Laser Hair Removal Frequently Asked Questions

 

FAQ

What happens in the laser consultation?

Your laser consultation is to ensure you are a suitable candidate for laser hair removal. A patch test will also be performed to show you how the laser machine works and so you can see how it reduces hair growth. This is also to ensure you have no reactions to the heat of the laser or the cryogen in the cooling device. Some of the topics that will be discussed are as follows: skin type, hair colour, lifestyle, medical history and medication. After the consultation you will have a clear understanding of how the laser works and feels and what is required from you and your therapist for a successful course of treatments.

How Does The Laser Treatment Work?

The laser creates a beam of high intensity light that penetrates deep into skin tissue where it delivers a controlled amount of therapeutic heat. Candela's patented Dynamic Cooling Device technology protects the upper layers of your skin with a cooling burst of cryogen. Together, the long pulse laser and cooling offer optimal treatment with minimal side effects.

What Can I Expect During The Treatment?

Safety eyewear will be worn to protect your eyes from the laser light. Your Therapist will guide the laser to the treatment areas with a small handheld probe. Each laser pulse may be preceded and followed by a short pulse of cooling spray. A treatment could take as little as a few minutes to as long as an hour, depending on the area being treated.

Does It Hurt?

Some patients may feel a slight discomfort with the laser pulse, sometimes described as the snapping of a rubber band on the skin. The discomfort is minimized by the cooling system.

How Many Treatments Sessions Will I Need?

The number of sessions depends on the treatment you require and the condition of your skin. For hair removal, most people require at least 6 to 8 treatments, as the process is only effective when the hair follicle is in its active growth phase. Other conditions may clear in fewer treatments; it mostly depends on the individual person as each client being treated is different. Maintenance treatments may be required after your course.

Can a tan or false tan effect my treatment?

Because many of the lasers made by Candela have absorption by melanin/pigment, we advise that patients avoid ANY sun exposure, tanning beds, and sunless tanning products for at least 2 weeks prior to treatment. Laser may not be performed for 6 weeks after sun exposure to ensure your skin is back to its normal shade. Clients need to be at their lightest/normal skin tone on the day of their treatment or the treatment will not be performed.

How Do I Prepare For Treatment?

Clients scheduled for hair removal should avoid electrolysis, waxing, and bleaching, plucking and cream removal for 2 weeks prior to treatment. If you have had history of perioral herpes and are scheduled for facial hair treatment, prophylactic antiviral therapy may be prescribed. Any hair should be shaved 24 hours before your treatment, and your skin should be thoroughly cleaned and dried, removing any makeup, cream, or oils on its surface before laser treatment.

What Can I Expect After Treatment?

Patients should avoid sun exposure before and after treatment, and should apply sunblock (SPF 30 or above) when going outdoors. We also recommend using Aloe Vera on the area being treated for 2-3 days after treatment. Your therapist can recommend the best products for you to use to keep you protected. Hair will start to shed 5 to 14days post treatment. This is not new hair growth but the old hair being removed from the hair shaft. Shave or exfoliate to remove this hair.

Are There Side Effects?

Your risks are minimal. Side effects may include Purpura (a laser bruise), redness, blistering, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and swelling in the treated area-these usually do not last more than a few days. Permanent side effects, such as hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation or scarring, are rare.

What Precautions Should I Take After Treatment?

After laser treatment, avoid sun exposure. In the first few days after treatment, don't scrub or rinse the treated areas with abrasive skin cleansers. Avoid picking or scratching the treated area. The only hair removal to be performed after laser is shaving. Avoid exercise and heat exposure for 24hours after treatment.

What medication could interfere with my laser?

It depends on the medication being used by the patient. There are a number of medications that are considered photo sensitising. Your therapist will have a list of what medications these are. Should they be photo sensitising, your treatment will not be performed. If you are on antibiotics you cannot have your laser done for 1 week after you stop taking them. Should you be on long term medication your doctor's consent will be required.