Laser Hair Removal at Innovative Aesthetics
Excess hair can exist for a variety of reasons, and can be difficult to permanently get rid of. There are a variety of shaving methods, however most of them provide only temporary results. Specific lasers to target hair follicles have been developed to treat unwanted hair effectively. The laser emits a beam of light, which is attracted to the pigment or melanin in the hair follicle. Pulse duration and energy are directed at and absorbed by the hair follicle, which disables the follicle so it does not produce hair.
Important Factors to Consider
- Treatments for laser hair reduction are individualized from patient to patient. No two people are alike when it comes to hair color and skin color, so results vary from one person to the next.
- Repeat treatments are required. It is usually 5-7 treatments, 4-8 weeks apart. In some cases, touch ups are required.
- 70-90% of the hair can be reduced permanently. Currently, there is nothing available that prevents new hair from growing in the future.
- If you have an active infection of herpes simplex in the area you want treated, we cannot perform treatment until it clears. In the case of having a history of herpes simplex in the area, antiviral medication is recommended prior to the start of treatment.
- If your hair is gray, white, blonde, red, or light and fine, there might now be enough pigment in the follicle to be successfully treated with the laser. We may want to try a test spot to see if your hair responds to the laser.
- You should not receive laser treatments if you are pregnant.
- We use 2 different lasers for hair removal. One laser is called LightSheer, which is usually used to treat people with Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV. The other laser is called Smartepil, which is used to treat people of color and people with tanned skin.
What to Expect During Treatment
Pre-Treatment Care
Do not tan for 3 weeks prior, and stop using self-tanning products on the treated area one week prior. Do not wear makeup, lotion, or deodorant over the areas to be treated on the day of your treatment. Shave your skin on the areat to be treated on the same day as your appointment. Do not wax, pluck or tweeze the area for at least 4 weeks prior to the first laser treatment. You may shave before the first treatment and between treatments. However, you cannot wax, pluck or tweeze between treatments. If the area being treated with the laser will be exposed to sunlight, wear sunscreen every day. If you have used Accutane in the last 6 months, we cannot treat you. Retin A products, glycolic products, and hydroquinone must be stopped 2 days prior to treatment.
During Treatment
Your skin will be cleaned prior. A topical numbing cream may be applied approximately 20 minutes prior. After that, the cream is removed and a cool gel is applied. An air cooling system is used during treatment to increase your comfort. Patients describe the feeling as a slight prickly or stinging sensation. Some hairs will come out immediately, but they will continue to shed for up to 3 weeks. Immediately after, the area is cleaned and aloe vera and 1% hydrocortisone cream is applied. If the treatment area will be exposed to sunlight, we apply sunscreen. Most patients tolerate the treatment without difficulty.
Post-Treatment Care
Discontinue strong topical skincare for approximately 5 days prior. Keep the treated area clean and moist, and keep sunscreen on any exposed area.
Side Effects
The most common side effects are redness and swelling. Changes in skin pigmentation may occur, as well as blistering and pain.
Our Esthetician Services in Aurora, CO:
Wrinkle Relaxers
Dermal Fillers
Fat Reduction
Book an Appointment
*For security and spam reasons, we run email addresses through an authentication process after you press the submit button. Your submittal can take up to 20 seconds to process, please be patient. You should see a success message shortly.
