I've been shopping around and have been told so many different things about laser hair removal. How do I know what to believe?

As a laser and esthetics center, we treat our laser hair removal patients with the same dedication we have to all our patients. Each one of our professional staff feels a personal responsibility to educate patients about the real science and experience of laser services. We are results oriented. We have committed ourselves to ongoing learning about the latest advancements in science and laser techniques. Our program offers eight-session packages because that's what our experience has taught us it takes to get great results. We are not like some of the national chains that will tell you that you will never shave again or that the same results can be achieved in fewer sessions. It just isn't so. And remember, some hair removal franchises are acquired by people who have had no laser experience. They simply had the resources to purchase a business. Medical Boards around the country are dealing with this concern, in order to provide the public with accurate information.

What type of results should I expect?
A lot less hair and shaving! We're well aware of the many empty and misleading claims made by other clinics offering laser hair removal, including the declaration that you'll never shave again. The truth is most patients should see a 90 percent reduction in hair growth after the initial 8 sessions. The follicles that remain are damaged and produce a finer hair than you had before laser treatment. You can expect to shave much less than you do now. Some of our patients shave once a week, some once a month, or some don't have to shave at all. One thing we can say for sure, each of our clients is pleased with his or her results. About two to three weeks after your first session, you will begin to notice less hair, slower-growing hair and even some hair falling out!

How soon should I expect to see results?
Usually you will see results within 2-3 weeks after your first session. Many of our patients see a big difference after their first session with some reporting a 50% reduction in hair, but experience has taught us that they will see regrowth, and therefore, they will need to use the 8 sessions to achieve maximum desired results. It’s important to understanding that some individuals may need more sessions depending on their own hair growth cycles. So…don't be mislead by the big initial reduction, but do enjoy the fact that so much hair is gone for a while.

Will hair bumps and razor bumps be gone?
This is one of the great beneficial side effects of laser hair removal. Reduction of hair bumps and ingrown hairs will be markedly noticeable even after your first session. We have seen this on all body parts including face, neck, bikini line, legs, backs, and underarms.

Can blonde hair be laser removed?
Even the fairest of blondes may have enough pigment in their hair for the laser to work. Still, we prefer to see these patients for a free consultation. If we don't think you are a good candidate, we will tell you right away so that you don't waste your money. One thing is certain, if you have very light hair, it is important that your skin be very light to get the best results. We strongly recommend that you DO NOT USE TANNING BEDS, SPRAY-ON TANS, OR SELF TANNERS while undergoing laser hair removal treatment!

Can I use a tanning bed or spray on tan while I'm having laser sessions?
For Caucasian patients, we prefer that you do not use these products while you are having laser sessions. Simply said, the lighter your skin stays, the better your results will be. When your skin is tan we have to "protect the pigment in your skin" from the laser. When your skin is lighter, we can simply target the pigment in your hair with more energy. For people of color, the situation is a bit different. In this setting, we are using a different laser designed to ignore the pigment in your skin while we target the hair. Lasers are not one size fits all and as laser experts, we understand how to meet each individual needs that comes through our doors.

I've heard that I can dye my hair darker to help the laser be more effective. Is this true?
At the most recent Society for Lasers and Medicine meeting, the overwhelming consensus was that this technology is extremely labor intensive and does not work. We do not use these products, but will continue to monitor the situation.

Can I continue to wax or pluck once I've started laser treatments?
We prefer you to not do either of these, because these methods remove the hair and root: therefore, making the laser unable to destroy active hair follicles. Feel free to shave the area as needed, but avoid waxing, plucking or threading.

Can I treat my eyebrows?
We limit our work to the area between the eyebrows. At the most recent Society for Lasers and Medicine meeting, a number of reports were shared regarding eye injuries when treating eyebrows. Safety is a top priority of ours.

When can I resume my normal activities after laser hair removal?
You may resume normal everyday activities such as work, exercise, school, etc… immediately after your treatment!

I am a person of color and have heard I should not have laser treatments because of the risk of burning or scarring of the skin. Is this true?
While this once was the case, we're happy to report that it isn't any longer! Using new laser technology, we can now treat people of color without complication. Uniquely designed lasers protect the skin while achieving excellent hair removal results. And, as we reduce the hair growth, we even can reduce the pigmentation changes (caused by ingrown hairs) that commonly arise in people of color.

Which ethnicities have you treated?
Here are some of the homes of origin of people we have treated: Greece, Armenia, Turkey, India, Mexico, Spain, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Brazil, Canada, Soviet Union, Jamaica, Italy, France, England, South Africa, Latin American countries, Japan, Vietnam, Korea, Australia, China, Africa, Laos, Thailand, Portugal, Ireland, and Argentina.

Regarding pregnancy and nursing, can I still consider laser hair removal?
We prefer not to treat pregnant patients. Should you become pregnant during laser hair removal sessions, you may simply finish your package after you deliver, or otherwise, we need a doctor’s note from your OB/GYN that it is okay for you to be treated during your pregnancy. We do treat nursing women with a doctor’s note as well.

Are all medications safe during laser treatments?
We screen all of our patients to be certain they are not taking Accutane or Gold injections, both of which have been associated with skin discoloration. We have not had issues with other drugs commonly mentioned as causing sensitivity to light.

Is herpes an issue with laser hair removal?
We suggest our patients with a history of genital herpes who are treating their bikini line take Valtrex to prevent an outbreak. There seems to be a slightly increased incidence of herpes outbreaks in patients with a history of genital herpes. Similarly, for patients who have a history of frequent fever blisters on their lips who are having their lip or chin treated, we recommend the same preventive measures. If we have seen you in consultation, we are able to prescribe for you, or you can get a prescription from your personal physician.

*Please feel free to call our clinic at 407-644-8193 if you have any other questions regarding laser hair removal. You, our patient, are our main priority.