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1. How does
Altus CoolGlide" laser hair removal work?
2. How is
Altus CoolGlide" different from older laser systems?
3. Who is
permitted to perform laser hair removal?
4. What body
areas can be treated?
5. Are there
benefits to laser hair removal compared to alternative treatments?
6. Are there
advantages over electrolysis?
7. What is
the cost?
8. What body
areas are most commonly treated?
9. Will my
insurance cover laser hair removal?
10. May I
claim the cost of laser hair removal as a tax-deductible medical expense?
11. Are there
risks associated with laser hair removal?
12. Is laser
hair removal really "permanent"?
13. Can I
expect to be "hair free" in the treated area after the treatments?
14. How much
and how fast will hair grow back?
15. Why do
you recommend at least 4 treatment sessions ?
16. I have
had previous laser treatments and/or electrolysis. Is that a problem?
17. How do
I know if I am a good candidate for laser hair removal?
18. Do certain
hair colors respond better to treatment?
19. Should
I consider any special questions when contemplating laser hair removal?
20. I have
heard about Hirsutism and Hypertrichosis. What are these conditions?
21. How do
I obtain the best value from each treatment?
22. What
if I have moles, freckles and/or tattoos in the area to be treated?
23. What
is the procedure on the treatment day?
24. Does
laser hair removal hurt?
25. What
happens after laser hair removal treatment?
26. Why does
the hair sometimes look as though it's growing for 1-3 weeks after
treatment?
27. Should
I restrict my activities after treatment?
1. How does Altus CoolGlide™ laser hair
removal work?
The Altus CoolGlide™ laser is a non-invasive light
therapy device that eliminates hair from whatever parts of the body
are desired. The Altus CoolGlide™ laser generates a pulse of intense,
concentrated light, which is directed through a small hand piece,
which is gently applied to the treatment site.
Laser energy passes through the skin to the hair follicle, where
the energy is absorbed by pigment in the hair and hair follicle. This
causes selective damage to the hair root without damaging delicate
pores and other skin structures. The laser is pulsed for only a fraction
of a second. The pulse duration is carefully determined so that laser
energy will affect the hair follicle without transferring excessive
heat to the surrounding skin.
Some of the hair in the treated follicles is immediately wiped
off; the rest is shed over the next 2-3 weeks. The body reabsorbs
the hair roots which are destroyed.
Cooling gel pads applied before and after treatment protect the
skin surface, as does a gold plated cooling head which glides over
the skin (CoolGlide™) half a second before the laser beam. This helps
to protect the skin, while effectively treating the unwanted hair.
Unlike "hair-by-hair" treatments such as electrolysis, the laser
uses a wide beam which treats many hairs at once. Because the Altus
CoolGlide™ laser can treat dozens of hairs with each pulse, larger
areas such as the back, shoulders, arms, legs and face can be treated
effectively, and, compared to electrolysis, quickly. The Altus CoolGlide™
laser can be used almost anywhere on the body, and usually requires
no anesthesia or other treatment. Even sensitive areas such as the
nipples, upper lip and bikini line can be treated easily, with minimal
discomfort.
The system's unique design allows me to customize treatment,
according to your hair and skin color, hair texture, and the hairs’
location on the body.
Altus CoolGlide™ laser treatment is safe, fast, gentle and effective.
In a few treatment sessions using the gentle power of lasers, you
can improve the appearance of your skin by removing unwanted hair.
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2. How is Altus CoolGlide™ different from older laser systems?
Other laser and intense pulsed light systems include:
• Intense pulsed light - these systems are flash lamps producing a
spectrum of light energy rather than laser light. Intense pulsed light
systems tend to stun rather than kill hair follicles, so that there
is often an unacceptable amount of hair regrowth, even after many
"intense pulsed light" treatments.
• First generation Ruby 694 nanometer (Epilaser, Epitouch, Chromos)
• Second generation Alexandrite 755 nanometer (Epitouch ALEX, Photogenica
LIPR, GentleLASE)
• Third generation Diode 800-810 nanometer (LightSheer, Apex)
These relatively short wavelength lasers can produce good results
in some circumstances, but because they produce light which has a
shorter wavelength, their laser energy both scatters more in the skin,
and is mostly absorbed in the top few millimeters of the skin, above
many of the hair roots. This means that sometimes not enough energy
reaches the hair roots, where it is needed. These short wavelength,
lower power systems are effective in some cases, but in other cases
may only stun rather than destroy many of the hair roots and therefore
sometimes cause temporary rather than permanent hair removal. Short
wavelength lasers can be difficult or impossible to safely use on
people with dark, tanned or black skin. The cooling system in 800
nm lasers usually relies on a sapphire window, which is only 1/10
as efficient as the gold plated copper cooling head in the Altus CoolGlide.
