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Q&A Laser Hair Removal
Q: How does the laser hair removal work?
A: The laser wavelength used to remove hair is selectively attracted to the hair follicle in its active growing state above the skin. The laser travels down the follicle and disables the hair follicle from growing. We all have thousands of hair follicles growing in three different growth cycles. We plan hair treatments 6-8 weeks apart to destroy an entire growth cycle of hair in one treatment setting. For most patients, four treatments spaced 6-8 weeks apart with one to two touch up appointments to treat missed growing cycles will achieve 90%hair reduction. Over the years, touch up treatments may be required to maintain that level of hair reduction.
Q: Will my insurance cover laser treatment of unwanted hair?
A: Most cosmetic laser procedures are considered elective surgery by insurance unless there is some medical necessity for the treatment. Currently all insurance companies consider laser hair removal not medically necessary. Fees for laser services are payable at time of treatment and are the responsibility of the patient. Many patients use their tax deductible flex plan benefits for cosmetic laser surgery.
Q: How uncomfortable is the laser treatment?
A: Laser hair removal treatments are performed in our laser treatment rooms with topical anesthetic cream. Patients describe the treatment as feeling like "pin pricks through ice" or "a snap of a rubber band". There is no discomfort after the treatment at all, although some redness may persist in the area treated for 24-48 hours. Plan to return to public activities the next day.
Q: Will I be able to drive home after my procedure?
Y: Yes. You will experience mild discomfort, mostly a hot feeling if large areas are treated but be able to drive immediately.
Q: Is this treatment permanent?
A: Laser hair removal achieves long lasting hair reduction. Laser hair removal has only been approved for three years. We have many patients that have not had a return of unwanted lased hair in that three year period of time which is exciting! Both the Cynosure Alexandrite and SLP 1000 laser are FDA approved for permanent hair reduction.
Q: Does the laser work to remove blond or grey hair?
A: We wish that we could say - a positive YES, 100%, however, all hair lasers work on a principle of selective photothermolysis , being attracted to melanin which is brown /black in nature. This selectivity of the laser beam minimizes damage to the skin. Grey, white or blonde hair is still best removed by electrolysis or photowaxing ( a longer lasting waxing procedure) also offered in our laser center.
Q: Do you treat children and at what age?
A: Laser hair removal has not yet been studied in children however, in cases of severe hirsutism, we will treat children if it is affecting self esteem. Teenagers respond best emotionally and in treatment tolerance.
Q: Do men have laser hair removal?
A: Yes! We treat many men for unwanted hair on the face. Continual shaving causes folliculitis and breakouts. Laser hair removal will restore smooth healthy skin and eliminate the need to shave daily. We also remove hair from the back, chest, legs, arms and buttocks.
Q: How do you remove hair from a delicate area such as the bikini line?
A: Many women are embarrassed by the redness and breakouts caused by shaving or waxing when trying to remove unwanted hair around the bathing suit lines. Laser hair removal can give you that confidence to throw your suit on and go without the worry of unwanted hair. We ask you to shave the area at home that you would like to have removed and live with it for a week to make sure this is the look you will want for years to come. Try on several bathing suits to make sure the lines will work in any suit you may wear. Wear your suit during the procedure so that we both can establish hair removal boundaries. Your modesty and safety are always important to us. A topical anesthetic cream is applied thirty minutes before the treatment to ease the discomfort and cool towels are applied afterward. A few minutes of discomfort yield hours of freedom for years to come! Yes, we will remove hair for ease in wearing a thong bathing suit. |
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