HOW IT WORKS

The key to successful hair removal is destroying the entire follicle, down to the bulb and its germinating centers, while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.  Destroying the hair follicle during its active growth cycle is another key to producing long-term hair reduction.  Consequently, multiple treatments scheduled several weeks or months apart are typically required to achieve optimal results.

Lasers and IPL light sources gently remove unwanted hair based on the principle of selective photothermolysis.  This refers to the process whereby light energy causes thermal injury to the hair follicle.  The light penetrates through the skin and is absorbed in the target pigment (melanin) found in the hair shaft.  This energy absorbed in the shaft causes the temperature to reach a sufficiently high level in the hair follicle so that the targeted hair structures are destroyed and regrowth is inhibited.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING LASER HAIR REMOVAL

What are the benefits of laser hair removal over other methods of hair removal?
Unlike shaving, waxing, depilatories and plucking, laser hair removal provides a long term growth delay and permanent hair reduction.  Laser hair removal is fast and effective.  Where electrolysis treats a single hair at a time, laser hair removal can cover large areas rapidly.

What does laser hair removal feel like?
Laser hair removal is typically a very tolerable procedure.  On a scale of 1-10 most patients rate it a 3 or 4.  The procedure is often likened to a rubber band snap.  Certain areas may be more sensitive and your physician may recommend the use of numbing cream prior to treatment.

How long does treatment usually take?
Depending on the area to be treated, laser hair removal can take only a few minutes or over an hour.  The most commonly treated areas, bikini line, upper lip, chin, underarms typically require less than 20 minutes for treatment.

Can I return to work and normal activities immediately?
Yes you can return to work and normal activities immediately.  After laser hair removal, the treated site may feel like a mild sunburn for 24 hours or more.  Slight redness and swelling surrounding the hair follicles is normal and is actually an indicator of a good clinical response.  Although irritating preparations (glycolic acid, retinoids etc.) should be avoided, make-up can be applied to the treated area shortly after treatment.

How does laser hair removal work?
The laser energy is absorbed by the melanin pigment, in the hair follicle and converted to heat. 
The heat injures the hair follicle preventing its ability to produce hair.

Who can be treated?
The LightSheer is safe and effective on all skin types and tanned skin.  Because it is absorbed by melanin, laser hair removal is most effective on darker hair.

How many treatments will be required?
Every patient is different.  In general, lighter skinned patients will require 3-6 treatments and darker skinned patients will require 4-8 treatments spaced approximately 6-8 weeks apart to achieve satisfactory results.  Our practice cannot promise that each patient will achieve any level of permanent hair reduction; however, on average most patients can expect to achieve a 50-90% permanent reduction in the number of hairs following a full course of treatment.