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1421 Wayzata Blvd East Suite 200
Wayzata, MN 55391

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Laser Hair Removal FAQ's
What is Laser hair reduction?

Laser Hair Reduction is an innovative light-based technology that utilizes pulses of light energy to gently penetrate into the skin and specifically target, disable and destroy unwanted hair follicles. This noninvasive treatment is a comfortable and easy treatment for the age old problem of unwanted body hair.

How does Laser Hair Reduction work?

The laser delivers excellent photothermal energy to hair follicles. By selecting the appropriate wavelength for hair reduction, our esthetician will be able to tailor the treatment to your skin type in order to achieve optimal results.

Hair grows in three stages, and when hair is in the anagen stage (growth) it is most vulnerable to light therapy. The laser selectively heats the full length of the imbedded hair follicle cutting off its supply of nutrients, thus disabling its growth. Because all hair is not always in the anagen stage at one time, multiple treatments must be given over time to treat it while it is in the anagen stage. Our Esthetician will design a treatment series to reflect your desire for hair reduction in particular body locations.

What other non laser & light-based treatments are available?

Waxing, shaving, and the use of depilatory creams are well-established methods for hair reduction, albeit temporary. Electrolysis is the traditional tried and tested method for permanent hair reduction. However, it is often very time-consuming, painful, and not without complications. With rapid technology development, the most popular and effective method for hair reduction is the use of lasers or intense pulsed light, which are designed to damage and destroy many hairs at once, delivered in a brief period of time with reduced side effects. People are interested in laser or light hair reduction because the end results are consistent and predictable within a reasonable time frame that fits their lifestyle.

What areas can be treated?

Laser hair reduction offers patients a safe, fast, and effective alternative for dealing with unwanted hair. Laser Hair Reductioin is safe enough to be used on any part of the body (e.g., face, neck, underarms, bikini line, legs, arms).

Can tanned skin be treated?

An active tan from the sun or tanning beds is not appropriate for treating with the laser. Tanned skin has a lot of pigment or melanin that may also absorb the laser light energy intended for the hair follicles. It is recommended that a person does not have sun exposure in the area to be treated for a period of 3 weeks prior to treatment with our laser. Self tanners must be faded from the skin for at least a week to 10 days prior to treatment. Discuss with our esthetician the possibility of tanning during your series so that a safe regimen can be created.

How long will it take to recover?

Your healing time will depend upon your actual treatment. In most cases, there is virtually no downtime and you may resume daily activity immediately. You may experience some redness after the procedure. Our Esthetician will answer questions about temporary changes in your skin color and how it may be camouflaged.

How many treatments will I need?

As previously mentioned, hair grows in 3 different stages. Hair can only be affected by light energy when it is in its anagen stage. Additionally, hair located on different body parts has different growth cycles and percentages of anagen hair at any one given time. Due to this physiology, a series of treatments must be given over a period of time, usually 4-8 weeks apart to address the growth cycle of the hair.

What will happen during the procedure? Will it be uncomfortable?

Your eyes will be protected with safety shields or glasses. You may briefly feel a warm or “rubber band snap” sensation as the light is absorbed by the targeted areas. Your procedure may take a few minutes to half an hour depending on the size of the area to be treated and the type of procedure performed. The procedure is gentle, noninvasive and safe. Generally, there is no need for a topical anesthetic but your clinician may choose to use it on more sensitive areas. Our Esthetician will discuss all of your options with you.

What should I expect after the treatment?

You may experience some localized redness in the area that was treated that should resolve within a few hours. Results depend on your skin condition, the number and consistency of treatments, and the area treated. Our Esthetician will provide you with complete information about the post treatment care and results.

What aftercare do I need?

It is important to follow our esthetician’s instructions. You may be given some skin care products and instructions on how to use them. If you must go outdoors, it is recommended that you cover your treated skin and use sunblock of SPF 30.

Will insurance cover this procedure?

Permanent hair reduction procedures, like other cosmetic procedures, are not covered by your insurance company. If you have any questions, it is best to talk with our esthetician.

Are there any side effects?

Side effects may include slight redness (most clients return to natural color within 20 to 30 minutes) and pigmentary changes of the skin.

Where can I use Laser Hair Removal?

Laser Hair Removal can be used virtually anywhere on the body.

Is Laser Hair Removal permanent?

Laser Hair Removal disables hair in an active growth cycle on the day of your treatment. Dormant follicles are inactive and therefore unable to be treated. Additionally, most active hair follicles must be treated more than once. Circumstances such as pregnancy and hormonal changes as well as medications can retrigger dormant follicle growth. As with any active follicle, these hairs can then be treated. Any new growth will be much lighter in color and considerably finer in texture because of the procedure. Touch-ups may be needed.

How long does a Laser Hair Removal Treatment Session take?

Laser Hair Removal sessions vary depending on the size of the area being treated; generally they take between 15 and 45 minutes.

When will I see results?

Each targeted hair takes about 10 to 15 days to fall out after treatment. A series of treatments is necessary for optimal results.

Can tanned skin be treated?

Always inform us if you have been tanning prior to treatment. We will make the necessary adjustments to your individualized regimes.

How much does Laser Hair Removal cost?

Laser Hair Removal is unique to each individual area from small to extra large areas. We offer discounts for packages. Please call Minnesota Gynecology and Aesthetics for a free consultation.

What is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser Hair Removal employs laser energy that can selectively target microstructures, such as hair follicles. With its targeted absorption by melanin, it gives the optimal balance between safely treating all skin types (from light to dark) and effectively removing unwanted hair. Tanned skin can be treated safely. However, inform the physician if you have been tanning, using tanning products, or have experienced prolonged exposure to the sun within the last three weeks. The physician will then adjust your treatment regimen accordingly to give you the safest and most effective experience.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Laser Hair Removal uses a laser to selectively target your hair follicles and heats them with laser energy. Unlike other treatments, the laser beam treats many hairs at once, making treatment of large areas practical. Our Sciton Laser utilizes a unique computer-guided scanning system that automates the treatment, ensuring your skin is rapidly and evenly treated. The computer places the beam in an optimum pattern for your skin to experience a safe, effective and gentle treatment.

Laser energy delivered by our Laser Hair Removal system can be used to remove all types of hair. When “shaving bumps” cover follicles, the laser energy can still penetrate to the hair follicle for a safe and effective treatment.

What is treatment like?

Our Esthetician will discuss the treatment with you and go over concerns for a treatment plan. The area of your skin that is to be treated will be scanned with laser light. Treatment time will depend on the size of the area to be treated. The continuous cooling feature will ensure your comfort and safety during treatment. Since the sensation varies from individual to individual, a topical anesthetic can be provided for an additional cost. Let our esthetician know if you are very sensitive as we will need to have you arrive 15 minutes early to your appointment for appropriate numbing preparation..

The number of treatments needed will vary from patient to patient and our laser esetician will personalize a treatment plan based on the level of improvement you desire. The esthetician may also combine your treatment with other popular aesthetic procedures to further personalize your treatment.

What should I expect after treatment?

Some redness and slight swelling may be present in the area that has been treated. However, this should subside within a few hours. If any prolonged redness or swelling occurs, please consult our office immediately. Keep the treated area clean, use at least SPF 15 sunscreen when going outdoors, and follow the esthtician post-treatment instructions carefully.