Laser Hair Removal FAQs
How much does it cost?
Our prices are 1/3 or 1/2 of many other laser hair centers because we have very low overhead costs, which we pass on to you. Dr. Ores has one assistant and very low operating cost. Our prices are listed above and remember, your fourth treatment is absolutely FREE!
Who will perform the procedure?
David J. Ores, MD is a NYS licensed Medical Doctor and he performs all laser procedures himself. We do not employ laser assistants or technicians.
How long will the procedure take?
Depending on the amount of hair and the size of the area being treated, the sessions can vary from a few minutes up to an hour for full legs, for example.
How long do I have to wait between treatments?
We suggest you wait about four to six weeks between treatments.
How many treatments will I need?
Each individual will need 3 to 6 laser treatments, but some might need up to 8 in order to maximize results. Skin tone, hair coloring and coarseness of hair are all contributing factors to how many treatments will be needed. Many clients are completely satisfied after three treatments. Again, dark hair with lighter skin needs the fewest treatments.
Are the results permanent?
Results vary depending on skin and hair type. Studies have shown that many patients can achieve permanent hair reduction of up to 85-90% and any remaining hair returns lighter and softer.
What are the risks or possible side effects?
Immediately following a laser treatment, clients should experience reddened and puffy skin. This is termed peri-follicular edema and resembles goose bumps. It feels somewhat like mild sunburn. This effect disappears in a few minutes to a few hours. In the hands of an experienced laser technician using the right equipment, clients will not experience any damage to their skin. Many clients schedule treatments during their lunch break and return to their offices with no visible indications.
Is the treatment painful?
This is a common initial concern for many of our patients. The GentleLase laser uses a special proprietary cooling system (DCD) that lowers the temperature of the skin at the exact treatment site before, during, and after laser exposure. Therefore, the treatment is generally not painful and is well tolerated. Some patients describe the treatment as a sensation like the snap of a rubber band and, "much less painful than the waxing I used to subject myself to." The discomfort only last for a few seconds over the treated area. The application of a topical anesthetic cream is an option for more sensitive areas.
Do I have to avoid sun exposure before and after treatment?
Yes. Avoid sun exposure for a few weeks before treatment and all through the treatment process. Use SPF 30 sun block lotion and clothing everyday of the year to prevent UV exposure.
What about shaving or waxing before treatments?
Shaving before and during the treatment weeks / process is fine and causes no problems. Waxing hair and / or plucking hair needs to be avoided. The laser needs the hair shaft in order to work. No waxing. No plucking. Shaving is fine and not a problem.
How does laser hair removal work?
The laser light passes through the top layer of your skin and is absorbed by the black color of the hair shaft. The hair shaft heats up for a brief moment and destroys the surrounding hair cells. There are approximate 300 hair cells in each hair follicle structure. Only hair cells, which are actively dividing, are destroyed. This is usually about 1/3 of the hair cells at any given time. About 4 to 6 weeks later, some of the surviving hair cells enter the dividing phase and we apply the laser again at this time, again destroying another 1/3 of the remaining hair cells. This is why a series of three or more treatments are needed to reduce the number of hair cells to near zero.
What kind of results can I expect from each laser hair removal treatment?
Each laser hair removal treatment will result in significant hair growth reduction. The laser targets the black hair follicle and only destroys hair cells in the process of dividing. This is usually about 1/3 of the hair cells. This is why more than one application if required. In about 4- 6 weeks, the surviving hair cells begin to divide and are thus susceptible to laser application.
Additionally, hair will grow progressively slower, lighter, and finer with each treatment. It takes more than one treatment to affect all the follicles growing in an area. Most people achieve satisfactory clearance after three treatments, but individual results may vary depending on medical and genetic factors. Lighter colored hair may require more treatments than darker colored hair. At the end of your protocol, the desired outcome is about 80% to 100% clearance of unwanted hair in the treatment area.
What results can I expect after laser hair removal?
Our laser hair removal technology destroys hair cells that are in the active growth phase, so repeat treatments will be needed to target hair that was not affected at the time of previous treatments. You may need three to six treatments to get the results you want. Most people are satisfied after three laser hair treatments. At the end of the laser hair removal treatment program you can expect your skin to remain smooth.
Can you treat all skin types and colors?
Our Gentlelase machine treats skin types I through III and IV. This is very fair skin up to brown colored skin. There is a Gentle YAG machine (also by Candela Co.) available for darker skin types, which works really well.
Does the color of the hair make a difference?
Black hair with fair skin is the easiest to treat. The laser machine cannot treat gray, blonde or white hair.
Pre Treatment Instructions PDF downloadable file
Before your laser hair treatment, avoid electrolysis, hair waxing or hair plucking for at least 4-6 weeks. Avoid the sun for 4-6 weeks before and after all treatments. Any surface hair should be removed by shaving (not waxing and plucking) and afterwards your skin should be thoroughly cleansed. Remove any makeup products, skin creams or oils on the surface before your laser treatment. Also, it is important to inform the doctor if you are taking any medications, which have been prescribed or purchased without a prescription. Important examples of such medications are Acutane, Minocin or any Tetracycline-type medications.
Other Pre-Treatment suggestions:
- Avoid tanning for 2-3 months.
- Darker skin types apply sunscreen for 4-6 weeks.
- Avoid waxing, tweezing or depilatory use for 6 weeks.
- Avoid irritants such as products containing glycolic acid or Retin-A in the area for 5-7 days.
- Shave the desired treatment area the night before laser treatment.
Aftercare Instructions PDF downloadable file
After any laser treatment, avoid all sun exposure for 4-6 weeks. For the first few days after treatment, do not scrub the treated areas with abrasive skin cleansers.
Additional aftercare suggestions:
- The areas treated with the laser may be red following treatment. This will generally fade within 2-3 days.
- The treated area can be washed normally with mild soap and water. Wash the area gently with your fingertips. Use of a washcloth or other abrasive instrument is not recommended.
- Cover the treated area with a sunscreen of SPF30 or higher and avoid sun exposure to the treated area for 4 to 6 weeks.
- Avoid irritants such as products containing glycolic acid or Retin-A in the area for 5-7 days.
- Minor crusting or scabbing of the treated area might a some cases occur following treatment. Do not rub or pick the scab. Wash gently with fingertips and mild soap. Apply an antibacterial ointment to the treated area.
- Hair remaining in the follice will extrude typically within 1-2 weeks after treatment. This will look like growth, but is simply the body's way of eliminating the hair from the treated follicle.
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