Because the sapphire window of the 800 nm lasers has to be pressed
on the skin while the laser is triggered, there is a risk that stray
hairs will be burned into the skin. By comparison, there is no contact
between the laser aperture and the skin when the Altus CoolGlide™
laser beam is applied to your skin.
By contrast, the Fourth Generation Altus CoolGlide™ laser uses
the longest available, deeper penetrating 1064 nanometer wavelength.
Altus CoolGlide™ reaches even the deepest hair roots, which can be
4-6 mm below the skin surface in some cases.
The long 1064 nanometer wavelength of the Altus CoolGlide™ makes
it possible to safely and effectively treat all people -- even those
with tanned, very dark or black skin.
CoolGlide™ allows the operator to adjust the duration of the
pulse of laser energy to best suit the thickness of the hair shafts
on different parts of your body. Some older laser systems lack this
degree of fine control.
The gold plated ClearView™ cooling head on the CoolGlide laser
provides an extra margin of safety and comfort, allows the operator
a clear view of the area to be treated, and does not require pressure
on your skin.
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3. Who is permitted to perform laser hair removal?
In the State of California, only a registered nurse (“RN”) or a medical
doctor (“MD”) are allowed to perform laser hair removal. Licensed
aestheticians and/or cosmetologists, unless they are also an RN or
an MD, are not permitted to perform laser treatments.
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4. What body areas can be treated?
At The Skin Studio, ALL parts of the body CAN be treated (and ARE
treated) with the Altus CoolGlide™ hair-removing laser. In women,
the most common areas for treatment are upper lip, chin, bikini line,
arms and legs, and underarms. In men, the most common areas for treatment
are shoulders and back, and the beard area.
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5. Are there benefits of laser hair removal
compared to alternative treatments?
The primary benefits of laser hair removal include:
--Larger areas may be treated with less discomfort than with electrolysis,
waxing or tweezing.
-- The CoolGlide™ combines speed, comfort and long lasting results.
--The CoolGlide™ works on any area of the body where a hair-free appearance
is desired.
Shaving, waxing and depilatory creams remove the hair but leave
the hair follicles intact, so the hair re-grows within one to four
weeks in most cases. CoolGlide™ laser hair removal offers a long-term
removal in both the amount of hair, and also in many cases a reduction
in thickness and color of hair shafts which do grow back.
Plucking, waxing or sugaring cause irritation and may actually
stimulate hair growth. This happens because one way the body defends
itself against having hair pulled out is to produce thicker, stronger
hairs which can be more difficult to remove over time.
Altus CoolGlide™ laser hair removal offers long-lasting results.
Even if hair does eventually grow back it is usually finer in texture
and lighter in color than the original hair, and much less of a cosmetic
problem.
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6. Are there advantages over electrolysis?
With electrolysis, a needle is inserted into the hair follicle.
The electrologist tries to reach the hair root with the needle tip.
The electrologist then triggers a small electrical charge to disable
the hair root. The hair from that follicle is then removed with tweezers.
Thus, it could be said that removing hair by electrolysis is rather
like mowing grass -- one blade at a time.
Nevertheless, electrolysis can be an excellent technique for
the removal of:
• small numbers of hairs
• hairs from areas where it is difficult to use the laser (under the
eyebrows, near the eyes, and in the ears and nose.)
• white and very pale blonde hair (which does not absorb laser light
efficiently).
Clients are sometimes referred for electrolysis, and electrologists
sometimes refer clients for laser hair removal, depending on the needs
and wishes of the client. For example, electrolysis can be useful
for white or light colored hairs which do not respond to laser treatment,
or if there are only a few dark hairs which need to be removed. Some
people who have a mixture of dark and white hairs will have laser
treatment to remove as many of the dark hairs as possible, then have
electrolysis to remove any leftover white hairs.
