Questions & Answers
Who will obtain the best results?
People with dark brown or black hair and people with light, white skin.
Who will have the worst results?
People with either light blond or gray hair. People with dark skin, either tanned skin and/or darkly pigmented.
Why do results vary from person to person?
No two people are alike as to hair color and skin color.
How many treatments will it take?
Usually 4 to 6 treatments spaced four to eight weeks apart.
Is there any guarantee of results?
No, every patient will respond differently.
What percentage of the hair will be removed permanently?
Typically 60 to 99% of the hair can be removed permanently. Permanently is defined by the FDA as hair loss for one year or more. Please note that we
cannot guarantee 100% hair removal. Repeat treatments may be necessary to maintain your improvement. With aging, new, unwanted hair may need repeated
treatments. Currently there are no lasers available that will prevent hair from growing in the future.
What are the possible complications?
- Burning of the skin.
- Hyperpigmentation (darkening) of the skin.
- Hypopigmentation (lightening) of the skin.
- Infections of the skin (unlikely).
How much will it cost?
Prices will be discussed at the time of the consultation.
Why do we offer the LightSheer laser?
LightSheer is rapid, dependable and relatively maintenance free. It does not require that an additional gel be placed on the patient, thus saving time and
expense. I have been told that there are three phases of hair growth
Why does this matter?
There are two resting phases and one growing phase in the hair cycle. Only hair in the growing phase is effectively treated by any laser system. Hair that is
in regression or resting phases will not be affected. At any one time, only 20-50% of your hair is in the growing phase. This is the major reason why multiple
(usually around four) treatments are required.
How does the laser work?
The laser light targets pigment (melanin) in the hair shaft. The melanin absorbs the laser energy (heat) and damages the hair follicles. The melanin in the
surrounding skin can also absorb the laser energy. There is a balance between burning the hair follicle vs. burning the skin. People with a lot of expressed
melanin (tanned or naturally dark) may burn.
Do females that have excess patches of hair on their face, acne and irregular periods need a hormonal work-up first?
Yes, they may have an underlying hormonal problem that needs to be corrected.
What medications are contraindicated?
The use of Accutane in the six months must be stopped prior to the hair laser procedure. Also, stop the use of any Retin-A products, glycolic products and
Renova for at least 5 days prior to any treatment sessions.
What pre-treatment care is required?
Shave the area you want treated 1 to 2 days before coming to the office. Keep these areas out of the sun as best as possible and use at least an SPF 30 sunscreen
if sun cannot be avoided. Do not wear make-up or deodorant over the area you want treated when coming for treatment. Do not pluck or wax the area for at least
four weeks before treatment.
Is it painful?
On a scale of one to ten, most patients call it a 3 or 4.
How soon will the hair fall out?
Surface hair will come off immediately, the "root" in 2 to 3 weeks.
How many sessions will it require before I notice significant results?
At least 2 sessions are required before you will be able to start to tell a difference in the amount of hair. Typically after just one session, people notice
very little change. Do not become discouraged; give it a few more sessions.