The treatment involves using intense light emitted by a machine that selectively heats up the pigment of the hair shaft in the actively growing hair follicles.This damages or destroys the potential for regrowth of hair from those follicles.The goal of this treatment is to change the thick dark hairs to fine, short, lighter hairs and leave your skin feeling smoother and softer.
2. HOW DO I KNOW WHEN THE APPROPIATE TIME IS FOR THIS TREATMENT?
Depending on the body area, at any given time 50-65% of the follicles are in a resting phase for a few months. For this reason 2-5 follow up treatments may be needed to gain the desired outcome. At the time of treatment, ideally only the tips of the hair shaft should be visible. You are asked to shave the area to be treated. For maximum benefit from each treatment, you are asked not to wax, pluck, or use depilatory creams for 2-3 weeks prior to any laser treatment.
3. CAN MY SKIN BE TAN BEFORE A LASER HAIR REDUCTION TREATMENT?
To diminish the risk of temporary skin pigment changes, you should avoid extensive sun exposure and wear minimum SPF 15 on the areas to be treated for 2-4 weeks before and after the procedure.
4. IS THIS TREATMENT PAINFUL?
This treatment is much less painful than other treatment methods. The cooling from the chilled tip of the laser provides adequate anesthesia for the majority of body areas. Each pulse feels similar to a rubber band lightly snapping on the skin. After treatment, the area feels like it has a mild sunburn with some redness and slight swelling around the treated hair follicles. These changes will clear in a few hours.
5. ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS I SHOULD FOLLOW AFTER MY TREATMENT?
If you have prolonged redness, ice or cold packs can be applied to the treatment area for 10-15 minutes every hour for the next four hours, as needed. Tylenol can be taken to reduce discomfort. In some cases, prolonged redness or blistering may occur. An antibiotic ointment may be applied to the affected areas twice a day until healed. Avoid aggressive scrubbing and use of exfoliants until the treatment area has returned to its pre-treatment condition. Between appointments, you should shave the areas as needed. If any areas become crusty, you may apply a thin coat of Vaseline until resolved.
6. IS THERE ANY REASON THAT I SHOULD NOT SET UP AN APPOINTMENT FOR LASER HAIR REDUCTION?
The following factors should be considered in your decision to undergo treatment.
Use of Retin-A or other topical exfoliants should be discontinued 2 weeks prior to treatment, and during the course of treatments.
If you have any history of menstrual dysfunction, seizures, history of keloid scarring, or you are taking medications that cause photosensitivity you should consult with your Doctor prior to receiving treatments.
It is best to start treatments when you are not pregnant. If you choose to have treatments while pregnant you should consult with your doctor.
Patients taking Accutane should not receive laser treatments until 6 months after their course of treatment is complete.
Side effects are rare but may include sensitivity, irritation, soft scabbing or redness at the treatment site. These effects typically resolve within a few days.
7. WILL MY INSURANCE COVER THIS TREATMENT?
This procedure is considered cosmetic and in the majority of cases it will not be covered by health insurance. This office will not bill an insurance company for this treatment. Therefore, payment is due in full at the time of services rendered.