Hair removal is much faster with a laser because each "pulse"
of laser light disables a large numbers of hair follicles, and pulses
can be delivered as often as twice every second. Electrologists can
only treat those hairs that they can see and which they can reach
the follicle through the hair shaft. The Altus CoolGlide™ laser treats
all "active" follicles, even if the hair has not yet reached the surface
of the skin, is "ingrown", or if the hair shaft is not straight.
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7. What is the cost?
The fee for pre-laser consultation is $35.00 for new clients.
There is no charge for established Skin Studio clients. The consultation
fee is deducted from the cost of your first treatment, if you decide
to proceed. At the consultation you will be given the total cost for
your treatment.
Consultations about laser can usually be arranged within a week
by calling 510 653-3355. Our staff, which has had Altus CoolGlide™
laser hair removal, can take the time to discuss your wishes and options,
and answer your questions. No referral is required.
Treatment may be scheduled for the same day as the consultation
if there is a time slot available, or may be scheduled for a later
date.
please call 510 653 3355 if you have questions, to inquire about
other areas not listed, or to schedule an appointment. You do not
need to be referred by your doctor.
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8. What body areas are most commonly treated?
For Females
: Face, front of the neck, lips, under arms, bikini area,
legs.
For Males: chest, beard including
the front of the neck., back, back of the neck are the most commonly
treated areas. other areas can also be treated.
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9. Will my insurance cover laser hair removal?
We do not bill insurance companies for laser hair removal. Most
private insurance companies do not offer reimbursement for "cosmetic"
procedures like laser hair removal; however, consult your insurance
carrier for more information. You will need to file the claim yourself
if your insurance company does cover laser hair removal.
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10. May I claim the cost of laser
hair removal as a tax-deductible medical expense?
Generally you cannot include medical expenses paid for cosmetic surgery.
This includes procedures such as face lifts, hair transplants, hair
removal, and liposuction. These expenses can be included if they are
necessary to improve a deformity related to a congenital abnormality,
a personal injury resulting from an accident or trauma, or a disfiguring
disease. If you have questions about this, you should consult your
certified public accountant.
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11. Are there risks associated with laser hair removal?
Short-term side effects may include a slight reddening of the skin
or local swelling which typically lasts less than an hour, although
it may infrequently last a few days. Fourth generation, long wavelength
1064 lasers like CoolGlide™ are less likely than older lasers to cause
prolonged irritation, pigment changes or blistering. Rarely (perhaps
2-4 cases out of a hundred) there can be increased or decreased pigment
in the treated area. This is seldom a major cosmetic problem, and
generally resolves after several months. Even a single blister (rather
like a tiny sunburn) is very rare (less than one in a hundred). The
light from the Altus CoolGlide™ Laser does not cause skin cancer.
Unlike plucking, waxing and sugaring, laser hair removal does
not make hair grow back thicker, darker or quicker.
After Altus CoolGlide™ laser treatment hair growth will frequently
be delayed, AND when hair does grow back, it is often lighter, finer
and sparser.
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12. Is laser hair removal really "permanent"?
There is NO hair removal method (including laser), which can
guarantee anyone "permanent hair removal". "Permanent hair REMOVAL"
means: "ALL the hair is gone, FOREVER!"
The most realistic description of the results after laser treatment
is: "long-term hair REDUCTION". This means: "After four to six treatments
the total amount of hair is greatly reduced -- generally by 70% to
90% -- and hair which does grow is often much finer and lighter in
color." Most people are very pleased with this degree of improvement,
as long as they know that this is what to expect before they have
laser hair removal treatment.
It is important for you to realize that after having between
four and six treatment sessions it is VERY LIKELY that there WILL
BE a very substantial reduction in both the amount of hair and also
a reduction in the thickness and color of the hair in the treated
areas. You should expect that this reduction in hair may last for
many years.
Because lasers have been used for hair removal for only the last
seven years, we can't know if the results will continue to be felt
in 10 or 20 years. However, we do know that stable, long-term hair
removal commonly lasts for at least two years, and some patients who
had their last treatment six or seven years ago are still enjoying
a high degree of hair reduction.
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13. Can I expect to be "hair free" in
the treated area after the treatments?
No, most patients experience an 80-90% reduction in the amount of
hair in a given area, and a reduction in the thickness and color of
the remaining hair, but should not expect to be "hair free".
It has been suggested that a 6 month follow-up may be sufficient
to assess final outcome after the final laser hair removal session,
because once regrowth had stabilized (usually within 6 months), there
is usually little or no change in hair counts at 6,12, and 24 months.
