Photoepilation / Laser Hair Reduction
Frequently Asked QuestionsEpilation is the medical term for hair removal there are many methods available to accomplish this goal. Photoepilation is the newest technology available to provide permanent hair reduction. Specific wavelengths of laser light or intense pulse light are used to destroys or disable the hair follicle. Most authorities feel this is better than any other current technologies like electrolysis. It is faster, and has fewer complications than other methods. Some hair loss occurs initially, but maximum hair loss may not be seen for several weeks after each treatment. In general, multiple treatments will be needed depending on the site. At Turn Back Time we use the Cutera Solera Opus® and Aesthera PPX® intense pulsed light machines.
What do you mean by permanent hair reduction?
Permanent hair reduction is defined as a long term, stable reduction in the number of hairs growing after treatment. Permanent hair reduction is not equivalent to complete hair loss. A certain percentage of the hairs treated will not re grow after each treatment. Based on findings from recent studies, the average patient will experience a 60% to 80% permanent hair reduction with virtually no adverse side effects. Different cycles in follicle (hair root) growth make it impossible to destroy all hair in one treatment. Only hair that is the growing phase can be destroyed; this is why it usually takes six to ten sessions to achieve a good result. Removal of all hair may never be accomplished, but there should be permanent reduction. As we age our hair growth patterns change, so this does not prevent the possibility of new hair growth over the years.
How many treatments are needed?
It varies with the area being treated and on what percentage of the hair is actively growing. Darker hair has more melanin and is more easily removed. People think dark skin and light hair are difficult to treat. The average number of treatments can vary anywhere from six to ten treatments and varies from person to person. The treatments are usually scheduled every 8-10 weeks. It is not unusual to have a good reduction, only to have noticeable growth many months later. This occurs because the hairs that were in the resting phase are now in the growing phase. Because of this and because we are committed to the goal of permanent hair reduction, we will continue to treat for up to 2 full years.
Does it hurt?
Relative to waxing, electrolysis, plucking, and ripping, laser hair removal is only mildly uncomfortable. While sensitivity varies from person to person, most individuals describe a series of short snaps, somewhat like a rubber band snapping, lasting only about 5-6 seconds. No local anesthesia or pain medication is necessary.
How does it differ from electrolysis?
Electrolysis involves inserting a needle into individual hair follicles and delivering an electrical charge to them one at a time. Therefore, it can be costly, painful and time-consuming to do any more than a small area. Our technology, on the other hand, delivers light energy to hundreds of follicles at a time, which makes it ideal for treating large as well as small areas.
How is your treatment different from other clinics?
We have two choices for laser hair removal, giving you the best possible outcomes with the least amount of discomfort. We have chosen machines based on safety and effectiveness on all skin types. We can treat not only coarse hair but fine hair as well. It is permanent, safe and effective.
What are the side effects?
In the first hour the skin may become red with some burning and swelling around the hair shaft. To minimize this you can apply a cool ice pack followed by Aloe Vera lotion. Rarely, blistering will occur, but this also responds to ice and Aloe Vera. Permanent scarring is rare.
Hypopigmentation or lightening of the skin can occur in individuals with very dark skin.
Hyperpigmentation or darkening of the skin can also occur. This tends to fade over 3 to 6 months. Excessive swelling can occur, but subsides in 3 to 7 days. Do not use make –up or rub the area if the skin is tender or blisters.
How long does each treatment take?
It depends, of course, on the size of the area, but it typically takes 60 minutes to treat the upper and lower legs and 45 minutes for a man’s back (this portion will be specific to each client’s individual needs).
Can anyone have it done?
No laser or light-based system can treat blonde, white, red or gray hair since there is no melanin in it to absorb the light, but with our systems people with any other color hair and any skin type can receive treatment.
What should I do before the visit?
1. Do not use your Retinoid treatments for 2 days prior to a treatment.
2. If you are on Accutane, you must be off medication for at least 6 months, but we would prefer 1 year.
3. The best results occur if you have a deep peel BUT it must be at LEAST 5 days prior to allow for the skin to recover. You may have a deep peel anytime after IPL.
4. If you have "Cold Sores", you will need to be on medications prior to and a couple of days after treatment. We recommend Valtrex 2 grams twice per day starting one day prior to the procedure and continuing for an additional 2 days.
5. Avoid tanning or sun exposure for 2 weeks before and 1 week after any hair removal treatment but especially after laser or Intense Pulsed Light treatments.
Do I need to grow the hair out before my treatment?
No. In fact, we ask that you but do NOT pluck or wax the area to be treated. The treatment is targeting the hair follicle itself – not just hair, so successful hair removal depends on the presence of the hair shaft at the skin level.
What will be done at the visit?
At the first visit the doctor will evaluate you and determine the correct light setting for your treatments. This will take about 30 minutes. A test dose may be performed to insure that there are no unusual reactions to the treatment. Then you will schedule your all of your treatments with the receptionist. We request that payment for a course of treatment is made at this time.
How should I care for treated skin?
Gentle washing and the use of an Aloe Vera gel followed by sunscreen are generally sufficient. If there is intense redness, apply over the counter hydrocortisone cream to the treated areas. If there is any blistering, call our office for an appointment and keep the area covered with Bacitracin ointment (or any antibiotic ointment) and gauze. We will give you specific instructions after your first treatment.
© 2007 Turn Back Time Medispa
799 Central Avenue - Suite 260 - Highland Park, Illinois 60035
Contact: info@turnbacktimemedispa.com
Phone: 847.681.8700
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