Laser hair removal is the process of removing unwanted hair from virtually any part of your body for both males and females. According to the FDA, professional laser hair removal provides permanent hair reduction, because it offers long-term stable reduction in the number of hairs re-growing after a treatment regimen.
How does laser hair removal work?
The energy of the LIGHTSheer Duet laser has a specific wavelength that is absorbed by the dark pigment in the area that causes hair growth located in the root of the hair follicle while not heating the rest of the skin. This pigment is present only when the hair is in its active (anagen) growth stage. A beam of light is passed over the skin. The light energy is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle and damages or destroys its ability to grow hair in the area being treated with maximum efficiency and safety.
Since you shave prior to the treatment, you will notice hair falling out for the next 1-2 weeks after each treatment as the dermal layer is filling in the areas where the hair follicles in the active (anagen) growth phase were treated. When hair is in any stage other than active, it's not producing the pigment the laser targets. For the laser hair removal to treat these hairs successfully, the hairs must pass into the active stage. That's why we need to do several laser treatments to meet a patient's needs.
How is the LIGHTSheer Duet different from other laser hair removal systems?
The advanced technology of the LIGHTSheer Duet results in treatments that are significantly quicker – up to 75% faster for larger treatment areas--- and more comfortable than other laser systems. In addition, the increased surface area of the hand piece used for larger treatment areas makes the treatment virtually pain-free without any topical numbing cream and good for all skin types.
What is different about having laser hair removal done with Dr. Kridel?
At FPSA you have the comfort of knowing that our MedSpa is part of Dr. Kridel’s facial plastic surgery medical practice. Dr. Kridel is a world renown physician specializing in procedures and treatments in the face and neck. He was one of the first to offer laser hair removal in 1997 and has written medical journal articles and given talks to other physicians all around the world on the use of laser technology. And, he is the first plastic surgery practice in the Texas Medical Center to offer the advanced technology of the new LIGHTSheer Duet. You will have your treatment by a member of our highly trained and certified clinical staff.
What results can I expect from laser hair removal?
With a series of laser hair removal treatments you can expect significant permanent hair reduction to the point that temporary hair removal methods are seldom, if ever, are necessary. However, due to hormonal changes, hair color and skin tone, some clients may need a few additional treatments years down the road in order to maintain their personal level of desired results.
How many laser hair removal treatments does it take before I see results?
For most patients, it takes 6 to 8 treatments depending on the treatment area. The reason is that hair grows in three cycles and at any one given time all of your hair is not in the same cycle. So, when you have a treatment only the portion of your hair that is in the active cycle can be treated. However, after each treatment you should notice that the amount of hair remaining gets less and less after each treatment and is softer and more fine in texture.
What are the cycles of hair growth?
Hair growth has three phases:
Anagen or growth phase
Catagen or transitional phase
Telogen or resting phase
How much time should I wait between laser hair removal treatments?
For all of our patients, we recommend that the first two treatments be four weeks apart. For neck and up the treatments should then be about 4-6 weeks apart. For other areas, it should be about 6-8 weeks apart. At your first appointment, FPSA will provide you with a recommended optimum treatment plan for each of the areas you are interested in.
Does laser hair removal hurt?
The LIGHTSheer Duet is virtually pain-free for the larger treatment areas. With the larger treatment areas, patients do not need any type of pre-treatment numbing cream. Most of our patients state that they feel little or no discomfort with the larger handpiece that is used. With other laser hair treatment systems, a back could take 3 hrs with moderate discomfort, but with the Duet it will take less than 30 minutes and be virtually pain free.
For small treatment areas like the upper lip or chin, a more traditional smaller handpiece is needed. A very short pulse is used, however some patients can feel some discomfort during treatment stating that it feels like a rubber band snap. For these treatments we use a numbing cream to minimize the discomfort. Occasionally, redness or a mild sunburn feeling may last for up to one hour in these small treatment areas A cold compress or ice pack may be used if desired.
What happens at each laser hair removal visit?
At your first appointment, you will need to complete our new patient forms. These should be completed in advance of your appointment and then emailed or faxed in. Simply go to our website, todaysface.com and download the forms, or I will be happy to email them to you after you make your appointment with me today.
If you are a returning patient, you will need to notify the aesthetician if your health has changed in any way since your last treatment.
At each visit, you will sign release forms and have your treatment with one of our trained and certified FPSA staff members. Photos will be taken at your first visit and at the completion of the series of treatments. You will have the opportunity to slip into a treatment robe in our lovely patient changing room before moving to the aesthetic laser treatment area. Upon completion of your treatment experience, you will check out with the front desk coordinator. Depending on the size and number of treatment areas, you will be in the office for as little as 30 minutes.
What are the pre-treatment instructions before my laser hair removal treatment?
