Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Hair Removal

 

 

  • Is laser hair removal safe?
    • Yes. Lasers have been used safely on millions of patients of all ages worldwide. These systems treat only the targeted spots, leaving the surrounding tissue intact.

      The first studies on laser hair reduction began in the early 1980s by some of the most prestigious medical schools and hospitals in the nation.  After twenty years of study on this field, no adverse long-term effects of laser treatment have been reported.

      Lasers are highly effective because they concentrate their energy on the hair shaft and root. This is possible because lasers are "monochromatic", they produce light with only one wavelength (color). Certain wavelengths have been found that are attracted by melanin (the coloring agent in hair and skin) without affecting other tissue or organs.

      The hair shaft absorbs sufficient laser energy to disable the papilla (the bottom portion of the hair root) while other structures are unaffected. One laser manufacturer calls this process "Thermokinetic Selectivity™"; most medical journals refer to it as "Selective Photothermolysis".

      Because of this phenomenon, laser treatment has traditionally been most effective on dark hair growing in light colored skin. Light colored skin, containing very little melanin, will be unaffected by the laser while the dark hair will absorb maximum energy. The treatment of dark or tanned skin is more difficult because the melanin (coloring) in the skin will tend to attract some of the laser energy. However, during the past two years, lasers have been developed that can safely treat even the darkest skin.  Sutera utilizes a laser that is safe on both tanned skin and fair skin.
  • Does it hurt?
    • While some areas can be more sensitive than others, most individuals describe the feeling as a slight stinging or tingling sensation. The sensation stops once the lasing stops.  In addition, Sutera uses a laser with chilled air technology.  The chilled air cools the skin just milliseconds before the laser energy is pulsed onto the skin, making the treatment much more comfortable.  If needed, clients can also request a topical anesthetic to be applied prior to treatment.  Following your treatment, you may experience a sunburn-type sensation in the treated area for several hours.
  • Is it permanent?
    • Yes. Most clients see a significant reduction in hair, often times as much as 90-95%, within 4-5 treatments. Furthermore, because a significant percentage of hair is permanently disabled after each treatment, maintenance of the area between treatments becomes less cumbersome. Of course, there are variables such as age, hormones, medication, ethnicity, weight, metabolism and certain genetic factors that may affect permanent hair removal.  However, the little hair that may resurface tends to be thinner and lighter than previously.
  • Who performs the treatments?
    • Sutera employs only highly qualified Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners ("Nurse Practitioners") to operate the laser.  A Nurse Practitioner receives advanced education and training which falls between that of a nurse and a physician.  In addition, Sutera’s Nurse Practitioners have been extensively trained in the use of lasers.  This is in stark contrast to most doctors' offices where they employ a lightly-trained RN or electrologist to do the treatments.
  • How long will it take?
    • Because the laser treats many hairs at a time, facial areas (lip, chin, etc.) can be treated in 5-10 minutes. Small body areas (underarms, bikini, etc.) take less than 15 minutes. Larger body areas (full back, legs, arms. etc.) usually take about 30 to 60 minutes depending on the size of the area.
  • How many treatments will I need?
    • Lasers work by disabling hairs that are in their active growth cycle at the time of treatment. Since other hairs will enter their growth cycles at different times, an average of 5 treatments will be necessary to disable all of the hair follicles in a given area.  Treatments are usually given 6-8 weeks apart.

      The exact number of treatments varies for each client depending upon age, area of the body, heredity, hormones, drugs and other factors. Men will usually require more treatments than women.  Clients with less contrast in color between the hair and skin, such as light brown hair on heavily tanned skin, will generally require more treatments than those with dark hair on light colored skin. The energies used for treatment of dark skin are significantly lower than for light skin. Because of this, hair removal on dark or heavily tanned skin generally takes more sessions to achieve permanent results.
  • What happens to the skin after treatment?
    • Within several minutes of the treatment, the treated area may become slightly red and puffy. This reaction subsides within a few minutes to a few hours and the area returns to normal. Depending on the area being treated, you can resume daily activities immediately. Since the laser does not burn or cut the skin in any way, no bandages are necessary. After about a week you may experience what seems to be regrowth of hair; actually, most of these hairs are being shed as a result of your treatment and are not regrowing. In between treatments you should not wax or pluck hairs but it is permissible to shave.