+ What is laser hair removal?

Laser energy is delivered through a small handpiece operated by your practitioner. The laser delivers an intense beam of light, which is absorbed by the skin and converted to controlled amount of heat. The heat is then absorbed by the cells being targeted, while the surrounding tissue remains unaffected. The Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD) technology helps project a cool burst before the laser hits the skin so this makes it more comfortable and less painful. Your skin may be slightly red immediately following the procedure. This typically lasts from a few minutes to several hours after the procedure.

+ Are Laser Hair Removal treatments safe and are there any side effects?

Laser and light-based treatments have been safely used for many years for a variety of medical and cosmetic procedures. Potential side effects include skin irritation/redness that can last up to 24 hours after laser hair removal treatments. You might also notice hair shedding and regrowth.

+ How long do Laser Hair Removal treatments take and how many treatments will it require?

Treatment times vary depending on your specific needs/area size on body. Hair growth is reduced after each treatment and the number of treatments required will be based on your hair color, hair type, body area and skin tone. The typical average is 6-8 treatments.

+ What precautions should I take throughout this process?

Avoid sun exposure for at least 4 weeks before treatment. Do not bleach, pluck or wax 4 week before your treatment. You can only shave before and in between your treatments. You cannot be tan in the area that you are getting lasered.

+ Is laser hair removal painful?

Candela's Laser Hair Removal treatments use a patented Dynamic Cooling Device™ (DCD™), which prepares the skin for treatment by spraying the upper layer with a cooling burst of cryogen in adjustable durations — milliseconds before the laser pulse. DCD helps ensure that the treatments are as comfortable as they are effective. The feeling of laser is similar to a rubber band snapping on the skin.

+ How does Laser Hair Removal compare to Electrolysis?

Laser hair removal is much faster and less painful than Electrolysis because each pulse targets a 10-24mm area of the skin rather than individual hair follicles with a needle. Electrolysis is similar to getting a tattoo but they go into each single hair follicle to zap it and kill the root.

+ What is the ideal LHR client? Who cannot be treated?

LHR is ideal with anyone with dark hair. We treat all skin types/tones, but the pigment of the hair you are lasering needs to be dark because the laser only picks up on dark pigment of the hair. Therefore, LHR is not for someone with white/light hairs. Electrolysis would be the better option for white/light hairs.

+ Why can I only shave between treatments?

As the sessions continue the laser is killing the hair follicles, which is why is it not recommended to do any other type of hair removal other than shaving between the sessions. If you were to wax or do another type of hair removal, the hair follicle that the laser is trying to kill gets pulled out; therefore the laser treatments you have been getting are wasted. It’s important to shave before your treatment (besides the face, we will do this for you) because if there is hair and if we laser, the laser energy is getting wasted killing the hair that is on top of your skin rather than killing the root of that hair.

+ What will my treatment be like?

You will go into the laser room, get undressed for the area being treated. We will talk about your medical history and about the precautions. Then we will make sure that the area being treated is completely shaved. Safety glasses will be worn to protect the eyes and the laser treatment will begin.

+ Is laser hair removal covered by my insurance?

No, most cosmetic procedures are not covered by medical insurance.

+ How often can I get LHR?

You can get it every 5-6 weeks. Its most effective when you are consistent with your appointments.

+ What should I do before the treatment?

• Please shave 24-28 hours prior.
• Do not tweeze, wax, pluck 4 weeks before
• The area must be clean, free of lotion, deodorant, makeup, ointments
• Skin cannot be tan.

+ What should I do after the treatment?

• Wear sunblock as least SPF 30, and re-apply throughout the day.
• The hair will shed 2-3 weeks after the treatment. Do NOT do any other hair removal methods, besides shaving. You can use a washcloth to exfoliate the shedded hairs.
• You can wear deodorant and makeup afterwards if you feel like the skin is not irradiated.
• Avoid the sun for 2 weeks afterwards.
• You can use a cool compress after the treatment for comfort.
• Redness may last 2-5 hours up to several days following the treatment.
• If swelling (edema) or itching is present afterwards, you can use a topical hydrocortisone or Benadryl to alleviate. Oral antihistamine can also be used. Non-drowsy antihistamine (such as Claritin) can be taken to avoid drowsiness associated with Benadryl.
• Avoid heavy exercise, saunas, chlorine pools for 24 hours after.

+ What are the contraindications?

• Accutane; wait 1 year
• Photosensitive medication, antibiotics
• Seizure Disorders/Epileptic
• HSV 1 & 2; (Herpes Simplex Virus)
• Active skin infections/open wounds
• Keloid Scarring
• Pregnancy
• Implanted Medical Devices; Pacemakers, cardioverters, other implantable devices; Consult with your physician before.
• Sunburn or Tanned Skin (Self tanner products must be exfoliated before treatment)
• Certain medications; anticoagulation therapy, iron supplements, or herbal supplements (ginkgo, ginseng, garlic) could cause you to bruise more readily if used daily.