Laser Hair Removal

Say Goodbye to Unwanted Hair

Our team offers several effective laser hair removal options to best fit your needs.

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal utilizes specific wavelengths of light that are drawn to the melanin (pigment) at the “root” or bulb of the hair. Therefore, only black and brown hair can be treated with laser hair removal. Laser light is not well absorbed by lighter hair such as white, gray, red, blond or very light brown. Laser light is also better absorbed by coarse, thick hair. “Peach fuzz” and fine hair do not respond as well.  

Because hair follicles go through different cycles, a series of treatments will be needed. Each treatment will only target hairs that are in the “growth phase.” Most areas require six initial treatments. Facial hair can require more treatments. The spacing between the treatments depends on what area of the body is being treated. Typically, treatments on the face are four to six weeks apart. Underarms, bikini, arms and abdomen are six to eight weeks apart. Back and legs are 8-10 weeks apart.  

The treatment consists of multiple pulses delivered with the laser. Each pulse feels like a brief stinging or snapping sensation that is mildly uncomfortable. 

What Equipment is Used? 

  • Cartessa DEKA Motus AX (755nm alexandrite) 
  • Cutera excel V (1064 nm Nd:YAG) 
Smiling woman undergoing laser hair removal on her armpit

DEKA Motus AX

The Motus AX is the first, high-speed Alexandrite laser that makes it possible for some darker skin types to benefit from the effectiveness of laser hair removal. This breakthrough is possible because of Moveo technology – a hand piece that delivers fast, more efficient energy to destroy the hair in a way that is painless and free from side-effects. One of the breakthrough benefits of the Motus AX is that it is safe and effective for light to dark skin types. The Motus AX offers: 

  • A quick, comfortable and effective treatment. 
  • Laser hair removal that can be used across most skin types. 

Cutera excel® V

The Cutera excel V uses 1064 nm wavelength making it the safest treatment in dark skin types. Impulses are transmitted via the hair shaft to inactivate the hair follicles.  

Pre-Treatment Instructions

  • Avoid sun exposure for four weeks prior to treatment and four weeks after treatment. 
  • Avoid self-tanner for two weeks prior to treatment. 
  • Stop retinoids and Melatonik in the treatment area five to seven days prior to treatment. 
  • If taking a medication that is photosensitizing (i.e. Oracea, MCN, doxycycline, Monodox, etc.), stop the medication three days prior to the treatment to prevent adverse side effects. Such medications can be restarted immediately after the treatment. 
  • If you have a history of cold sores or genital herpes, please let us know before the day of the procedure so that a medication can be given for you to take to prevent a flare-up. 
  • To minimize discomfort, you may take up to 600mg of ibuprofen one hour prior to treatment. 
  • Perform a close shave of the treatment area two days prior to treatment. The hair should be minimally visible. 
  • Avoid tweezing, waxing, threading while undergoing your treatment series. 

Post-Treatment Instructions

Click below for full post-treatment instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Will I Be Like Afterwards? 

Redness with mild swelling around the hair follicles can be expected immediately after the treatment. This is typically brief but may persist for several days. You can apply makeup and sunscreen immediately after the treatment. It will take 7-30 days for treated hairs to shed. You may shave, but avoid tweezing, waxing, or threading between treatments. Avoid the use of retinoids on the treatment area for five to seven days after treatment. 

  • What Results Can I Expect? 

Laser hair removal treatments provide permanent hair reduction. Depending on the type of hair and area being treated, a 60-90% permanent reduction can be expected. Maintenance treatments are recommended as needed, typically one to two per year for the body and three to four per year for the face. Treated hairs will shed one to two weeks following the treatment. There will be minimal hair present between treatments, with regrowth occurring near the time of the next treatment. 

  • Who Cannot Have the Treatment? 

Laser hair removal is only effective on darker hair. Patients with blond, red, white, grey or even very light brown will not respond. Although laser hair removal is safe for all skin types, it is not safe on tan skin. Patients who have taken isotretinoin (Accutane) within the previous 12 months or are currently pregnant cannot have the treatment. Patients who have a history of PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) or other hormonal conditions may not respond as well. 

To learn more about laser hair removal, call or schedule online today!

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