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14. How much and how fast will hair grow back?
Hair regrowth may resume within a few weeks after the first treatment,
or it may occur anywhere from 2-4 months. Previously dormant hair
follicles eventually become active, and hair follicles which were
stunned but not killed recover and start to produce hair shafts again.
Some people find that there is not much extra hair reduction after
the second treatment, and then they notice a substantial further reduction
after the third or more commonly the fourth treatment. After four
to six treatments there may be little or no regrowth for many years.
In other cases you may wish to have additional treatment after a period
of time.
Hair fibers that regrow after laser treatment generally are finer
and lighter in color, and so are much less of a cosmetic problem.
Reductions in coarseness and color can occur independently of each
other.
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15. Why do you recommend at least 4 treatment sessions?
Lasers (and electrolysis, too), work by destroying hairs that
are in their active growth cycle at the time of treatment. Hair follicles
in their "dormant" phase have no hair shaft in them and so will not
be affected by the laser. Because hair follicles cycle through "active"
and "dormant" phases, additional sessions are usually desired once
the "dormant" follicles become "active", and also to destroy hair
follicles which were stunned but not killed by previous treatment.
Some hair follicles, which will produce dark terminal hair in
the future, are called vellus, or fine “peach fuzz” follicles. As
these have no pigment, they are not affected by laser treatment. When
in the future these vellus follicles mature into terminal hair follicles,
they can be treated with laser at that time.
NO treatment can kill 100% of the hair follicles, 100% of the
time. Altus CoolGlide™ uses the longest, most deeply penetrating wavelength,
and special cooling, to maximize the number of killed hair follicles
and minimize the number that are stunned during each treatment session.
At any one time, 50 to 85% of your hair follicles are in the
active (anagen) phase but only 1/4 to 1/3 of your hairs have enough
of the pigment in their ROOTS to absorb the laser beam which destroys
the hair root. So, about 1/4 to 1/3 of your hair roots are good targets
for the laser beam, and can be damaged or destroyed in a single laser
session.
Because 1/4 to 1/3 of the actively growing pigmented hair roots
are damaged or destroyed in any one session, almost all clients should
have a minimum of four CoolGlide™ treatments to reach a satisfactory
degree of hair removal, and many people will wish to have more than
four treatments, most commonly 5 to 8 treatments; and in some cases
another session in six to twelve months to eliminate any terminal
hairs which have developed when vellus hair follicles mature into
terminal hair follicles.
This will depend on:
--the desired degree of hair removal (as the amount of hair declines,
some people become very enthusiastic and want even LESS hair than
they had originally planned on).
-- hair color (people with naturally light colored hair sometimes
need more treatments)
-- ethnic and genetic background (people with dark skin sometimes
need more treatments).
-- hormonal status
-- area being treated
-- hair density
-- age
-- weight (obesity can increase hair growth)
-- medication (for example medicines like Dilantin and cyclosporine
can increase hair growth)
Additional "touchup" treatments on discrete areas can be arranged
at relatively low cost. There is no safety limit on the number of
treatments a person can have. People who have been partially treated
with other types of hair removing laser might in some cases need less
than 3 CoolGlide™ laser treatments to reach a satisfactory degree
of long-term hair removal.
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16. I’ve had previous laser treatments
and/or electrolysis. Is that a problem?
Not at all. CoolGlide™ has been successfully used on many people
who were not able to tolerate -- or did not obtain satisfactory results
with -- electrolysis, or with older laser and "high intensity light"
systems, including ruby laser, alexandrite laser, 800 nm lasers, and
Epilight™ systems.
Depending on how much hair remains, people who have been partially
treated with other lasers may need only one or two treatments with
the Altus CoolGlide™ to complete the process.
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17. How do know if I am a good candidate for laser hair
removal?
The unique design of the CoolGlide™ laser, and the long wavelength,
allows treatment of people with all skin colors, and treatment of
even light brown hair. Because hair which is naturally blonde, light
red or white does not have enough pigment in the roots, it cannot
be reliably treated with any type of laser. A smaller number of treatments
are needed when the hair is dark and the skin is light colored --
so to get maximum effect from each session avoid tanning. People who
have black skin can be successfully treated with the Altus CoolGlide™.
Children can be treated if they have a congenital nevus or other
problem with excessive hair, but they must be old enough (approximately
12 years) to understand and cooperate with treatment. At age 17, my
son was treated for folliculitis under his chin.
