After meeting and discussing options with our experienced laser technician, you might be able to start treatment right away, or depending on your skin tone and the areas to be treated, you might need to do a test patch first.

At the beginning of your first treatment, an area on your skin will be tested with different energy levels to determine the right level for your skin. Usually, treatment will start a few minutes later, unless there is an unexpected reaction, which is very rare.

Treatments are repeated every 4-6 weeks (for the face) or 8-10 weeks ( for the body). Treatments are continued as needed until you are satisfied with how much hair loss you’ve achieved.

The goal of this treatment is improvement, not perfection and permanent hair loss cannot be guaranteed. Most people will lose 70-95% of their hair by the end of their treatment course. The thickness of the leftover hair is also improved.

About 10% of the population won’t have any improvement with laser hair removal, even after 3-4 treatments – unfortunately, it’s not possible to predict who this will happen to ahead of time.

All skin and hair types can have a different level of success, but in general it works best in people with light skin and dark hair. It’s not very effective on blonde, gray, white, or red hair.

Please stick to the treatment intervals recommended by the clinic and follow the post-care instructions, to have the best chance of success with your treatments.

Modern laser technology makes the experience quick and comfortable. You may feel a slight snapping sensation or gentle warmth as the laser pulses on the skin. Cooling systems are built into the device to enhance comfort throughout the session. Most appointments take 15–45 minutes, depending on the area treated with little to no downtime afterward.

With the benefit of many years of experience, we know that laser hair removal is generally felt to be very safe. Any side effects listed below are uncommon, but it’s important for you to understand the rare risks involved before deciding to proceed.

Sometimes the skin might become red and swollen. This is more common in sensitive areas like lips, chin and ears. This is temporary and not harmful, and usually improves within a few days with ice, gentle cleansing, and sun avoidance. Bruising is also possible, but rare. It’s also possible to get a mild, temporary bacterial infection after treatment (looks like pimples).

Rarely, some people might develop a wound or burn after treatment. This usually resolves within 5-10 days. In less than 0.1% of patients, they might develop scars, including keloid scars, which can lead to other treatments or surgery to improve the appearance.

Sometimes the skin will darken or lighten after treatment – this is usually temporary, but can be permanent in less than 1% of cases. Inform your technician ahead of your next appointment if a color change has happened, as your next treatment might be postponed.

Over time, or with hormonal changes or medication changes, new hairs can sometimes grow in areas that were treated. Laser treatment cannot prevent this, but it can be used to treat new hairs if they appear.

There have been very rare reports of the laser stimulating hair growth on the face and neck area, which may not resolve with more treatments.

You shouldn’t get laser treatment if:

• the area to be treated is tattooed or has permanent make-up.
• you are pregnant.
• you are on isotretinoin (aka Accutane, Epuris, Absorica LD). You may need to wait a few months after treatment before having laser again.

Alternatives to laser hair removal include shaving, tweezing, waxing and electrolysis.

• You should shave the day before each treatment.
• Don’t tweeze, wax, thread, or have electrolysis for at least 4 weeks prior to your scheduled laser treatment.
• On the day of treatment, don’t use any moisturizer or sunscreen on the areas to be treated. If you’re treating the underarms, don’t use deodorant.
• Don’t tan your skin for at least one month before treatment. This includes tanning in the sun or using a tanning bed. If you have a tan, your skin will cause it to absorb too much energy from the laser and this increases the risk of a burn or discoloration. If you have tanned, please let the technician know BEFORE your treatment.
• Don’t use a self-tanner for one week before treatment.
• If you have a history of cold sores, please tell your provider – a cold sore outbreak can increase the risk of scars or discoloration. You may need to be pre-treated with antiviral medication which our doctors can prescribe for you.

• Immediately after treatment, your skin might be red, swollen, or be slightly uncomfortable/sore. This will usually go away within 4 to 24 hours. You can resume normal activities right away.
• You can cool the treated area with cold packs or cold compresses, to relieve heat.
• Avoid contact with sources of heat, like hot baths, hot showers, hot tubs, saunas, or vigorous exercise.
• Limit sun exposure as much as possible during the first 2-4 weeks after treatment.
  • Consider wearing sun protective clothing and a hat.
  • Use a sunscreen with broad spectrum protection of SPF 45-60 when going outdoors. Reapply if sweating or swimming.
• Avoid the use of tanning beds completely (and especially between treatments).
• Avoid the use of any abrasive, exfoliating products for a week after treatment. This includes body or facial scrubs, and microdermabrasion treatments.
• Avoid waxing, tweezing, and threading between treatments.
• Shave the treated area the day before your next treatment.
• Remember not to use moisturizer, sunscreen, or deodorant on any areas being treated on the day of your next treatment.

The hairs that were treated during your session will likely fall out in 3-4 weeks. New hairs will grow in 4-12 weeks.