How many treatments will I need? At what intervals?
Multiple treatments are needed because only the hair that is in the active growth phase (Anagen phase) can be affected by the laser. Effective results require treatments spread evenly once every 4-6 weeks until hair stops growing. Any deviation from recommended treatment schedule can result in a longer treatment cycle and additional sessions.

Is laser hair removal permanent?
Most people can expect to see a 75% to 95% permanent hair reduction after a series of recommended sessions. Ideal candidates can reach close to 99% reduction. Any hair that grows in later in life is new hair that the body can develop due to numerous factors such as age, diet, hormonal changes, and medical conditions such as PCOS. Patients who experience new growth later in life can get touchup treatments.

Is laser hair removal painful?
This treatment is typically well tolerated. You may feel a quick, warm sensation as the light is delivered to your skin.

Are there any possible risks or side effects?
Temporary side effects include redness, flushing, itching, tingling and swelling around mouth of follicle that may last for up to 48 hours. Other rare side effects that are indicative of inappropriate laser type and/or settings are crusting/scab formation, bruising, purpura ( purple coloring of the skin ), temporary pigment change (hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation).

Your consultation for laser hair removal at Avissa Skin in Ann Arbor, Michigan is one of the most important steps in your journey. The pre-treatment consultation allows your practitioner to better get to know you and your skin type, and is an opportunity for you to better understand what your treatment will entail.

Here’s what will happen during your consultation:

You will be filling out standard forms that include your health history, medications you may be taking, a genetic disposition form that includes questions to determine your Fitzpatrick Skin Type for proper laser setting. Your practitioner will review your medical history to make sure that there are no contra-indications that may apply. Any questionable medical conditions and medications will require a consult and clearance from your GP.  Your practitioner will provide you with sufficient information about the procedure, the technology, risks, expectations, alternative procedures, cost of procedure, pre and post procedure instructions to help you determine if you are a good candidate for the treatment . Before-treatment-potos are obtained for clinical purposes and a spot test will be performed if a concern exists regarding the potential response to treatment.

Here’s what will happen during your first and subsequent treatment:

You will need to shave the area to be treated just before your appointment, so that the laser does not target any longer hairs that are sitting above the skin – which could increase the risk of causing burns. At your appointment, your practitioner will make you comfortable, review your treatment plan with you and ensure your skin is prepared for treatment. The length of your procedure depends on the area(s) being treated, typically less than 1 hour.

Immediately after treatment you may experience some mild redness and flushing in the treatment area. This will resolve within a few hours. Your treated skin may have a slight warmth to it, much like a mild sunburn. Hair will begin to fall out in a few days and will continue over several weeks. Laser hair removal does take several treatments spaced at equal intervals to achieve your best results. Do not wax, tweeze, epilate or use chemical depilatory creams between laser hair removal appointments. There is no downtime after treatment, and you will be able to return to normal activities immediately. You will also be provided with the proper post treatment care materials.

You may not be a good candidate if you have used Accutane in the last 12 months or are using photo sensitizing medications or drugs or have a history of abnormal response to sunlight. You should not be on blood thinners or aspirin. You should not receive this treatment if you are pregnant. You should not have a tan, by way of natural sunlight or self-tanners. If you have an active infection or cold sore, a history of skin cancer (especially malignant melanoma) or a weakened immune system, this treatment may not be right for you. You are also not a candidate if you have a history of keloid scar formation, have a medical condition that affects wound healing or are a Fitzpatrick Skin Type VI. Your pracitioner will thoroughly review your health history and contraindications with you prior to treatment.

Avoid sun exposure for 4 weeks prior to and throughout the course of your treatments. You should not have tanned skin from natural light, tanning beds, or even self-tanners/spray tans. Treatment of tanned skin can increase the risk of blistering and/or permanent skin discoloration. Protect the areas from direct sun exposure by wearing protective clothing (hat, visor, etc.) and using a broad-spectrum SPF 30+.

Do not use any other hair removal methods (tweezing, waxing) or products (depilatories) on the area to be treated two weeks prior to laser hair removal. Doing so will prevent you from achieving your best results.

Discontinue medications that increase photosensitivity (e.g., Doxycycline, Bactrim, fluoroquinolones) 2-3 weeks prior to treatment. If you are having laser hair removal to the face, AVOID neuromodulator (i.e. Botox) and dermal filler injections 2 weeks prior to any laser treatment. Medications containing aspirin or anti-inflammatories (Aspirin, Aleve, Advil, Motrin Ibuprofen, etc.) should be avoided for 2 – 5 days prior to laser hair removal. You may take Tylenol or another pain reliever which contains no aspirin or ibuprofen, if needed.

A cold compress or an ice pack can be used to provide comfort if the treated area is especially warm. This is typically only needed within the first 12 hours after the treatment. Vitamin E or Aloe Vera applied to the treatment area may provide a soothing effect. Post treatment discomfort is typically minimal but if the area is very uncomfortable, Tylenol (acetaminophen), may be used.

Do not use any other hair removal methods or products on the treated area during the course of your laser treatments (tweezing, waxing and depilatories), as it will prevent you from achieving your best results.

In the unusual case of crusting of the skin in the treated area, apply an antibiotic ointment twice a day to the affected areas. Do not pick at these areas, as this may result in infection or scarring.

Hair may take up to 4 weeks to fall out following laser hair removal. In some cases, it can take as little as a few days, do not be alarmed if hairs appear to be “growing” during this time. The number of treatments required will depend upon the body location, the amount of hair present, the character of the hair and your skin type.

Until sensitivity has subsided, PLEASE AVOID THE FOLLOWING: Scented lotions or soaps, deodorants, exfoliant creams (Retin-A, glycolic/salicylic and alpha- hydroxy acids), acne creams or gels, loofa sponges/aggressive scrubbing, hot or cold water ( wash the area with tepid water ), Shaving, swimming pools and spas and activities that cause excessive perspiration