Before your first treatment, we ask that you please:
Shave the treatment area
Avoid prolonged sun exposure for 4 weeks before each treatment
Discontinue use of St. John’s Wart for 2 weeks prior to treatment
No Retin-A, waxing, AHA’s, or exfoliation of treatment area for 4 weeks prior to each treatment
What are the post-treatment instructions after my laser hair removal treatment?
Laser hair removal treatment with the Duet is quite easy. We will provide you with printed post-treatment instructions at each visit. However, here is a highlight of the instructions:
Prolonged sun exposure is to be avoided for 4 weeks after treatment. If, however, this cannot be done, then total sun block, not a sunscreen, should be applied.
The skin that has been treated should be treated gently for a few days. It should not be rubbed and when applying makeup pat gently.
Makeup can be applied after treatment. Mineral makeup can also serve as an additional sunblock.
Luke-warm to cool showers are recommended. If areas are treated other than the facial area, hot baths are not advised for 24 hours.
Cold packs, aloe-vera or any other cooling preparation may be used to ease temporary discomfort in the more sensitive areas.
Any questions or concerns please contact FPSA without hesitation.
Can I put on make-up after my laser hair removal treatment?
Makeup can be applied immediately after treatment as long as the skin is not broken.
What areas of the body can be treated for laser hair removal?
Almost any area affected by hair growth can be treated on men and women.
Common treatment packages include:
I have never done laser hair removal before; is it safe?
Laser hair removal is considered a safe and effective treatment for permanent hair reduction.
Should I shave before I come in for a laser hair removal treatment?
Yes --- it will be better if you shave before you come in so that your treatment will take less time. It is also important that you do not use any depilatories or other hair removal treatments such as; waxing, plucking, tweezing, or electrolysis, in the treatment area within the preceding six weeks of the LIGHTSheer Duet treatments.
I have a recent tan. Can I be treated for laser hair removal?
When your skin has been tanned by being in the sun or by using a tanning bed, your skin is no longer in its natural state. Therefore, your skin type may shift and therefore, we would need to be more conservative in your laser hair treatment. All in all, we prefer that you stay out of the sun or do not use a tanning bed for at least 4 weeks prior to treatment.
What is the post-operative care for a laser hair removal procedure?
With the LIGHTSheer Duet, there is virtually no downtime. Some patients come in the morning or at lunch time and then return to work. You do not need to use any special ointments or creams. However, we always recommend that you use a good sun block, such as Skinceutical SPF50.
Can all skin types be treated with laser hair removal?
Yes, that is one of the many benefits of the LIGHTSheer Duet. For darker skin types, we perform a test spot first before treating larger areas. Also, for darker skin types, additional treatments may be required because we need to use more conservative settings.
How do I know what my skin type is?
We use the Fitzpatrick scale for skin-typing. Determining your skin type helps us calibrate our laser technology better to remove unwanted hair successfully and safely.
Type
Appearance
Reaction to Sun Exposure
I
Very fair; red or blonde hair; blue eyes, likely has freckles
Always burns, never tans
II
Fair-skinned; blonde or red hair; blue, green, or hazel eyes,
Burns easily
III
Very common skin type; fair with any eye or hair color
Sometimes burns tans gradually
IV
Typical Mediterranean Caucasian skin; medium to heavy pigmentation
Rarely burns, always tans
V
Darker Brown; Middle-eastern skin types
Very rarely burns, tans easily
VI
Black skin, rarely sun sensitive
Never burns, tans well
Can men have laser hair removal?
Absolutely. The LIGHTSheer Duet is effective for both sexes. We have treated hundreds of men, as well as women.
How much does laser hair removal cost?
Laser hair removal pricingvaries, depending on the number of treatment area packages that are purchased, as well as the body parts that each client wishes to treat. Please feel free to call our practice at 713/526-5665, and we can review your areas of concern and provide you with additional pricing information.
How long is the treatment time for laser hair removal?
With the LIGHTSheer Duet you will be in and out of the office quickly. The laser treatment time varies depending on the treatment area. We set aside a few additional minutes to check in and to change clothes if needed. We have provided a general overview of the treatment timeframe several treatment areas. However, please note that actual times may vary per individual patient.
Treatment Appointment
Arms (Full)
15-20
30 min
Arms (Half)
10-15
30
Back (Full)
25-30*
45-1hr*
Back (Partial)
15-20
30
Bikini (Full)
15-20
30
Bikini (Partial)
10-15
30
Chest
25-30
45
Face (Full)
15-20
30
Legs (Full)
30-35
45
Legs (Upper)
20
30
Legs (Lower)
15
30
Neck
10
30
Underarms
10
30
Upper Lip
15/30**
45**
Chin
15/30**
45**
Ears
10/20
30**
*For backs, 30+ minutes if we need to shave the treatment area. 20-25 if patient has already shaved.
**These procedures traditionally use anesthetic cream, so we will need an additional 15-20 minutes for numbing.
How does laser hair removal compare to other forms of hair removal?
