Laser Hair Removal FAQs
Laser Hair Removal Summit and Englewood, New Jersey
Frequently Asked Questions
Before undergoing any cosmetic procedure, it is important to understand all of the relevant details. At Ethos Spa Skin and Laser Center, we want to make sure that you are well-informed before we begin treatment. Our expert skin care physicians have answered some of the most common questions asked by individuals interested in laser hair removal. During your consultation at our Summit or Englewood, New Jersey spa, we also encourage you to ask any additional questions. We always want you to feel comfortable and confident in your decision to undergo treatment. Contact our New Jersey spa today for more information about laser hair removal.
How does laser hair removal, or IPL work?
Laser hair removal, or intense pulsed light (IPL), works on the principles of selective photothermolysis. Pigments in the skin attract light at a certain wavelength. These pigments are in the form of melanin, also found in the hair shaft and follicle. The energy produced by the laser or IPL is selectively absorbed by the hair shaft and ultimately the follicle, destroying the cell located in the bulb and base of the follicle responsible for hair growth.
Who can have laser hair removal treatments?
Almost anyone can be a good candidate for laser hair removal, including both women and men of virtually any skin type, skin color, and hair type. The only exception is light-colored or white hair, which may not be removable with lasers because it lacks sufficient pigment to absorb the energy produced by the laser.
The type of laser utilized depends on the hair color, thickness, density, and skin type. At Ethos Spa, we have a variety of lasers on-hand in order to best accommodate everyone.
What areas of the body can be treated?
Almost any area of the body can have unwanted hair removed, the most common of which includes the face, neck, bikini lines, underarms, back, chest, and legs.
Does laser hair removal hurt?
Any discomfort experienced during treatment depends on several factors. Pain tolerances differ from person to person; however, laser hair removal has been compared to sensation of a snap of a rubber band on the skin. Certain areas of the body tend to be more sensitive than other areas, but this also varies for each patient.
At Ethos Spa, we use the topical anesthetic, lidocaine, to lessen any discomfort associated with the procedure. We also employ dynamic cooling, in which we use a device that blows very cold air across the area to be treated. The combination of topical anesthetic with dynamic cooling makes laser hair removal very tolerable.
Finally, light sedation using oral medications may also be employed in conjunction with the above methods for those with very low pain tolerance. Our goal is to make the procedure as comfortable for you as possible.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments depends on a variety of factors but typically 4 to 6 treatments are sufficient to see a significant reduction in hair. Multiple treatments are required because laser hair removal is effective only during the growth phase of the hair cycle. If it is destroyed in the resting or transition phase, the hair is likely to grow back. Hair on the face, as opposed to the legs, tends to be in the active growth cycle at any given time. Individuals with finer or lighter colored hair may require more treatments than average. At our first-class New Jersey spas, a healthcare provider will discuss your specific laser hair removal treatment plan with you.
What is the time between treatments?
The time between treatments often depends on the location of the intended removal. Hair on the face tends to grow much faster than elsewhere, and treatments are performed on average every 4 weeks. Hair on the legs grows at a slower rate and treatments may be performed every 6 to 8 weeks. These are general guidelines. A good rule is to contact our Summit or Englewood, New Jersey spa when you start experiencing significant hair growth in the laser hair removal treatment area.
How can I maximize the effectiveness of the treatments?
It is important that you not remove hair by waxing, plucking, or threading in the treatment area as presence of the hair is necessary to remove it. However, you can bleach the hair, shave, or use depilatory creams to remove the hair. Your provider may also ask you to shave the area the night before the treatment so the area is not irritated when the procedure is performed.
Avoiding the sun while you are getting laser hair removal treatments is very important as well. We also advocate using sunscreen daily, and particularly during laser hair removal treatment. People may also opt to undergo laser hair removal during the fall and winter in preparation for spring and summertime. Many types of lasers cannot be utilized if a tan is present, whether from the sun, tanning beds, or chemicals. Tans increase the likelihood of adverse reactions. However, some lasers such as the Nd:YAG laser can be utilized on tanned skin.
You also need to stop use of any topical medications that are skin irritants, such as hydroxy acids or retinoic acid. Arrive for the treatment with clean skin that is free of any creams, lotions, oils, or makeup on the area to be treated. Your laser operator will also clean the skin prior to the treatment.
What will my skin look like after a laser treatment?
You may notice some redness at the site of the laser hair removal. This tends to dissipate quickly, often lasting only hours to no more than a few days. You may also expect some swelling, typically at the hair follicle. This is a normal response and will subside. If you notice any blistering, crusting, or pigment changes notify your provider immediately.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
Laser hair removal is unlikely to remove 100% of your hair for life, however, 70% to 90% reduction in hair growth is considered to be an excellent result. When hair re-growth does occur, it typically tends to be much finer and lighter in color. People with lighter colored and finer hair may experience less reduction. Darker skin types may experience less reduction in hair growth. As your satisfaction is our number one priority, at Ethos Spa in Summit and Englewood, New Jersey, we offer our laser hair removal clients a lifetime guarantee.
Be wary of any treatment or provider that claims they can remove all of your hair permanently. At some point, you may experience re-growth, and laser hair removal may not be as effective, especially if the hair is lighter or finer.
What are the possible complications of laser hair removal?
The most common complications include hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation, a relative lightening or darkening of the skin. Darker skin types are at a higher risk due to the presence of increased amounts of melanin in the surrounding skin which may absorb the laser energy intended for the hair.
More serious side effects such as a burn or scarring can also occur. It is very important that the treatment provider understand all skin types and laser-tissue interactions. During subsequent treatments, your provider may use higher energy settings if there were no adverse reaction from prior settings or if treatment was ineffective. If you do experience any side effects it is important to contact your provider immediately.
Who cannot get laser hair removal?
It is best to consult with your physician to determine if laser hair removal is right for you. Not everyone is a candidate for laser hair removal, including individuals with:
- Pacemaker or internal defibrillator
- Superficial metal or other implants in the treatment area
- Current or history of skin cancer, as well as premalignant moles
- Severe concurrent conditions, such as cardiac disorders
- Pregnancy or nursing
- Impaired immune system as in AIDS and HIV, or use of immunosuppressive meds
- Disease stimulated by light-Systemic Lupus, Porphyria, Epilepsy
- Poorly controlled endocrine disorders such as diabetes or Poly Cystic Ovary
- Any active condition in the treatment area, infection, sores, eczema, psoriasis
- History of skin disorders or abnormal healing, keloid, or dry fragile skin
- History of bleeding disorders or use of anti-coagulants such as Coumadin
- Medications such as Accutane (use within 6 months), tetracyclines, or St. John’s Wort
- Use of medications which may stimulate hair growth such as Minoxidil
- Facial laser resurfacing or deep chemical peeling within last 3 months
- Tattoo of permanent makeup in treatment area
- Excessively tanned skin from sun, tanning beds, or cream within 2 weeks
- Electrolysis, waxing, and plucking within 6 weeks prior to treatment
Learn More about Laser Hair Removal
Contact our delightful Summit and Englewood, New Jersey spas today for more information about laser hair removal. A dedicated representative is standing by to answer your questions, or to assist you in scheduling an appointment.