CoolGlide™ laser hair removal is not only for "cosmetic" problems.
Patients with excess hair due to medications (for example, organ transplant
patients who are taking cyclosporine) can benefit from CoolGlide™
laser hair removal. So can patients who have problems with ingrown
hair and folliculitis under prosthetic devices.
Some clients have fears and doubts before beginning laser hair
removal. A common concern is that they are being vain. My experience
has been that clients who seek laser hair removal are no more vain
than anyone else. What does distinguish them is a desire to get the
most out of life. Looking after our appearance is not a fault. Normal,
reasonable people who have realistic expectations tend to be excellent
candidates for Altus CoolGlide™ laser hair removal.
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18. Do certain hair colors respond better to treatment?
Because lasers target the PIGMENT in hair roots, lasers work
best on black or brown hair. Naturally red hair may require 4-6 treatment
sessions. Very light colored natural red or blonde hair may require
5 or 6 treatment sessions, and may respond only partially.
White hair does not respond to treatment -- so get your hair
lasered before you get old and your hair turns white!
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19. Should I consider any special
questions when contemplating laser hair removal?
• How much are you bothered by your unwanted facial or body hair
• How much are you bothered by the time you spend removing, treating,
or concealing your unwanted hair?
• How uncomfortable does your facial or other unwanted hair make
you feel in exchanges of affection (such as intimate exchanges with
your partner)?
• How uncomfortable does your unwanted hair make you feel when
you meet new people?
• How uncomfortable does your unwanted hair make you feel when
you go to social gatherings, dine out in a public restaurant, go to
a supermarket or other public place?
• How uncomfortable does your unwanted hair make you feel when
you go to work or class?
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20. I’ve heard about Hirsutism and Hypertrichosis. What
are they?
Hirsutism is excessive growth of hair in androgen (testosterone)-dependent
areas of a woman’s body where terminal hair is not normally found,
including the face, neck, chest or medial thighs.
Hypertrichosis is excessive growth of hair in non-androgen dependent
parts of the body (i.e. Areas other than the face, neck, chest and
medial thighs).
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21. How do I obtain the best value from each treatment?
To get the best results with the smallest number of treatment
sessions, please follow these simple guidelines:
A. Avoid waxing / sugaring / plucking / EpiLady and electrolysis
Because the laser beam seeks out and destroys ACTIVELY GROWING hair
roots, it is important (if you want to get the best value from your
treatment) NOT to wax / pluck / sugar / use EpiLady-type pluckers
or have electrolysis for at least SIX WEEKS before laser treatment.
These things temporarily remove the pigmented part of the hair follicle
which the laser needs to use as a target when it destroys the hair
follicle.
B. Avoid tanning!
Remember: there is no such thing as a “healthy tan!”
When skin colors up (turns pink, red, or “tan”) after sun exposure,
it is a sign that it has been damaged by ultraviolet (UVA and UVB)
rays. Even skin with more protective melanin is damaged by exposure
to the sun. For the sake of your skin, when in the sun, cover up and
use sunscreen. If you do sunbathe, avoid tanning and stop using artificial
"tanning" creams for six weeks before treatment. People with very
dark skin (and people who are sun worshipers) sometimes need one or
two extra sessions to reach their desired degree of long-term hair
removal.
CoolGlide™ is the safest and most effective laser for ALL types
of skin, even black skin which cannot be safely treated with other
hair removing lasers. Many African-Americans, Africans, Italians,
Greeks, and East Asians have been successfully treated with the CoolGlide™
laser
It is also a good idea to avoid sun exposure -- at the very least,
minimize tanning --for a few weeks after laser treatment, to reduce
the chance that your tan will be somewhat uneven.
Use a sunblock that screens for both UVA and UVB with an SPF
of 15 or higher.
C. Shave or clip the hair to be treated.
We recommend shaving the areas to be treated the night before treatment.
Another advantage of shaving the area to be treated BEFORE you come
in is that YOU can shape the area to be treated exactly the way YOU
want it to be. This is of particular importance in areas like the
sideburns, temples, and bikini line / bikini area.
Remove excess hair from the treatment area before CoolGlide™
treatment, because hair ABOVE the surface of the skin will simply
absorb and waste laser energy and keep it from getting to the hair
roots, where it is needed. There may be a small extra charge if we
have to shave extensive areas before starting laser treatment.