Laser hair removal offers significant permanent hair reduction versus shaving or waxing, since hair follicles are not disabled with shaving or waxing.
What is the difference between laser hair removal and traditional shaving?
Laser hair removal is an alternative to shaving. Shaving is the most common method of hair removal. A blade is used to cut the hair along the top of the skin to make it appear the hair is gone. Once hair is shaved, it typically grows back in a matter of days. Shaving, over the course of time, gets expensive due to the amount of products that need to be purchased to ensure a safe experience. Despite all of these efforts, you still can end up with cuts, ingrown hairs, razor burn or razor rash, and missed stubble.
Because laser hair removal gets down to the root of the hair follicle, the need to shave on a daily or weekly basis disappears. This is a major timesaver. And, there is no longer a need to buy creams, lotions and replacement blades or razors. Not to mention, that you never have to worry about razor burn, stubble, ingrown hairs, or cuts.
What is the difference between laser hair removal and waxing or threading?
Hair removal through the use of hot wax is a popular way to remove hair. Wax first is applied to the area, a cloth strip is then placed on top of the wax and the strip is ripped off, removing the hair by plucking it out from the root of the hair follicle. As you can imagine, this process can be extremely painful. Not only can waxing be extremely painful, but, the process must be repeated every few weeks. Plus, the hair in the area must grow to a certain length before waxing will be effective. This leaves several days and up to a week during which unwanted hair must exist before it can be dealt with.
In contrast, laser hair removal is much less painful than waxing. The laser uses pulsed light beams to disable the hair follicle, instead of plucking the hair out from the root. Numbing cream can be used in sensitive areas to reduce any discomfort as well. Generally, only five to six treatment sessions are needed for desired results. Just think --- you will no longer need to grimace at the sound of the cloth strip being ripped off your skin.
What is the difference between laser hair removal and electrolysis?
Electrolysis is a much slower process than laser hair removal. With electrolysis, a needle actually is inserted into each hair follicle. Then, an electric shock burns the follicle to restrict hair growth.
In contrast, laser hair removal is significantly quicker and less painful. Any of our patients that have had electrolysis in the past and switched to laser hair removal have never looked back.
Can I have laser hair removal if I am pregnant?
Dr. Kridel does not recommend laser hair removal for patients that are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
What are some of the possible complications after laser hair removal treatment?
There is always the slight possibility of developing a crust or blister. This is superficial, and rarely results in any scarring and is treated like sunburn or any other superficial blister.
The treated areas will probably heal without any pigment changes. However, there is always the slight chance that hyper-pigmentation (darker) or hypo-pigmentation (lighter) areas may occur. These are generally temporary, restricted to dark skin, and will fade within 1-6 months. Sun exposure must be avoided three to four weeks prior to therapy and after, as exposure to the sun may intensify hyperpigmentation. It is rare that a change is ever permanent.
Some swelling may occur immediately after treatment. This is temporary and not harmful. Cold packs or an anti-inflammatory preparation may reduce the swelling.
Bruising is unlikely to occur. If bruising occurs it will normally clear up in 1-7 days.
Are there people who should not have laser hair treatment?
Yes. While the majority of patients are good candidates for laser hair treatments, there are those individuals that are not good candidates and we are not able to treat. For example, if you have white, light grey or very blond hair, it may not be effective. The laser is attracted to the color or melanin in the hair follicle, so if there isn’t enough color the laser won’t be effective. Also, we cannot treat an area directly over a tattoo.
Prior problems with laser therapy of any kind
Active infections in the treatment site
Active infection or a history of herpes simplex in the treatment area
Use of oral Accutane (Isotretinoin) within the preceding 6 months
History of livedo reticularis, an autoimmune vascular disease
Hypersensitivity at the treatment site to any agents, solutions or gels used in the treatment, if no alternative exists
Use of anticoagulants before the washout period, per the package insert and at the physician’s discretion
Presence of refluxing varicose veins feeding the telangiectasias
Dysplastic nevi in the area to be treated
History of bleeding disorders
History of collagen, vascular or immunosuppression disorders
Tattoos at the treatment sites
Significant concurrent skin conditions, affecting areas to be treated or any inflammatory skin conditions
Active cold sores, open lacerations or abrasions on the area to be treated
History of immune deficiency (including HIV infection or AIDS)
Patient history of Hormonal or endocrine disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome or diabetes, unless under control.
History of bleeding coagulopathies, or use of anticoagulants
History of erythema ab igne, which is an acquired persistent reticulated erythematous and pigmented rash of the skin produced by prolonged or repeated exposure to moderately intense heat of infrared radiation
Use of depilatories or other hair removal treatments such as waxing, plucking, tweezing, or electrolysis, in the treatment area within the preceding six weeks
Chronic or cutaneous viral, fungal, or bacterial infections in the treatment area
Photosensitivity disorder that can be exacerbated by infrared light
