FAQs: Laser Hair Removal and Pigmentation Treatments

At Laser 1st, we understand you may have questions about laser hair removal and other laser treatments. Please feel free to browse the Frequently Asked Questions below. If you don't see the answer to your question, stop by our office or call us at (706) 860-5599 today. Make Laser1st your first choice!

Frequently Asked Questions for Hair Removal

How does the laser remove hair?
What is the advantage of using a laser?
What does the laser treatment feel like?
What happens to the skin after laser treatment?
How many laser treatments will I need?
Is laser hair removal permanent?
What to expect after laser treatment:
What if I have gray, white, blonde, red or light fine hair?

Frequently Asked Questions for LaserFACIAL

What does LaserFACIAL do?
The LaserFACIAL difference:
What areas can be treated?
What are facial vessels, telangiectasia, and diffused redness?
What can I expect before the treatment?
How many treatments do I need?
Is the treatment painful?

Frequently Asked Questions for Pigmented Lesions

What is the difference between the IPL and 755 Alexandrite?
How many treatments can I expect?
What does it feel like?
What can I expect after treatment?
How do I prepare for the treatments?

Frequently Asked Questions for Laser Vein Removal

Will laser therapy work on my leg veins?
What does it feel like?
How long will the treatment take?
How many treatments will I need?
What will the laser do to the veins?
When can I resume normal activities?

Frequently Asked Questions for Hair Removal

How does the laser remove hair?

The laser emits a beam of light that is attracted to the pigment or melanin in the hair follicle that is in an active growing cycle. Pre-determined pulse duration and energy settings are directed at and absorbed by the hair follicles, disabling the growth of the follicles, resulting in quick, safe, and effective hair removal.

Back to Top

What is the advantage of using a laser?

Lasers are precise instruments that can be adjusted to the exact parameters that will specifically disable the hair follicle. The laser uses a wide beam that treats many hairs at once instead of treating hair-by-hair like electrolysis. Because of this, large areas such as your legs, arms, or back can be treated in a short period of time. You will see results that last far longer than tweezing, waxing, shaving, chemical depilation, or other temporary methods.

Back to Top

What does the laser treatment feel like?

The treatment does have a slight prickly or stinging sensation. Most of our clients are able to tolerate the treatment without difficulty. However, since every person’s level of sensitivity is different and treatment areas may vary, a topical numbing cream is available.

Back to Top

What happens to the skin after laser treatment?

Reddening of the skin is the desired reaction. The redness usually subsides within a few minutes to a few hours and returns to normal. Since the laser is not invasive in any way, no bandages are necessary. You are able to re-apply your make-up, return to work, and continue with your normal daily activities immediately following treatment.

Back to Top

How many laser treatments will I need?

It has been our experience that most of our patients are able to discontinue treatments, knowing they will probably need an occasional touchup, after an average of 5-6 treatments, providing that the recommended treatment schedule is followed. It is also important to understand that results may vary depending on the individuals hair type, their stress levels, certain medications and different hormone levels. Keep in mind some individuals will require fewer treatments and some will require more treatments depending on the results desired.

Back to Top

Is laser hair removal permanent?

The FDA has cleared laser hair removal, regardless of the laser, for “Permanent Hair Reduction” only. Based on our experience we believe that the hair treated will probably not re-grow. Each individual’s treatment response may be different because of their hair or skin type and given that there are between 500 and 1000 follicles per square inch, of which many are dormant at the time of treatment, we have no way of knowing if and when they may start growing due to stress levels, certain medications and different hormone levels.

Back to Top

What to expect after laser treatment:

After your initial treatment, you should enjoy a significant reduction of hair. However, it will take 2-4 weeks for the treated hair to push its way to the surface and fall out. With each treatment, the hair in the active growing phase will be effectively treated. A follow up appointment is scheduled 4-8 weeks after each treatment. With that in mind, remember the importance of maintaining your follow up appointments.

Back to Top

What if I have gray, white, blonde, red or light fine hair?

Since the laser is attracted to the pigment in the hair follicle, these hair colors may not have enough pigment to be successfully treated with the laser. If this applies to you, we may want to try a test spot to see if your hair responds to the laser.

Back to Top

Frequently Asked Questions for LaserFACIAL

What does LaserFACIAL do?

LaserFACIAL is a non-ablative procedure that can reduce visible facial vessels, diffuse redness, acne scars, Rosacea, sun damage, and large pores. It has been FDA cleared to reduce wrinkles by gently warming the upper dermis, improving the appearance of your skin. The result is a healthy looking and vibrant appearance.

Back to Top

The LaserFACIAL difference:

The LaserFACIAL procedure utilizes laser technology that can safely, discretely and effectively treat small targets. Unlike many other treatment methods, LaserFACIAL is a comfortable, non-ablative form of skin therapy. This means you will be able to see subtle yet consistent results after each treatment, without unwanted side effects such as bruising or excessive skin irritation. Your therapy can be performed in a relaxed, comfortable manner without the use of general or local anesthesia, gel or cream.

Back to Top

What areas can be treated?

Unlike many other procedures available today, with LaserFACIAL skin therapy, your physician can safely treat all areas. The most common is facial, neck and chest.

