Permanent Laser Hair Removal FAQ
 How does Laser hair removal work?
The laser emits a gentle beam of light that passes
safely
through the skin and is absorbed by the hair follicle. The energy is
transformed into heat, which permanently disables the hair follicle from
producing new hairs.
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Is this treatment really effective?
In a recent study at the University of Miami Medical
School, 96% of clients were satsified with their LightSheer treatment
results. 800 treatments were performed and there were only two side
effects,
namely temporary lightening of the skin which resolved in two months.
The FDA has approved the LightSheer for PERMANENT
hair
reduction and removal of superficial varicose veins. This is an
important
and carefully considered decision by the FDA, after review of multiple
university studies. There are very few hair removal systems that can
make
this claim. This is why we chose the LightSheer system, and why you
should
as well.
Not all lasers are created equal! Other lasers are
not as
effective as the LightSheer, which is the most advanced laser with the
longest record of safety available for removal of unwanted hair.
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Is it permanent?
Yes. When a hair follicle is destroyed it is said to
be
sterile, and can never produce a hair again. Over the course of the
treatments thousands of hair follicles are destroyed. However, with some
medications, aging and hormonal changes, dormant hair follicles can
begin to
produce hairs. Bear in mind, these hairs would have grown anyway, thus
adding to an already undesirable hair growth area.
A long-term clinical study was done to evaluate the
LightSheer, and of the 92 patients studied, all had temporary hair loss
and
89% had long-term hair loss. Hairs that did regrow were thinner and
lighter
(baby hair) than they were previous.
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Is it Safe?
The LightSheer Laser System was developed after years
of
research at the Wellman Laboratories of Photomedicine, one of the worlds
leading and most respected medical research facilities. The laser was
carefully designed to be effective at treating unwanted hair without
damaging the skin, which has been a problem with lasers of the past.
Multiple studies at medical universities such as
Cornell
University and Harvard Medical Schools have demonstrated the safety and
effectiveness of the LightSheer. The Lightsheer has been in use for over
6
years and has the longest track record for safety of any system. This is
the
most important reason we chose the LightSheer out of the dozens of
available
technologies.
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Is it painful?
While individual pain tolerance varies, the majority
of
our clients are pleasantly surprised at how little discomfort is
experienced
with LightSheer treatment. Other laser systems can be more painful,
leaving
the public with the general impression that laser hair removal hurts.
One of
the main reasons we chose the LightSheer was how little pain was
produced to
get excellent results.
All laser hair removal devices hurt to some degree,
and
if you are told that a laser system is "painless," you are
either being
misinformed or the system being used will not be effective. For our
clients
that have large areas done or who have very low tolerance for discomfort
we
have available nitrous oxide (sweet air, dentist gas,) but it is rarely
needed.
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Who can
be
treated?
We are able to treat clients of all ages, even
children.
Over 1/4 of our clients are men. The LightSheer is FDA approved for all
skin
types, including dark-skinned individuals. Treatments are customized
according body location, skin and hair color. The ideal client is one
who
has light skin and dark hair. We do not recommend treatment of hair that
is
white, blond or grey. If your hair is starting to turn grey or white
consider getting treated as soon as possible.
You would not be a candidate for laser hair removal
if
you:
Have a history of poor wound healing.
Have an active herpes infection (cold sore) in the treatment area.
Have used Accutane in the last 6 months.
If a client has a history of herpes or cold sores in
the
desired treatment area but no active infection we request that they call
and
we will prescribe a herpes suppressing medication before treatment.
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Why is
skin
color so important?
The laser energy is absorbed by a color-producing
chemical called melanin. The darker the hair or skin, the more melanin
is
present. If a person has dark skin or a tan there is more melanin
present
and therefore a lower laser setting must be used to avoid a burn. The
unwanted hair will also receive a lower energy pulse and the treatment
will
be less effective. As a result the client will need more sessions to
achieve
desired results.
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What is
the
treatment like?
On your initial visit a medical history is obtained
and a
photograph is taken. The area is shaven and a test flash of the laser is
applied. Most clients can be treated without any delay, but patients
with
darker skin may have to return after a waiting period of several days.
During the actual treatment a gel is applied to your
skin
the laser tip is moved over your skin. The laser tip produces controlled
pulses of light which penetrate the skin and are absorbed by the hair
follicles, permanently damaging them so they cannot grow new hairs. The
laser tip is actively cooled and the treatment is only slightly
uncomfortable, described as a mild sting. During the test flash you can
judge yourself the level of discomfort, and for more sensitive areas may
elect to have an anesthetic cream applied which will completely numb the
area being treated. The majority of clients do not require any topical
anesthesia.
After the treatment your skin will be cleansed and
medical grade
aloe
vera gel will be applied.
On repeat visits you simply arrive with the area to
be
treated already shaved and the treatment is performed quickly without
any
test flash or waiting period.
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How long will the treatment take?
The treatment is very quick. Areas such as face,
bikini
lines
and underarms take 2-3 minutes, while backs, chests and legs take
somewhat
longer, on the order of 30-60 minutes.
