What is laser hair removal?

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We use pulsed light to target, break down and destroy the melanin (dark pigments) in hair. The melanin swells and ruptures the hair follicle cells. Laser treatment can target many follicles at once, so you can treat large areas of skin. It usually takes 4-6 treatment sessions spaced 4 weeks apart to see 70-80% reduction in hair growth.

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What to know about pre-treatment?

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Avoid the sun or tanning booths for at least 4-6 weeks before treatments. If you are going to receive treatment in sun-exposed areas, apply sunblock (at least SPF 40) multiple times a day for one month before and during treatments.

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Do not pick, rub, or scratch the area. Do not use any irritating substances on the treated area (i.e., Retinol, Retin-A, glycolic acids, alpha-hydroxyacids, etc,) 2 weeks before each treatment.

No beaching, plucking, tweezing, electrolysis or waxing of hairs in the desired treatment areas 4 weeks before and during treatments.

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You may shave as often as desired, however, for laser hair removal, there must be visible growth the day of your treatment. Keep this growth to about 1-2 millimeters in length. This is about the thickness of a nickel or about 2-3 days growth. If you have a history of herpes (or cold sores), you may need antiviral medication. This should be started at least one day before laser treatment and continued for one week afterward.

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Come to our facility with the treatment area clean and without makeup, lotion, or any type of cream.

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What to know about post treatment?

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There may be redness or some swelling in the treated area for a few hours. The skin will be sensitive, similar to sunburn. Therefore, treat the skin gently. You should keep the skin moist with either Aquaphor Healing Ointment or Aloe Gel or any other recommendations by your Consultant. If any blistering or scabbing develops, switch to Bacitracin Ointment and call the office or your primary care doctor.

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Do not pick, rub, or scratch the area. Do not use any irritating substances on the treated areas (i.e., Retin-A, glycolic acids, alpha-hydroxyacids, etc,) for at least 2 weeks after the treatments or until the skin returns to normal.

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Avoid the sun or tanning booths & apply sun block (at least SPF 40) multiple times a day during the course of the treatments.

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Keep the treated areas away from heat for 24 hours. Maintain a cool temperature to your shower or bath water because the skin will be extra sensitive to heat.

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If your facial area was treated, you may start using makeup again as soon as the skin looks and feels back to normal. You should keep the skin moist by using either Aquaphor Healing Ointment or Aloe Gel or any other recommendations by your Consultant under the makeup.

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For Hair Removal – after about 5-7 days, shedding of the hair follicle may or may not occur.

 

The treated areas should be ready for the next session in about 3-8 weeks.

 

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