Shaving DOES NOT make hair grow back thicker, faster, darker
or more profusely! Please do shave before treatment, and between treatments!
D. Hair Dye and Bleaching is not a problem.
Because the laser beam only acts on the hair ROOTS, you may dye and/or
perm hair in the areas to be treated. Likewise, it is fine to bleach
hair in the areas to be treated because bleaching will not affect
the color of the roots.
E. Timing:
Hair roots take 6 to 12 weeks to become active and develop pigment
which is the target for the laser. To maximize the value of your CoolGlide™
treatments, wait 6-8 weeks between treatments.
There is no harm in having CoolGlide™ treatments MORE FREQUENTLY
than every 6 weeks, or having CoolGlide™ treatments less than 6 weeks
after waxing, plucking, etc. -- but this is less efficient, and could
increase the total number of treatments needed to get a good result.
F. Medications:
At this time we are unaware of any medications which should not be
taken during CoolGlide™ laser treatment. Anabolic steroids should
NOT be taken unless medically necessary, because these can increase
male-pattern hair growth in some cases. Women taking hormone replacement
therapy (“HRT”) for menopause and/or libido enhancement often experience
unwanted hair growth which can be treated with Altus CoolGlide™ laser
hair removal. We will discuss medication concerns during your consultation.
Hair-growth inhibiting medicines (e.g. spironolactone/Aldactone
tablets or Vaniqa cream) might slightly reduce the pigment in hair
roots and make laser treatment less efficient, but this seldom interferes
with the effectiveness of laser treatment. Altus CoolGlide™ laser
hair removal can be done WHILE you are on those medicines. These "anti-androgenic"
medicines produce gradual but temporary effects, and will not remove
unwanted hair from areas that are independent of androgen regulation.
Pretreatment with antiviral medications is recommended if you
have ever had a cold sore, fever blister or herpes simplex on or near
the area treated with the laser. Please let us know your medical history.
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22. What if I have moles, freckles
and/or tattoos in the area to be treated?
Small moles and freckles do not require any special precautions.
Large, dark moles and freckles which are to be treated may require
a reduction in the intensity of the laser light, the same way that
the intensity would be reduced when treating a dark-skinned or tanned
person. Tattoos might require a "test area" to make sure that they
will not absorb an excessive amount of laser energy, which could cause
fading of the tattoo, discomfort, or even a burn. We generally prefer
not to treat tattoos, but this is seldom a problem because quite often
there is not much hair growth in tattoos. Be sure to tell Ms. Lipscomb
or her staff if you have permanent lip liner or permanent eyebrow
liner, because these are tattoos and special precautions may be needed
if there will be laser treatment in those areas.
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23. What is the procedure on the treatment day?
Please stop all irritating skin care products 4 days prior to treatment.
Other than your regular skin care routine, there is no standard "prep"
for this procedure. Please remove makeup before coming in for treatment.
You may reapply makeup after treatment, if you wish. There are no
restrictions on what you may eat or drink prior to your appointment.
Shave or clip only the areas to be treated the night before you
come in for treatment. Freshly shaved skin -- the day of treatment
-- is more sensitive. Shaving allows you to shape the exact area you
want treated -- this can be very useful in the bikini area. Excess
hair above the surface of the skin absorbs and wastes laser energy,
and reduces the amount of energy that reaches the hair root, where
it is really needed. Excess hair above the surface of the skin also
increases the chance of burning or irritating the skin.
When you come for treatment, do not wear any makeup because makeup
can sometimes absorb laser energy. This could interfere with treatment,
or even cause overheating of the skin surface and burning. Makeup
can be applied immediately after Altus CoolGlide™ laser treatment,
if you wish.
After any remaining questions have been answered and paperwork
completed, the areas to be treated will be cleansed and pre-treatment
photos may be taken. Everyone in the treatment room must wear protective
goggles when the laser is turned on. The Altus CoolGlide™ is a high-powered
laser system, and can cause eye injury if protective eyewear is not
worn while the laser is used.
The length of the laser treatment itself can range from a few
minutes for the upper lip to an hour or more (for example, a man’s
chest and back).
If you decide before coming in that you would like to have additional
areas treated, please call ahead so that we can schedule enough time
to accommodate your needs.
Cooling pads are applied to the skin for a few moments before
the area is treated. Immediately before the laser is used on an area,
the cooling pad is removed and a thin coat of clear gel is smoothed
over the skin, then our carefully trained registered nurse quickly
and evenly applies the laser pulses.
