How does laser hair removal work?
The general principle is quite simple. Think back to grade-school science and the color spectrum: dark colors attract light, light colors reflect light. The laser beam is directed at the hair follicles and the dark pigments in the follicle absorb the laser light energy, while the light skin around it reflects the light. The energy heats the hair, right down to the bottom of the root, destroying it without damaging surrounding tissue or skin. |
| Because of the way lasers work, people with light skin and dark hair are the very best candidates for this type of treatment. However, advances in lasers have made it possible for nearly everyone to have a good result. |
| The other important element to laser hair removal has to do with the stage of growth of the hair. All hair goes through 3 stages of growth: one that is active and two that are dormant. Laser treatments work on hair that is in the active growth phase at the time of treatment. Not all of your hair will be in that phase at the time of treatment so several treatments are required to treat all of the hair follicles in a given area. Your esthetician will create a customized program for your precise skin and hair needs. |
| Call us today to schedule a free consultation to learn what will work best for your skin type. |
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Laser Hair Removal Process
The 3 Steps of Laser Hair Removal
At Silk Skin Laser, we follow a 3-step process at every session: Pre-Treatment Care, Treatment and Post-Treatment Care. |
Step 1: Consultation and Pre-Treatment Care
At your consultation, we evaluate your skin and hair type and discuss your hair removal needs. This will determine which laser is best for your skin and how many treatments will likely be necessary to achieve your goals. |
| We are also very focused on your health and safety. Prior to each treatment, we evaluate your medical history to ensure that you are an ideal candidate. Sun-sensitizing medications you may be taking or medications associated with conditions such as diabetes may affect the ability of the laser to do its work, and must be evaluated or discontinued prior to laser treatment. |
You must take some specific steps to prepare for each treatment in order to ensure the best results (your esthetician will review them with you at your consultation).
| 1. |
No sun for 1 week before using the YAG laser, and 4-6 weeks before using the ALEX laser. |
| 2. |
No waxing or tweezing for 1-2 weeks prior to the treatment. |
| 3. |
No hydroxy acids for 48 hours before laser treatment. |
| 4. |
No Accutane for 6 months prior to treatment. No Retin-A for 1 week prior to treatment. |
| 5. |
Shave the lasered area 1-2 days before treatment (the area needs to be in the "5 o'clock shadow" phase). |
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Step 2: Treatment
At the actual treatment, you will sign a release form and will be taken to a private room where your esthetician will describe the procedure and show you the laser. |
| Depending upon the area to be treated, you will remove clothing as needed and lie down or be seated for the procedure. |
| Your skin will then be prepared for the treatment. Deodorants, creams and makeup are removed. |
| The laser is a hand-held wand that directs the beam of light in a 3mm-15mm area (depending upon the size of area to be treated). This wand is then drawn across the hair. |
| The length of treatment also depends on the size of the area being treated. The most common procedure, bikini-line hair removal, can last between 15 and 30 minutes. |
Step 3: Post-treatment Care
Once the treatment is finished, your skin is treated with aloe and sun-screen, as appropriate. You'll be given guidance on how to care for your skin over the next week. These guidelines include:
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No hot-tubs, steam rooms or exercise for 24 hours |
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No sun exposure 3 days to 1 week depending on which laser is used |
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Daily sun screen |
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No shaving for at least 24 - 48 hours |
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Apply aloe for 24 - 48 hours for comfort |
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