Advanced Laser Hair Removal

The old fashioned ways of removing hair – shaving, tweezing, waxing, and depilatories – are temporary solutions to unwanted hair. Electrolysis is more permanent, but it's an extremely slow and painful process. With advancement in medical technology, now you don't have to settle for out-of-date solutions. The medical lasers available today provide the ultimate solution for safely and effectively reducing unwanted hair anywhere on the body and face – for men and women.

With laser hair removal, most people can successfully eliminate 80% or more of unwanted hair. In most cases, several treatments are necessary to achieve the best results. The number of treatments will vary according to the size of the area and the type of hair. Women most often request hair removal on the upper lip, chin, neck, bikini area, legs, underarms, and the navel area. Men often treat the back, shoulders, upper arms, and the chin.

At Cosmedique™, we use state-of-the-art laser systems with cooling devices for safe laser hair removal. Our lasers are fast and effective, thus reducing the cost of each treatment and allowing our patients to consider hair removal in large areas such as the back, arms, and the legs.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Laser light achieves hair removal by destroying hair at its source, the base of the follicle under the skin. The laser will shoot a concentrated beam of light energy that passes through the surface skin, targeting the melanin in the hair follicle, destroying the bulb.

What Can I Expect During the Free Consultation?

During your initial consultation, our physician staff will take a brief medical history in order to make sure the treatments are safe for you. Your specific problems and desired results will then be discussed. Finally, an individualized treatment plan will be formed. You can expect your first treatment to begin immediately, if you desire. Generally, a digital picture will be taken before the first treatment. You can use that image to chart your progress.

What Can I Expect During and After the Treatment?

The actual laser hair removal procedure may last anywhere from 10 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size of the treatment area. Before the treatment begins, we apply a topical anesthetic gel on the area to be treated. We then ask you to wait 20-30 minutes in our stylish waiting room before the anesthetic takes effect. This step helps to make the treatment more comfortable, but most patients still feel a warm, tingling sensation as the laser penetrates the hair follicle. We will also cool the skin during the treatment with CoolSpot™, a device specifically designed to improve patient comfort during aesthetic laser procedures. After the treatment, the patient may immediately return to work or normal daily routine. However, we do ask that the patient shield the treated area from the sun and use sun block protection for 48 hours. Then, it takes 1-2 weeks for the hair to fall out.

Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?

Our Lyra i laser is FDA cleared for permanent hair reduction on all skin types, including very fair and dark skin. The Lyra i is so safe, it was the first laser cleared by the FDA for the treatment of pseudo-folliculitis, a painful condition also known as "shaving bumps" caused by ingrown hair.

The risks involved with laser hair removal are minimal. Your eyes will be shielded to avoid injury. There is a small risk of pigment changes. We are trained to calibrate the laser to each individual's skin type because everyone reacts differently to the light beam. You will be provided with any further information you need during your laser hair removal consultation.

Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?

At Cosmedique™, we only use lasers that are approved for permanent hair reduction by United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In most cases, patients will achieve long-term hair reduction in the treated areas. The level of permanent hair reduction increases with the number of laser treatments. Occasionally, the patient may have a few hairs regrow over a period of time. We recommend one touch-up treatment per year to maintain reduction and treat any sparse hairs that may have reappeared.

How Many Treatments are Needed?

Laser treatments impair the growth capacity of the hair follicles when they are in the active growth stage. Not all follicles are active at the time of the treatment and several treatments may be necessary to obtain the desired result. The number of treatments required depends on the treatment area, hair density, and the patient's hair growth cycle. Most patients experience a marked reduction in hair growth in 3-8 treatments.

What is the Cost?

The cost of laser hair removal can be as low as $100 per treatment. At Cosmedique™, we strive to give our patients most bang for the buck by using only the latest, state-of-the-art lasers that combine effectiveness with speed.

What is the Pre-Treatment Guideline?

• Do not tweeze or wax the hair removal area for at least 2-4 weeks prior to    the treatment.
• Shave the area to be treated within 24 hours of the scheduled    appointment.
•  Remove all traces of make-up or skin care products prior to the treatment.
•  Inform the physician if you are currently on Accutane or other dermatologic    medications.
• Do not actively tan the treatment area 3 days prior to the scheduled    appointment.

What is the Post-Treatment Guideline?

• Use sunblock (SPF 30+) and avoid direct sun exposure to the treated area    for 48 hours following the treatment.
•  Apply recommended moisturizer and avoid irritating chemicals or     medication such as Retin-A, Benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acids.
•  Do not shave the treated area for 24 hours following the treatment