Trying to get rid of unwanted hair on the face or body is a common problem. Laser hair reduction offers results that cannot be achieved with conventional shaving or waxing. The laser works by targeting the hair in the follicle, below the skin’s surface. The lasers we use in our medical spa are FDA approved and safe and effective. The laser energy is transformed into heat, which destroys the hair follicle leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. Facial areas, bikini area, upper and lower legs, arms, chest, and back may be treated leaving skin smooth, stubble free and without the irritation of ingrown hairs. In an hour or less, most body areas can be hair free. While some areas of the body are more sensitive than others, most patients report little or no discomfort. Again, this is a no down time procedure.
Hair grows in cycles. A minimum of four to six treatments will be necessary, as the process is most effective on hair during the early growth cycle. After each session, you will see substantial visible hair reduction. Each laser hair removal treatment will result in a hair growth reduction. Additionally, hair will grow progressively slower, lighter, and finer with each treatment. It takes more than one treatment to affect all the follicles growing in an area.
The number of sessions will vary for each individual. During the initial visit, the laser light disables those follicles in the “active” phase of the growth cycle. Follicles in the “dormant” phase will not be affected. Since follicles cycle through “active” and “dormant” phases, additional sessions may be desired once the “dormant” follicles become “active”. For this reason, we recommend a series of treatments. Most people achieve satisfactory clearance after four to six treatments, but individual results may vary depending on medical and genetic factors. Lighter colored hair may require more treatments than darker colored hair.
Since no procedure can guarantee permanent hair removal, most patients can expect a sixty to seventy percent reduction in hair growth. Remember the laser is FDA approved for permanent hair reduction not removal. The extent of long-term hair reduction will vary among clients because of the nature of hair and the many factors that influence the growth of hair. After the initial full course of treatments, there should be little hair re-growth. This re-growth will require future laser hair removal treatments to sustain hair reduction.
Note: Multiple treatments will be required to achieve optimum results, All payments are strictly non refundable. We currently use the Gentlelase laser which we have found to give our clients excellent results.
Pre-Treatment
Avoid tanning for a week prior to laser treatment
Avoid waxing, tweezing or depilatory use for 6 weeks
Avoid irritants such as products containing glycolic acid or Retin-A in the area for 5-7 days.
No Accutane for 6 months prior to treatment
Shave the desired treatment area the night before laser treatment.
No deodorant, creams, oils, perfumes, etc on area prior to treatment
Wear loose, comfortable clothing on the day of treatment, so as not to
irritate the treated area
Post-Treatment
The areas treated with the laser may be red following treatment. This will generally fade within 2-3 days.
The treated area can be washed normally with mild soap and water. Wash the area gently with your fingertips. Use of a washcloth or other abrasive instrument is not recommended.
Cover the treated area with a sunscreen of SPF15 or higher and avoid sun exposure to the treated area for 4 to 6 weeks. No direct sun exposure for at least 2 weeks
Avoid irritants such as products containing glycolic acid or Retin-A in the area for 5-7 days.
No deodorant to treated area for 48 hours
Minor crusting or scabbing of the treated area can occur following treatment. Do not rub or pick the scab. Wash gently with fingertips and mild soap. Apply an antibacterial ointment to the treated area. Apply 1% hydrocortisone or Aloe Vera to treated area as redness occurs
Hair remaining in the follicle will extrude typically within 1-2 weeks after treatment. This will look like growth, but is simply the body’s way of eliminating the hair from the injured follicle. On the third day post-treatment, you may shave or gently wash the area to help loosen hair that is still embedded in the follicles.
No exercise until perifollicular edema (red bumps) resolves
No Jacuzzi, sauna or steam baths until the skin is back to normal.
When to call
Some reasons to call:
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask or call the office. If you need immediate attention, or for some reason you are unable to contact me, go to the emergency room nearest your home.
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Dr Rieger Plastic Surgery in Wichita Kansas. Specializes in breast implants and rhinoplasty surgery as well as all cosmetic surgery of the face, breast and body. Dr. Rieger has provided the content of this website for informational purposes only. The website is not intended to provide medical advice nor does it constitute a doctor/patient relationship. Please see HIPPA/privacy, email, texting, communication, and legal statements
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