LASER HAIR REMOVAL
IN WILTON, CT
LASER HAIR REMOVAL
The Spectrum diode laser will reduce and may permanently remove unsightly body hair. Melanin gives your hair color and is what the laser light targets to destroy the hair follicles in the active growth stage. Most people comment that they wish they had done this earlier in their life and that it is “life-changing”, having to no longer deal with embarrassing razor stubble or ingrown hairs. Unique to the Spectrum is a hair de-bulking setting that is especially useful for densely hairy areas such as a man’s back or chest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is laser hair removal permanent?
Results vary based upon the individual and upon the area. For most people, permanent results are achieved on areas where there is very coarse hair, such as the underarms, bikini, and legs. With every treatment, hair becomes finer and sparser and tends to grow more slowly. Most patients experience an 80-90% reduction in hair after a sequence of treatments.
How many treatments are needed?
Generally speaking, 5-7 treatments are needed for areas on the body, and 8-10 treatments are required for areas on the face and neck. Maintenance treatments should be expected 1-3 times per year on the face and neck. Hormonal fluctuations can influence hair growth.
Can any color hair be treated?
The laser light targets pigment, so the darker the pigment, the better the result. Areas with red and blonde hair will not respond as well as areas with brown or black hair. Grey hairs (which are absent of pigment) will not respond at all.
How do I know if I would get a good result?
We are interested in providing not only the best results but also in delivering care safely. There are many different lasers on the market that work in different ways. For the laser we have at ComplexionPerfexion, people with lighter skin tones and with dark hair can achieve the most effective and safe results. Consultations are complimentary and the Nurse Practitioner will be happy to evaluate you and recommend alternative treatments if necessary.
Does it hurt?
Many people describe it as a mild stinging sensation, or like a rubber-band snapping against the skin. Some areas such as the bikini are more sensitive. The Nurse Practitioner will discuss various things that may done to reduce discomfort. It is a rare event when a person feels so much discomfort that they cannot complete the treatment and most people have commented that the end result is worth the little bit of discomfort they feel during the treatment. There is no pain after the treatment and you can resume your normal activities afterwards. PRONOX, a form of "laughing gas" is available for an added cost.
What are the possible side effects?
Very rarely, hyperpigmentation (too much pigment) and hypopigmentation (loss of pigment) may occur. Blistering, bruising, infection and scarring have been reported as well.
What can I expect after the treatment?
After the treatment you may see red bumps around the hair follicles, especially on areas where there was thick, coarse hair. You may also see and smell hair singe. Those red bumps usually go down in 1-2 hours after treatment. For the next 1-2 weeks you may see hair "growing" but it is actually just expelling with cell turnover. After that there will be a 3-4 week period of little to no hair growth. When the hair starts growing back there will be less of it, it will be finer, and it will grow more slowly.
How long will the treatment take?
It depends on the area. Smaller areas such as the lip or underarm take about 10-15 minutes. A man's back requires about 90 minutes.
Should I shave before the treatment?
YES! Shaving 1-2 days before (for a "five o'clock shadow") will ensure the laser energy is absorbed at the follicle level. It will also make the treatment more comfortable. Additionally, it is important not to wax or pluck the area to be treated 1-2 weeks before treatment. The hair follicle needs to be present underneath the skin to be affected by the laser energy.