The light emitted from the laser is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicles. The heat from the light destroys the follicle. At the same time, our SmartCool external cooling device protects the skin’s surface, allowing for safe and effective treatment of all skin types, with little risk of side effects.

Hair grows in three distinct cycles. Since melanin is only produced in the growth phase of the hair, the laser must target the hair follicle during this cycle; therefore, more than one treatment needs to be scheduled, preferably at 4- to 8-week intervals. With multiple treatments, we can ensure that most of the hair follicles are disabled. Since the laser targets the pigment in the hair, your hair needs to be darker than your skin. In general, laser hair removal is not effective for white, gray, blond, or red hairs.

Because the laser targets hairs that are in an actively growing phase, several treatments are required to eliminate any new hairs as they come into a growth phase. Treatments are spaced four to eight weeks apart depending on the body area and can take from 5 minutes (the upper lip) to 45 minutes or more (back or legs). Most areas will require a minimum of five treatments to achieve a satisfactory result. The area needs to be shaved prior to being 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.

The laser-treated areas will be sun-sensitive for a few weeks, so a broad-spectrum sunscreen is recommended at all times. Any areas that will be exposed to the sun regularly, such as the face or legs, should be treated in the fall, winter, or spring rather than the summer, unless the skin is protected with sunblock or clothing at all times when outdoors.

Yes, we believe that a consultation is important for any client considering laser hair removal. We can perform a test spot so you can see how the laser feels and we can answer any questions so that you better understand what the laser can do. We can also determine if you are a good candidate for laser hair removal before you commit to any treatment. However, some people like the idea of receiving a treatment the day of their consultation. If you are a good candidate for laser hair removal, a treatment can be performed the same day.

While everyone’s pain tolerance is different, the majority of clients do not think it is very painful. Our patients report that treatment with our lasers is much more comfortable than other lasers and that it is far more comfortable than waxing. Because the lasers we use have a large spot size, treatments are very quick. Any discomfort one experiences is over very quickly.

Our lasers utilize state of the art cooling systems. In most cases, treatment causes only minimal discomfort and numbing preparations are not required. If a client is more sensitive and the area to be treated is not too large, we can prescribe a topical numbing cream to be applied to the area prior to treatment.