Laser Hair Removal & Permanent Hair Reduction Q & A
How long has Advanced Laser Clinics™ been in business?
The company was founded in February 2000. As the largest provider of aesthetic services in America, you will find us conveniently located in communities coast-to-coast. We believe that our tremendous growth is a testament to our ethics and the satisfaction of our patients.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
There is no laser that has received FDA clearance for a claim of permanent hair removal. However, the LightSheer™ Diode designed by Lumenis™ was the first to be cleared by the FDA for permanent hair reduction (which is defined by the FDA as 85% or greater hair reduction). It is possible that follicles in the treated area, while not being completely destroyed, will be sufficiently disabled to the point where they produce only fine, light hairs that do not respond to further treatment. This is backed up by extensive clinical studies and you should be wary of anyone who claims otherwise.
Why use the LightSheer™ Diode over other hair removal systems?
The LightSheer™ laser is specifically designed for hair removal. We have chosen this laser because of the extensive clinical research which demonstrates its effectiveness for permanent hair reduction. Other Laser Hair Removal systems that we have investigated cannot make this claim. We have used the LightSheer™ Diode for hundreds of thousands of treatments, so we know it works and provides the kind of long term results that our patients have come to expect from Advanced Laser Clinics of Illinois.
How does the LightSheer™ system remove hair?
This laser targets the pigment located in the hair follicle and shaft. The light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle and this energy is converted to heat which results in damage to the hair follicle. This damage causes delayed re-growth of hair and, in most cases, permanent destruction of many of the hair follicles. Unlike electrolysis, which disables one hair follicle at a time, the laser reaches and treats hundreds of follicles at a time.
Is it safe?
The LightSheer™ system was developed from years of research at the Wellman Laboratories of Photomedicine, one of the world’s leading medical laser research institutions. The laser is pulsed, or turned on, for only a fraction of a second and the duration of each pulse is just long enough to disable the hair follicles. A unique component of the LightSheer™ system, the actively cooled sapphire hand piece was designed to protect the skin by actively cooling it before, during and after the laser light is transmitted. It also actively draws off heat from the skin surface, which further protect the skin from injury.
Does it hurt?
The cooling tip has a mild anesthetic property, which allows tender areas to be treated in a relatively painless fashion. You will feel a tingling or stinging sensation during the treatment, but most people tolerate the procedure well. Topical anesthetic is available to increase your comfort if you choose. Following your treatment, you may experience a sunburn-type sensation in the treated area for several hours.
Who performs the treatments?
Our laser treatments are performed by technicians who are trained and certified in all aspects of Laser Hair Removal. Since we have done over 250,000 aesthetic treatments nationwide, Advanced Laser Clinics™ staff is highly experienced. We specialize in Laser Hair Removal & Skin Renewal Tratments, and are committed to the industry and your personal image enhancement.
How many treatments will I need?
Advanced Laser Clinics™ recommends (6) treatments. In fact, it is not uncommon for a person to need six or seven or more. There are a variety of factors that can influence the number of treatments any individual may require to achieve the desired results. To ensure maximum results, we offer our unique Written Service Guarantees.
Tell me about the Guarantee?
We offer 1 year Written Guarantees. They state that if you require additional treatments beyond your 6th session, we will treat you at no additional charge. This way, you know up front what your total cost will be, regardless of the number of treatments that you may need. During your consultation, we will discuss the Guarantee options further so you can decide what is right for you.
What will I look like/how red will I be after the treatment?
Post treatment reactions vary depending on the coarseness, density and color of the hair and the area being treated. In general terms, most patients experience redness similar to a mild sunburn.
I have dark skin/I tan – can I be treated?
That depends. The melanin content in your skin is one of the factors that must be considered when determining whether or not you are a good candidate for Laser Hair Removal. When you come in for your consultation, we will examine the areas you want treated, determine your Fitzpatrick skin type and discuss your desired results.
What about blonde/red/gray hair?
The laser energy is attracted to the melanin in your hair. The greater the amount of melanin, the better the results. White or gray hair does not contain any melanin and, therefore, does not respond to the treatments. However, some hair that many would call blonde or red actually does contain enough melanin to be treatable. That is precisely why we offer a complimentary consultation, so we can evaluate your hair and skin type and discuss your options.
Do I need to grow the hair out before my consultation/treatment?
No, in fact we ask that you do shave the area you want treated. We are actually targeting the anatomical structures below the skin. Surface hair interferes with this process.
I should not bleach or tweeze before my first treatment?
This is optimal, but not entirely necessary. After your first treatment, you will experience a no-growth period in the treated area and will find it will not be necessary to bleach, tweeze, etc.
How far apart are treatments spaced?
Typically, our treatments are spaced from 7 weeks to 14 weeks, depending on the area of the body that is treated. Having performed well over 250,000 treatments nationwide, we have determined these intervals to ensure optimum results. In fact, as an industry leader, many providers are now imitating our recommended intervals.
How long before I see results?
You will see some results immediately. It takes a week or two for all of the hair in the treated area to fall out. After that, you will experience several weeks of no growth in the treated area. So you are actually receiving immediate gratification while you are moving toward your long-term goal.
Can I be treated while taking medications?
The only medications that are prohibited for Laser Hair Removal are Accutane and Retin-A, which must be discontinued prior to treatment. During your consultation, we will review any medications or supplements that you are currently taking to help determine the appropriate course for your treatment.
I’m pregnant/planning on becoming pregnant. Can I still be treated?
That depends. Pregnancy restricts the use of topical anesthetics and may present some other challenges. While there is no evidence to suggest that pregnant women cannot be treated safely, it is our policy not to treat without written permission of the patient’s physician. When you come for your consultation, we can discuss the particulars of what you would like to have done and review your options.
