Laser hair removal is a procedure using laser technology to reduce hair and retard growth for an extended period of time. The laser light targets melanin (pigment) in the shaft of the hair. The melanin absorbs the laser light and generates heat, which damages hair follicles. Melanin in the surrounding skin can also absorb laser energy, thus there is a balance between burning the hair follicle vs. the skin. People with a lot of expressed melanin (tanned or naturally dark skin) will absorb laser light, therefore heat in the skin, which will increase burning.

People with dark brown to black hair with light skin will obtain the best results. Treatments must be individualized from client to client. You will need 6-8 treatments spaced four to eight weeks apart. Typically 60-95% of the hair can be reduced permanently. There is nothing available that will prevent new hair from growing in the future. Possible complications can include burning, blistering, scabbing, hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin), and hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin).

Females who have excess patches of hair on their face and/or body, acne, or irregular periods should have a hormonal workup prior to treatment. You may have an underlying hormonal condition that needs to be evaluated.

Pretreatment care is required:

• You must not tan for 3-4 weeks prior to treatment.
• Stop using any self tanning products one week prior
• Do not wear makeup, lotion or deodorant over treatment area
• Do not wax or tweeze hair for at least 4 weeks
• Come to appointment shaved
• Wear sunscreen of at least SPF 15 everyday for at least 2 weeks after the procedure.