Back to Top

What are facial vessels, telangiectasia, and diffused redness?

Telangiectasia, or facial vessels, are dilated capillaries that commonly appear on the surface of the face and in areas around the nose, cheeks and above the neckline. Capillaries are tiny blood vessels that are present throughout the body. Prolonged sun exposure, aging, trauma and other factors can cause capillaries to become dilated and visible. There is also a hereditary factor in developing facial telangiectasia. LaserFACIAL therapy will help your appearance by treating any visible trace of these unsightly veins. Diffuse redness is a general appearance of facial redness, such as rosy cheeks. As with facial telangiectasia, this condition is a result of dilated capillaries, however the appearance is more of a general redness rather than discrete well-defined vessels. The most commonly affected areas are the nose, forehead and cheeks. Diffuse redness is often associated with a condition called rosacea that can be hereditary. LaserFACIAL therapy will help your appearance by gently treating and reducing this condition.

Back to Top

What can I expect before the treatment?

There are no complicated pretreatment rituals with this procedure. Prior to the actual LaserFACIAL treatment you will be asked to remove your make-up or moisturizers and, in some cases, you may be asked to shave the area to be treated so as not to interfere with the laser treatment. Your physician will review and assist with all pretreatment requirements. There are no numbing creams used in this procedure.

Back to Top

How many treatments do I need?

The treatment results are often very subtle. On average you may require 4 to 6 treatments in order to achieve the results you are looking for. Every patient's conditions and needs vary. Some conditions may require more treatments. It is important for the clinical staff to have a clear understanding of your expectations to make sure they are realistic with this type of procedure. For more information about your expected results or the number of treatments necessary, consult your physician.

Back to Top

Is the treatment painful?

No, LaserFACIAL is a comfortable, non-ablative, non-invasive treatment. Unlike other laser treatments it does not wound the skin's surface therefore virtually eliminating the need for complicated post treatment care. Typically patients describe the treatment as a gentle warming of the surface.

Back to Top

Frequently Asked Questions for Pigmented Lesions

What is the difference between the IPL and 755 Alexandrite?

IPL stands for intense pulse light. The IPL is used for sun damaged skin, brown spots and uneven skin tones. It has also been used to increase collagen and improve acne scars when used in addition with the LaserFacial treatment. The 755 can be used for the same treatments except it covers a smaller area at a time and the spectrum of light is more direct.

Back to Top

How many treatments can I expect?

It may take several treatments to get the desired results. We say to expect up 5 but in most cases it can take less and in rare cases not help at all.

Back to Top

What does it feel like?

It may feel like a rubber band snap, but is usually very minimal.

Back to Top

What can I expect after treatment?

Usually within approximately 20 minutes you will see a slightly darker color of the area treated. It can take up to 3 weeks for the discoloration to slough off. It may feel like a slight sunburn sensation for a few days following the treatment. In some cases it may look like a superficial burn and in rare cases a blister may appear. It is very important to follow all post treatment instructions and stay out the sun for at least a 4 week period following treatment to avoid irritation to the treated area. If you cannot avoid sun exposure then a sunscreen of no less than 30 SPF should be used.

Back to Top

How do I prepare for the treatments?

It is very important for you to stay out of the sun as you could cause discoloration in the area treated. We recommend 4 weeks prior and through out the treatments series. If you cannot avoid sun exposure you should use a minimum sun screen protection of 30 SPF or higher.

Back to Top

Frequently Asked Questions for Laser Vein Removal

Will laser therapy work on my leg veins?

Although there is no way to tell for sure which veins will respond, a consultation with the doctor to evaluate and access your veins will be required. Prior surgery or treatment on your veins could affect the treatment outcome. In some cases, further testing may be recommended to determine if there are underlying venous problems.

Back to Top

What does it feel like?

Although many patients report little or no discomfort, some may experience a mild stinging sensation when the laser pulse is delivered.

Back to Top

How long will the treatment take?

Treatment time should be 15 to 30 minutes but may vary depending on the number and size of the vessel(s) to be treated.

Back to Top

How many treatments will I need?

In many cases, significant improvement is realized in as few as 1 to 3 treatments. In some cases new spider veins may appear, therefore, additional treatments may be necessary. Treatments are at 8 week intervals.

Back to Top

What will the laser do to the veins?

When treating vascular lesions, the blood temperature at the targeted area is elevated to a level that causes coagulation without damage to the epidermis or surrounding tissue. Because the laser energy is absorbed by melanin in the epidermis as well as the desired target of hemoglobin, the SmartCool system is used to cool and protect the epidermis. Multiple treatments may be necessary to obtain a satisfactory response for some leg veins.

Back to Top

When can I resume normal activities?

Although we encourage you to resume normal activities almost immediately, we do ask that you refrain from vigorous exercise and avoid hot tubs for at least 24 hours post treatment. Also avoid direct sun exposure after treatment and if you do go in the sun, protect the treated area with a minimum SPF 30 Sun Block (not sunscreen).

Back to Top

Save time, be happy, and stop shaving.
Make Laser1st your first choice!