A friend or family member may accompany you if you like -- mothers
and daughters often come in together for laser treatment. If you want
to let the person with you watch your treatment, that person must
wear the special laser goggles to prevent laser light from affecting
the eyes.
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24. Does laser hair removal hurt?
The laser emits only light. You may feel a tingling or snapping
sensation like a rubber band. There is no bleeding; no open wound
is created. Some people find the FIRST laser treatment more uncomfortable
than subsequent treatments. Perhaps this is the result of more hair
roots being destroyed during the first treatment. Perhaps, too, some
people are more apprehensive during the first treatment because they
are unsure of what to expect.
Many patients find that they have less discomfort if they shave
the area to be treated the night BEFORE coming in for treatment, because
freshly shaved skin is often somewhat more sensitive. Shaving before
coming in for treatment also allows you to shape the area to be treated
exactly the way YOU want it. This is of particular importance in areas
like the forehead, sideburns and bikini/pubic hair areas.
While some areas of the body like the upper lip and pubic hair
area are more sensitive than others, many patients report little or
no discomfort. If there is unusual discomfort, please let us know
so that we can apply more cooling or adjust the settings on the laser.
People who have had waxing, sugaring, and/or electrolysis (or
treatment with other lasers) usually report that CoolGlide™ causes
less discomfort, and sometimes there is almost no discomfort.
The Altus CoolGlide’s™ long wavelength delivers more energy into
the deeper part of the skin where the hair roots are -- and wastes
less energy in the top 2 millimeters of the skin where many of the
nerve endings are. This results in less discomfort than with other
laser treatments.
Cooling gel pads are usually applied immediately before and after
treatment, and soothing gel is used during the procedure. In addition,
the CoolGlide™ laser can reduce the frequency of pulses and increase
the cooling time in sensitive areas, to maximize your comfort.
It may be helpful to take two or three plain Tylenol and/or Advil
a couple of hours before coming in for treatment. Some women find
that they are less sensitive after their menses, and prefer to schedule
their treatment sessions to avoid the premenstrual and menstrual time.
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25. What happens after laser hair removal treatment?
Any redness usually has faded greatly by the time you arrive
home. The skin might be slightly drier that evening; simply use more
of your favorite moisturizer on the treated areas.
The hair follicles may appear slightly more prominent or a bit
pink for the next day or two. This is seldom a cosmetic problem, and
generally much less obvious than after waxing or sugaring.
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26. Why does the hair sometimes
look as though it's “growing”
for 1-3 weeks after laser treatment?
Lasers destroy hair roots which are active at the time of treatment,
but do not remove hair shafts instantly. Hair shafts in the treated
hair follicles will fall out, or will "shed" mostly in the first week
after treatment. All of the treated hairs will fall out within 2-3
weeks.
It is normal that some hairs in the treated area may not fall
out within 2-3 weeks. These will be treated in the next session.
Hairs being shed fall out naturally. Do not shave the treated
area or wash it with anything but a gentle cleanser and your bare
hands (no Buf-Pufs, washcloths or Body Washes) for 3-4 days after
laser treatment to avoid possible irritation. (See post laser instructions).
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27.Should I restrict my activities after treatment?
You can return to work the same day and resume all your usual
activities immediately. Because the laser does not burn or cut the
skin in any way, no bandages are necessary. To reduce the chance of
uneven tanning in the treated areas, minimize sun exposure and tanning
for a week or two after treatment. Avoid all irritating skin care
products for 4 days after laser treatment.
Resume shaving or clipping hair in the treated area after 3-4
days. You should AVOID waxing / sugaring / plucking or electrolysis,
because these activities will temporarily remove pigmented hairs from
the hair roots and reduce the effectiveness of your next laser treatment.
After plucking, waxing or sugaring, frequently the hair becomes thicker
and darker, because one of the ways that the body defends itself from
chronic irritation is to produce thicker, darker hairs.
Shaving really is the BEST temporary way to remove unwanted hair
before laser treatment, and between laser treatments. Shaving leaves
the hair SHAFT in the hair follicle, so the hair shaft can be a target
for laser energy, heat up and KILL the hair follicle.
You can shave as often as you want. It has been shown in scientific
studies that shaving does NOT:
make hair grow faster.
make hair grow thicker.
make hair grow darker.
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