What are the limitations/disadvantages of Laser Hair Removal?
How many sessions will I need?
What is Melanin?
What can I expect at my consultation?
How long do I have to wait in between sessions?
Will the procedure be Uncomfortable?
What should I expect to pay?
How long does a laser hair removal treatment take?
What are some pre-treatment instructions?
What are the post-treatment instructions?

What are the limitations/disadvantages of Laser Hair Removal?
Although laser hair removal is an excellent treatment option, some patients may experience hair re-growth. However, this hair is usually finer and lighter in color. Possible side effects, though very rare, may include damage to the surrounding healthy tissue in the form of scars, burns, redness and swelling. Pigment changes of the skin treated can occur, including either dark or light areas. Pigment changes may persist for months, but are almost always temporary.

How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions necessarily depends on various parameters, the most important of which being the localization of the area to be treated and gender. In addition, resting follicles are not damaged by the laser. In general, it is necessary to foresee between five to six sessions and the degree of hair removal required. Certain areas (back and face in men, for example) may require a prolonged treatment whose exact duration cannot be predicted in advance.

Excellent results have been reported for laser hair removal on various body parts, with results achieving optimal hair removal of about 50-60% in just three or four sessions. Also, after the treatment, when the hair grows back, it tends to be finer and sparser. Results improve through repeated treatments as only 20-30% of hair follicles are susceptible during one laser application.

What is Melanin?
Melanin is considered the primary chromophore for all hair removal lasers currently on the market. Melanin occurs naturally in the skin (it gives skin and hair its color). There are two types of melanin in hair: eumelanin (which gives hair brown or black color) and pheomelanin (which gives hair blonde or red color). Because of the selective absorption of photons of laser light, only black or brown hair can be removed with the best results.
The process of laser hair removal works by directing the laser onto the skin, where the laser high-energy light becomes absorbed by melanin located in the hair follicles. Once absorbed, the light transforms into heat, destroying the entire part of the follicle responsible for the growth of new hair.

What can I expect at my consultation?
Before actually undergoing a laser hair removal treatment, it is required for the clinician to perform a consultation. A practitioner with training and experience in laser hair removal will decide whether you're a candidate for laser hair removal and what treatment may work best for you. During an initial consultation, your practitioner will ask about your medical history, assesses your skin type and explains the risks and benefits of laser hair removal.

How long do I have to wait in between sessions?
The intervals between sessions depend on the area of the body to be treated and gender and are spaced progressively. The intervals range between 4-6 or even 8 weeks apart. The practitioner will set a treatment schedule for your convenience.

Will the procedure be Uncomfortable?
During the procedure, laser light will be delivered through a hand held piece attached to a laser console. You may experience a sensation often described as a warm rubber band snap as the laser pulse is delivered. To reduce discomfort, the cooling system (chilled tip diode) automatically removes heat from the surface of your skin before, during and after the laser exposure. You should not need pain medication but a topical anesthetic cream is recommended for comfort.

The appearance of the treated area immediately after the laser session will vary from patient to patient depending on the extent of treatment and skin type. Immediate after-effects, if any, are minor. They may include redness and swelling, which disappear in a short time. Most people return to normal activity right away.

What should I expect to pay?
The cost usually varies according to the treatment size. We do offer "packages" of prepaid treatments. The fee per treatment is reduced, so the overall price is less. This depends on the area being treated. This is the most economical way to get the best results

How long does a laser hair removal treatment take?
One of the main advantages of laser hair removal procedures is the speed of the treatment in combination with the long lasting results. The length of a laser session may range from a few minutes to an hour or more depending on the size of the area being treated. How long the procedure takes depends on the area of the body involved. A small area such as the upper lip may take several minutes. A larger area such as the back may require one to one and half hours.

What are some pre-treatment instructions?
While the process in itself is considered to be very safe, individuals opting for laser hair removal should preferably follow the following pre-treatment tips:

Laser treatment should be avoided when you have a suntan/sunburn or have had sun exposure within the last couple of weeks without protection (SPF 30)

Though not necessary, shaving before the treatment quickens treatment time. Shaving should be done to a degree where only a shadow remains
Bleaching or plucking should be stopped for a couple of weeks before the treatment

If you are likely to suffer from cold sores or have genital herpes, start taking appropriate medicines before the treatment
Your practitioner may ask you to refrain from taking medications such as aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or dietary supplements such as niacin and vitamin E
Most antibiotics should be discontinued 2 weeks prior to treatment
He or she may advise you to purchase cream containing the anesthetic lidocaine (numbing cream) and apply it to your skin 30-45 minutes before treatment in order to minimize discomfort

What are the post-treatment instructions?
It is common to experience redness or bumps after the treatment. A cold compress often helps minimize discomfort. Apart from this, general precautions to take after laser hair removal treatment include:
Minimal use of makeup and maximum use of moisturizer
Use sun block of SPF 30 throughout the treatment process
Exercise should be avoided 24 hours after your treatment
If needed, the only other acceptable hair removal method during the treatment regimen is shaving

Be aware that hair will continue to shed up to three weeks after the treatment. Help the hairs out by using a loofah or washcloth
Having a tan increases your risk of side effects such as blistering and discoloration. Due to the fact that on a tanned skin, the laser tends to aim at the surrounding skin rather than the hair, scarring of the skin may also occur. Which is why sun bathing is discouraged throughout the process

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