How many treatments does it take to clear an area?
6-12, done once a month. Maintenance treatments are needed for most patients, particularily in skin of color.
Should I expect to be hair free in the treated area after the series of treatments?
No, most patients experience an 80-90 % reduction in the amount of hair. You will need maintenance treatments done once every 2-4 months
Will my hair be gone immediately after the procedure?
No, the hair will be shed for 1- 3 weeks
What color hair can be treated?
The laser works best on dark hair. It does not work well on blond, gray, red, or white hair because it does not absorb laser energy due to lack of pigment. We can attempt to treat light hair, however, we often recommend doing a test spot first
Can dark hair and skin be treated?
Yes. Our advanced laser technology allows us to treat darker skin types safely and effectively
What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal/ reduction uses a combination of heat and energy to destroy the hair follicle without harming the skin around it. The LightPod Neo laser offers patients a uniquely pain-free and gentle way to get rid of any unwanted hair. Most patients who have been treated by other lasers say that being treated with the LightPod Neo is much gentler and more pleasant. During laser hair removal, the hair must be in its growing phase in order to be successfully destroyed. To ensure that all hair is effectively removed during the growing phase, you will receive a series of treatments spaced 3-4 weeks apart. This will successfully ensure maximum results.
Why must patients not bleach, wax, pluck, or use electrolysis for 6 weeks prior to treatment?
The hair root must be present and pigmented for the laser to work
Why must tanning be avoided for 6 weeks before and after treatment?
We do not treat tanned skin. Increased melanin (pigment) in the skin decreases the effectiveness of treatment and also makes it more likely that the patient will experience hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, or blistering from the laser treatment. This includes sunless tanning products and sprays. If you go om vacation you should wait at least 2 weeks for a treatment
Should I shave before treatment?
Yes, we request that you shave any areas you want treated the morning of or 24 hours before treatment. Surface hair increases the risk of a burn and uses laser energy that will then not go to the root of the hair follicle
Can any area of the body be treated?
Yes, with the exception of eyelashes due to the danger of eye injury
Does the treatment hurt?
There is a stinging sensation felt during treatment that many patients find comparable to the pain of waxing or electrolysis. We will prescribe you topical anesthetic that you will use 45 min to one hour prior to the procedure
How long will the actual treatment take?
Underarms, back of the neck, and bikini areas are usually treated in approximately 5-10 minutes, while large areas like full legs or back can take up to an hour
What will the treated area look like immediately after treatment?
The skin will have some erythema (redness), and the hair follicles will swell, looking like goose bumps for approximately 1-2 hours, and up to a couple of days in some patients
How long will it be before I see hair regrowth in the treated areas?
It may be anywhere from 3 weeks to 4 months before any regrowth is observed. After each treatment some hair (approximately 20 -30 %) will not regrow
What are possible side effects of laser hair removal?
Blistering, bruising, hyperpigmentation (darkening), or hypopigmentation (lightening) of the skin, skin infection (Herpes virus reactivation). We will assess your risks of these complications, and will perform a test spot at your first visit if we feel you are at any risk
What is a “test spot”, and why is it performed?
Test spots are small areas of skin that are treated at various laser energy levels prior to treatment of darker skin. They are done to determine the level of energy that is best for that individual. Test spots are re-evaluated in 2-4 weeks to determine if the patient is a laser candidate. This is not typically required.
Does insurance cover laser hair removal?
No, your fee is payable on the day of treatment by cash, credit card, or check
What is the cost for laser hair removal?
How do I make an appointment for laser hair removal?
Please contact the office for an appointmetnt for a skin evaluation. We will then determine whether you are a candidate for laser hair removal and rule out other conditions that may cause excess hair growth.
