FAQs
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Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect during my laser hair removal treatment?
Laser energy is delivered through a small handpick operated by the practitioner. The laser delivers an intense beam of light, which is absorbed by the skin and converted to heat.
The heat is then absorbed by the cells being targeted, while the surrounding tissue remains unaffected. Your skin may be slightly red immediately following the procedure. This typically lasts from a few minutes to several hours after the procedure.
Is Gentle Hair Removal safe for darker skin colors?
Yes! Other laser hair removal treatments don’t cater to all skin types, but there’s a Gentle Hair Removal treatment that’s right for you, no matter what your skin color.
How long does a Gentle laser hair removal treatment take?
A treatment can take as little as a few minutes to as long as an hour, depending on the area being treated.
Is Gentle laser hair removal painful?
Some patients may feel slight discomfort, which has been compared to snapping a rubber band against the skin. This discomfort resolves quickly and is minimized by the patented Dynamic Cooling Device (DCC), which prepares the skin for treatment by spraying the upper layer with a cool burst milliseconds before the laser pulse. DCD helps ensure that the treatments are as comfortable as they are effective.
Ice packs will be applied to the treatment area before and after treatment in order to minimize discomfort and will be provided for home use, as needed.
How many treatments will I need?
Multiple treatments are required to achieve the full hair removal effect. Hair growth is reduced after each treatment and the number of treatments required will be based on your hair color and type, body area and skin color. That’s because hair grows in three stages:
- Anagen (the growth stage): Hair is thickest and darkest, so laser treatments are most effective.
- Catagen (the transitional stage): The hair begins to loosen from its follicle.
- Telogen (the shedding stage): The hair falls out to make room for new growth.
The hairs on your body are not always at the same stage, so you’ll need to undergo a few treatments, an average of four to six weeks apart, to catch them all in the growth stage.
How do I prepare for a Gentle Hair Removal treatment and what precautions should I take after treatment?
Your required initial consultation is important as it will cover all of the information for recommended pre and post-treatment skin care, which is necessary for achieving the desired results. Please review the full pre and post-treatment instructions here.
What can I expect after treatment?
A cool compress or gel pack may be applied for additional comfort after your treatment. Any redness or swelling should resolve in a few hours.
Are there side effects?
Laser and light-based treatments have been safely used for many years for a variety of medical and cosmetic procedures. Permanent side effects are rare and may include redness, swelling, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, blistering and purpura (laser bruise) in the treated area—these usually do not last more than a few days.
Is a consultation required?
Yes. A consultation is required for all first-time laser hair removal patients.
This consultation is required even if you are a current dermatology patient of Dr. Thrower or have been to the Med-Spa for a facial or back treatment.
The consultation will last about 10 minutes and will cover details about the laser hair removal process. You will have a chance to ask questions about the procedure. If you have other dermatological concerns unrelated to laser hair removal, we ask that you schedule a separate appointment with Dr. Thrower.
The consultation is free. In order to schedule a consultation, we require a deposit for your first treatment session in the amount of $100. This non-refundable deposit will be applied to the final bill of your first treatment session and will be charged when you schedule your consultation.
Are these treatments covered by insurance?
Most insurance companies do not offer reimbursement for cosmetic procedures. Consult your insurance carrier for conclusive information.
We encourage you to ask any questions you may have during your consultation or you may email us any time before your appointment.