Your Swimsuit Awaits - Is Laser Hair Removal For You?

What is it and how does it work?
The laser emits a beam of light targeting the melanin in the hair follicle.  It destroys the connection between the bulb (where the hair is anchored) and the end of the hair follicle which contains the pigment (or melanin). The treatment takes 5 minutes to 45 minutes depending on the size of the area.  The hair is destroyed and will no longer grow. It will exfoliate out of the follicle within 2 weeks.  This procedure only works on hair that has pigment… not white, gray or blond hair. You would not be a good candidate if you have dark skin because the laser can’t tell the difference between the melanin in the follicle or the skin.  However, there are special lasers that work better on darker skin called  (Yag lasers).

How many treatments do I need?
The typical person needs an average of 6 treatments every 4-6 weeks and then must have maintenance treatments every 6 months. When hairs are in a resting phase of growth, the laser is not as effective so they must be in an active phase of growth in order to destroy the hair and get effective results.  It is imperative that the initial series is completed to have success.

How much does it cost?
A single treatment can cost from $75.00 to $400.00 depending on the size of the area to be treated.  It might sound expensive at first, but the cost of razors and booking waxing appointments over time can be very costly and time consuming.  Also,  you avoid red bumps and irritation from shaving along with ingrown hairs and possible darkness to area that is being waxed over time.

Does the treatment hurt?
You will experience a mild discomfort or stinging feeling during treatment.  You have the option of coming in for a numbing cream to be applied about 30 minutes prior to treatment if you choose.  Most people tolerate the treatment very easily.

Who will do the treatments?
Laser hair removal should be done by a professional medical person trained and supervised by the physician.  Here at SeaMist all treatments are delivered by an RN.

How do I prepare for my laser treatment and any special precautions that need to be taken?
The area to be lasered needs to be shaved before every treatment.  This is to allow the best penetration of the laser light to destroy the hair.  The area must not be tanned (even spray tanned) and must be your normal skin tone.  No self tanners for 2 weeks before the treatment.  No plucking,waxing, depilatories or bleaching  the hairs in the treatment area for 2 weeks prior to treatment (only shaving is allowed).  All makeup and lotion should be removed before treatment.  Inform the nurse if any medications have changed or if you are on antibiotics which make you more sensitive to treatments. Wear light colored panties if you are having the bikini area done as the laser light is absorbed by darker colors.

How effective is laser hair removal and are there some people where it is not effective?
It is very effective.  Most clients are very pleased with the end results and wish they had done it years ago! Some concerns that make it difficult to get excellent results would be hormonal issues where the hair is stimulated to grow too frequently, which is rare.  If your hair is blond, white or grey.  If its hard for you to make the time for the series of treatments that are needed initially.  If you can’t get yourself to stop tanning.  If you skin tone is too dark then you need to make sure you use the Yag laser.

What are the side effects that can happen?
Possible side effects could be:

1. Discomfort which feels like a burning sensation which usually lasts a few hours.
2. Possible redness or a superficial blister in the area, usually not a permanent problem
3. Pigment changes…along not seen often and usually the result  of the skin being tanned
4. Scarring …extremely rare and can be avoided when following post procedure protocol
5. Bruising…rare and take 4-6 days to clear

Speak To a Professional
Before considering any laser hair removal, you will want to speak to a highly trained nurse that can talk you through all of the various steps, procedures and give you all of the information that you personally will need about your laser hair treatment procedure, as well as discuss possible side effects from the procedure.