  9. Are there any contraindications to Laser Hair Reduction treatments?

    Yes:

    • Seizures, especially those induced by flashing lights.
    • Accutane use in the past 18 months. Retin-A within the past 2 weeks.
    • Active herpes infection in the area to be treated. When infection resolves it is advised to take an oral medication to prevent breakout a result using the laser in that area.
    • History of keloid scarring (thick and raised scar mostly seen in African-American skin)
    • Insulin-dependent diabetes. Diabetics using oral medications will not be able to have treatments of the extremities (arms and legs)
    • Active skin infection in the area to be treated (staph, abscess, yeast infections, etc)
    • Taking certain photosensitizing medications or blood thinners.
    • Certain auto-immune diseases such as lupus or psoriasis.

     

  10. How many treatments will I need?

    Hair grows in cycles. The number of treatments required depends upon your skin color and coarseness of the hair. Everyone will require at least 2-3 treatments as the process is only effective on hair during the early growing cycle. Repeat sessions will be necessary to treat these follicles when they re-enter the early growth phase.

  11. Should I expect to be hair free in the treated area after the series of treatment?

    No, most patients experience an 80-90% reduction in the amount of hair in a given area after the series of treatments, but should not expect to be hair free.

  12. Is laser hair removal permanent?

    Laser hair removal has been in use for some time, and stable hair loss has been reported as far back as seven years. The Candela brand of lasers used at Daireds has clearance through the FDA to claim permanent hair reduction

  13. What precautions should be taken before and after treatment?

    Avoid the sun 4-6 weeks before and after treatment or until your practitioner allows it. You must avoid electrolysis, plucking or waxing hair for 6 weeks prior to treatment. If you have had a history of perioral herpes, prophylactic antiviral therapy may be prescribed. If you have a dark skin type, a bleaching cream may be started 4-6 weeks before treatment to optimize results. You should discuss your desired results and the improvements you expect to achieve with your practitioner. Together you can decide if your expectations will be met and if this laser treatment is the best option.

  14. Why must patients not use any form of depilation for 6 weeks prior to treatment?

    The hair root has to be present for the laser to work.

  15. Why must tanning be avoided for 6 weeks before and after treatment

    Melanin formation in the skin as a response to sun exposure, decreases the effectiveness of the treatment, as well as makes it more likely that the patient will experience hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation or blistering from the treatment.