Full Legs LHR

Things to Know

• Our hair removal treatments are safe and effective for most hair types and colors and all skin types, including tanned skin. However, we do ask that you avoid sun exposure for 2 weeks prior to your treatment.

• Antibiotics or other photo-sensitizing medications must also be avoided for 1 week prior to your treatment.

• Use of topical medications such as Retin-A in the treatment site must be avoided for 5-7 days before and after treatment.

• Waxing, tweezing, threading, bleaching creams, and depilitories must be discontinued for at least 3-6 weeks prior to treatment and throughout the course of treatments.

• Accutane use must be discontinued for 6 months prior to treatment.

• Hair in treatment area must be shaved 1-2 days prior to treatment (hair must not and should not be grown out!) 

• Treatments must be done consistently for best results. Treatment intervals vary from every 4 weeks to every 10 weeks depending on treatment area.

• Hair will begin to shed 7-14 days after treatment. Exfoliating frequently (scrub or continued shaving) will help speed up the shedding process. Hair growth will be less after each treatment.

• Laser targets the pigment in the hair. The darker the hair the better the result.

• An average minimum of 6-10 treatments is neccessary for a 70-90% hair reduction. (Some areas, such as facial hair, may require more treatments and more maintenance).

• Maintenance may be recommended a few times a year after series, depending on treatment area, skin and hair type, hormonal factors, age, and response. 

• Treatments must be discontinued if you become pregnant or are trying to get pregnant. 

How does Laser Hair Removal work?

Lasers safely remove unwanted facial and body hair by selectively targeting melanin (pigment) inside the hair follicle. A beam of light is emitted, which passes through the skin down into the hair to the root of the follicle. The light energy is converted to heat energy, damaging the follicle.  

What do Laser Hair Removal treatments feel like?

Laser Hair Removal is very tolerable. The hand piece cools and soothes as it is pressed against the skin. When the light pulse is delivered, some patients describe a warm, mild pinching, or stinging sensation. No local anesthesia or pain medication is required. Our Palomar system uses advanced cooling technology making it the least painful of all systems.

What should be done before a Laser Hair Removal treatment? 

Before your treatment, it is very important that the area to be treated has not been directly exposed to the sun or tanning booths for at least two weeks. Sunless tanning should be avoided for at least one week before a treatment. We recommend that you shave the area one to two days before your appointment. Waxing, bleaching, tweezing, or any other method that removes the root of the hair must also be discontinued at least four weeks prior to treatment. The hair must be present in the follicle for the treatment to be effective. You cannot receive a treatment if you are taking antibiotics, Accutane, or using Retin-A or other topical acne creams (only if in area being treated), have any auto immune diseases or are pregnant or actively trying.

What happens after a Laser Hair Removal treatment? 

Immediately after your treatment, you may return to your normal activities. The area may appear slightly red and swollen. The use of sunscreen is recommended on any treated areas that may be exposed to the sun. Avoid direct sun exposure to the area for a week after treatment. Seven to ten days after your treatment, the treated hair will begin to shed. Hairs that were not actively growing during the treatment may continue to grow, but it is permissible to shave. The treated hair will not grow for the next few weeks until you are ready for your next treatment. 

What are the possible side effects of Laser Hair Removal?

Laser Hair Removal is extremely safe. Although few side effects are experienced, some may notice a slight reddening and local swelling of the skin, similiar to a sun burn. These effects may last up to several hours. In rare instances, blistering, scarring, skin discolorations, or burns can occur. 

How many Laser Hair Removal treatments are needed?

Hair grows in three cycles: Anagen (active), Catagen (regression), and Telogen (resting). Since the laser targets the hairs in the Anagen phase , and only a small percentage of hair are in this phase at any given time, several treatments are required. Most areas require 6-10 treatments for a 70-90% reduction. Maintenance treatments may be required. 

Can anyone benefit from Laser Hair Removal?

Since the laser targets pigment in the hair, the best candidate for Laser Hair Removal would have dark hair and light skin. However, it is still extremely effective on all skin and most hair types except for white or gray hair, blonde (peach fuzz), and red hair. 

How long does a typical Laser Hair Removal session last?

The length of the session depends on the size of the area. Typically, a treatment can take as little as 10 minutes for a small area or up to an hour or more for a larger area such as the back or legs.

Is it completely permanent hair removal?

Technically, no. No Laser or IPL Hair Removal device has ever been proven or FDA approved to permanently eliminate ALL hair, forever, for everyone. This does not mean that it is impossible to acheive permanent hair removal. However, Laser Hair Removal can (and is FDA approved for) permanently reducing hair growth and density. This means hair will grow finer, lighter, slower, more sporadic, or not at all for a long period of time. There are also many factors that may determine an individual's long term outcome. With realistic expections, proper maintenance, and properly performed treatments, Laser Hair Removal is extremely beneficial!

What areas can be treated with Laser Hair Removal? 

All areas of the body can be treated!