Laser Hair Removal
- How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
- Is laser hair removal permanent?
- Who is an ideal candidate for laser hair removal?
- How many treatments are needed?
- How long will the treatments take?
- What are the pre-treatment restrictions?
- What areas can be treated with the laser?
- Is the laser treatment painful?
- Are there any side effects?
- How much does it cost?
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
The LightSheer Diode DUET produces a beam of highly concentrated light. The light emitted by the laser is absorbed by the pigment located in the hair follicles, which converts it into heat and causes thermal damage to the follicle to disable prevent regrowth. This is all done without any harm to the surrounding tissue. Your hair grows in three different phases. Laser hair removal is most effective when the hairs are in the anagen phase, known as the active growth phase. As all of the hairs are not in this phase as the same time, several treatments will be necessary to achieve permanent reduction. After the hairs have been treated, the follicle is disabled and the hairs will shed over a period of 7- 28 days, leaving you with a hair free period of up to four to six weeks, depending on the area. The next cycle will return in time for your next pre-scheduled appointment. The results are fabulous!!!
Is laser hair removal permanent?
The LightSheer Diode laser was the first to be approved by the FDA for PERMANENT hair reduction. This means that although laser treatments with this device will permanently reduce the total number of body hairs, they will not result in a permanent removal of all the hair. Permanent hair reduction is defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs re-growing after a treatment series, which may include several sessions. The number of hairs regrowing must be stable over time greater than the duration of the complete growth cycle of hair follicles, which varies from four to twelve months according to body location. Most people notice at least 85% reduction of the hairs in the treatment area. For the few cases that hair does grow back, the hair that grows in is usually lighter and finer which is less noticeable, easier for you to maintain, as well as it is more difficult to remove with further laser treatments. We also cannot prevent the propensity of new growth in the treatment area which are caused by many variables.
Who is an ideal candidate for laser hair removal?
If you have a concern about unwanted hair, you are probably a good candidate. Our laser treats all skin types, although darker skin types may require more treatments as the results on finer hair against darker skin tones are not as effective. Laser technology does not effectively treat blonde, white, gray or red hair. Electrolysis is still your best option for this concern. Your initial complementary consultation will help us determine whether this service is right for you and what you should expect.
How many treatments are needed?
The number of treatments required depends upon your skin tone, hair color, texture and your tolerance to the laser treatments. The influences of hair growth have to do with many factors; age, ethnicity, hormones, medication, metabolism, weight gain and genetics all play a part in your hair's location, thickness and resilience. Generally, most clients will require 5-8 treatments spaced 6-12 weeks apart to achieve permanent reduction of their hair. Fewer treatments are needed if your goal is just to reduce the density or coarseness of the hairs to be able to shave and maintain the areas more easily. In hormonally induced areas (i.e. woman's facial area) a client usually will need a minimum of 5-10 treatments and sometimes more. We can only help you get rid of the hair you currently dealing with, as you may always have a propensity to grow new hair in the treatment area.
How long will the treatments take?
Since the laser treats many hairs at a time, an area the size of a full back or legs can be treated in as little as a half hour and a bikini line and underarms may take less than 15 minutes. The upper lip and chin will take less than 10 minutes. The length of time depends on the size of the area to be treated and your tolerance to the laser treatment.
What are the pre-treatment restrictions?
All clients considering laser hair removal should avoid sun exposure for four to six weeks prior to your treatments. For optimum results, avoid tweezing or waxing the hairs for at least four weeks on the face and for six to eight weeks on the body areas. The use of bleach, depilatories and sunless tanning cream should also be avoided for a week prior to your treatment. The hair to be treated on the body should be cleanly shaven on the day of treatment. If there is a question about the darkness of your hair or the actual location of the hair in the area to be treated, just leave it alone for evaluation prior to your first treatment. Pregnant women should consult with their OB/GYN before proceeding with laser hair removal services.
What areas can be treated with the laser?
You may be surprised that aside from the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet, your entire body is covered with hair and in some areas you may have up to a thousand hair follicles per square inch. All areas including the Face, Breasts, Legs & Feet, Bikini Line, Back & Shoulders, Chest & Abdomen, Buttocks, Underarms, Arms & Hands, Neckline, Nose, Ears & Unibrow and be treated safely with the laser. For your safety the only area we are not able to treat is below the eyebrow and the area within the eye orbit bone.
Is the laser treatment painful?
Pain tolerance is something that’s unique to every individual, but most people tolerate the procedure well. Many factors such as the coarseness and density of the hair, the color and the area being treated affect the sensation. The amount of energy used can affect this as well. However, the LightSheer Diode does help alleviate some discomfort by providing a chilling system before, during and after each pulse with it's 12mm head. Our LightSheer High-speed DUET laser provides a fast treatment with little to no discomfort. For more sensitive clients, we have available for purchase at our cost, the LMX-5 topical anesthetic cream, which is a FDA approved 5% lidocaine cream. Those who decide to use their own numbing product prior to their treatment should follow the directions of their own health care provider.
The appearance of the treated area immediately following treatment will vary for each individual. Short-term side effects may include slight redness and swelling around the hair follicle, which are in fact are desired clinical results and indicate that the follicle has responded well to the treatment. This usually lasts less than an hour, although infrequently for some may last a few days. Most clients resume normal activity after their treatments. Occasionally, a slight rash may occur on body parts that are difficult to exfoliate such as ingrown hairs and men's backs.
Your initial consultation of course, is complimentary. Our treatment prices are pay as you go and range from $29 to $399 depending on the facial or body area being treated. We are happy to provide you with upfront estimates for your desired areas and you will never be asked to pay upfront for any of your treatments. Our Maintenance Pricing allows you more affordability should you need more than five treatments of a given area reducing your charge by 40% per treatment. At INFINITY, we do not inflate our prices just to disguise a promotion or a deep discount for multiple areas, however we do take into account multiple area discounts for some body parts. Please take a look at our Pricing Page for more information and you will see that with Infinity's Pricing Advantage and Great Promotions, we are very competitive and affordable.
