Laser Hair Reduction

WHAT IS LASER HAIR REMOVAL? One of the most common cosmetic procedures, Laser Hair Removal, removes unwanted hair from the face, legs, back, arms, bikini area (ahem— Brazilian), and other areas that are annoyingly time-consuming or difficult to shave or wax. Patients with lighter skin and darker hair are better candidates because the contrast makes it easier for the laser to target the hair’s pigment. Perfect for people with embarrassing excess body hair, the laser uses highly-concentrated beams of light that reach up to 100 degrees Celsius (200 degrees Fahrenheit) to target the pigment in the hair follicle. With built-in Advanced Contact Cooling, the laser maintains a constant 5-degree Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit) temperature, so patients remain comfortable during the duration of the procedure. The pigment absorbs the light and destroys the hair, leaving your skin smooth and stubble-free. If you’re tired of shaving every day or spending way too much on waxing that only lasts a few weeks (at best), consider a permanent solution for your hair removal — laser hair removal at Premier Medical Aesthetics.

LASER HAIR REMOVAL PROCESS

Patients seeking laser hair removal should be in good health and able to handle some mild discomfort.

4-Weeks Before Treatment

WHAT TO AVOID: Do not wax, tweeze, bleach, use depilatory hair removal creams, or use electrolysis on the treatment area. It can reduce the effectiveness of the laser hair removal treatment. Avoid direct sun exposure. If unavoidable, use a minimum of SPF 30.

1-2 Weeks Before Treatment

AVOID TANNING : Stop tanning, including tanning beds (seriously—don’t even go there?!), self-tanning creams, lotions, and sprays.

A Few Hours Before

SHAVE…BUT I HATE SHAVING : Shave the treatment area the morning of your scheduled appointment, unless instructed otherwise. If you cannot shave the area, one of our nurses will shave the area

Procedure Day

IT’S SHOW TIME : Remove any lotions, make-up, and deodorants before treatment. Wear loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the treatment area and doesn’t irritate the skin.

Before Procedure

PREPARATION : We’ll thoroughly cleanse the treatment area, making sure to remove any residual make-up, sunblock, or lotions. For your comfort, a topical numbing cream is applied, allowing time to penetrate the skin.

During Procedure

LASER TIME : Using our Skintel Melanin Reader, we’ll adjust the laser in relation to the color, thickness, and location of the hair being treated as well as your skin color to achieve optimal results. Some patients claim it feels like a light rubber band snapping or a sunburn-like sting. There may be an occasional sulfurous smell from the keratin as the hair vaporizes from the laser’s energy.

After Procedure

IMMEDIATELY AFTER : The treated area may appear red, irritated, and swollen like a sunburn. Apply ice packs or cold aloe vera gel to soothe. Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and depilatory creams until your treatments are complete.

24-Hours After Procedure

THE NEXT DAY: Avoid hot showers, saunas, hot tubs, swimming, or other strenuous sports for 2-3 days or until any redness has resolved. Do not shave the treated area for 1-3 days. As long as there is no redness, blistering, or scabbing, you can apply makeup, lotion, and resume shaving. The treated area is very delicate; treat it with care.

2-3 Days After Procedure

IT’S NORMAL : You may experience “hair shedding” or hair expelled from the skin for the first few days; sometimes mistaken for hair growth. Do not wax, tweeze, bleach, use depilatory hair removal creams, or use electrolysis on the treatment area until the course of treatments are complete.

Anytime After Procedure

WHEN TO CALL : If scabbing, blistering, or signs of infection occur, please contact our office at (760) 642-7014. You can also call us if you have any other concerns.

2-8 Weeks After Procedure

HAIR GROWTH : You should expect a reduction of hair in the treatment area immediately after. After laser hair removal, you may begin to see new hair growth in 2-8 weeks. It typically takes between 3-8 sessions for permanent hair loss because we have to target hair at different growth cycles.