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How
often
will I be treated?
Treatments are scheduled at 4-8 week intervals. You
should not wax or pluck hairs you want removed for 3-4 weeks prior to
treatment.
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Why are
repeated treatments necessary?
Your hair goes through cycles, and it is only during
the
growth phase that the hair follicle is susceptible to being treated. You
may
find that one treatment has very impressive results, but several
treatments
are necessary for the best results.
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How
many
treatments are required?
The energy of the laser only affects hair follicles
in
their growth phase, so usually more than one treatment is needed. The
average number of treatments is 4-6, but sometimes as many as 10-12
treatments
may be required to achieve a client's goals. This number varies with
hair
type, skin type and treatment area.
Pre-Payment Package: To make laser hair removal more
affordabale, at Essence MediSpa we offer clients packages in which
discounts are
given
for multiple treatments. The specifics of this payment method depend on
skin
and hair type, and will be explained in a phone consultation or during
the
initial visit.
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What do
I
do before my treatment?
You should avoid direct sunlight 2-4 weeks before the
treatment as well as after. You need to avoid tweezing and waxing 3-4
weeks before a treatment,
but
bleaching of
the desired treatment areas can be done 2 weeks prior to your
appointment.
Shaving
is not a problem, but it is best to have some hair growth at the time of
your visit so the physician can see your growth pattern.
If you have had a herpes infection or cold sore in
the
treatment area we request you call first and an herpes suppressing
medication will be prescribed to be started before your treatment.
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What
areas
can be treated?
Any area of the body can be treated, but we do not treat the area
immediately around the eyes. Frequently requested areas include
sideburns,
chins, upper lips, underarms, bikini lines, necks, arms, legs, chests
and
backs, toes and ears.
Pseudofolliculitis barbae, also called
beard
bumps or shaving bumps, is a common problem in both men and women, and
is very effectively treated by the LightSheer.
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What are the side
effects?
After the treatment there may be no noticeable change to your skin,
or
the treatment site may appear pink, similar to a mild sunburn. This will
resolve in a few hours to a few days. Other side effects are more
unusual
and include soft scabbing and occasional blistering. These local
reactions
also resolve within a few days. In certain cases, the skin could become
slightly lighter or darker. You will be notified during your consult if
you
are susceptible to these side effects. Sun exposure should be limited
for a
month before and after treatment to reduce the risk of complications.
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Why is the LightSheer
superior to other systems?
The FDA has approved this technology for permanent
hair
reduction. Not all hair
removal
systems have this important seal of approval. The LightSheer has also
been
in use for over 13 years, and its record of safety is unsurpassed.
The LightSheer uses a patented actively cooled
sapphire
tip for contact cooling of the skin, resulting in a more comfortable and
more effective treatment.
The LightSheer delivers its energy in a manner which
is
unique and specifically designed to disable hair follicles. The
LightSheer
is a genuine Laser, and not an IPL or Intense Pulsed Light machine.
Since
lasers deliver light at one specific wavelength, that which is most
specific
for hair, the energy that can be used is much more effective in
destroying
the hair follicle. IPL machines deliver a wide range of wavelengths and
are
more likely to damage skin at higher energy levels. You will be more
effectively treated per session with a LightSheer and will therefore
need
fewers sessions than with other laser treatments. Be sure the clinic you
choose uses laser and not IPL.
You can return to work or your daily activities
immediately, as the side effects, if any, are so minimal.
Large areas can be treated quickly.
There is no method of effective hair removal that is
less
uncomfortable except shaving.
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Is it
expensive?
With laser hair and vein removal the saying "You
Get What
You Pay For" is quite accurate. If you find inexpensive treatments
you will
likely get an inferior treatment.
However at Essence MediSpa we maintain a small staff
and a
highly
personal practice, and are able to keep our prices affordable. Although
we
use the most advanced proven technology available, we are able to keep
our
costs down and will meet or beat any comparable local treatment price.
Prices for treatments start at $120.00 and depend on
the
size and location of the treatment area. If you compare the costs of
repeated visits for waxing and electrolysis, and the time it takes to
have
these done (not to mention the discomfort!) the price of laser hair
removal
is very reasonable. Most medical insurance companies do not pay for
cosmetic
procedures such as hair and superficial varicose vein removal.
Discounts are available. We have income based fees,
so
anyone can afford these treatments.
Multiple areas: If you treat more than one area you
will
receive a discount off of all areas treated.
Students: College and high school students receive
10%
off regular prices.
Refer a friend to us and receive 20% off your next
treatment.
Pre-Payment Package: To make laser hair removal more
affordabale, at Essence MediSpa we offer clients packages in which
discounts are
given
for multiple treatments. The specifics of this payment method depend on
skin
and hair type, and will be explained in a phone consultation or during
the
initial visit.
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What is
covered by insurance?
Laser hair removal is not usually covered by any
insurance, but discretionary medical funds may be used for treatments.
For
skin lesion and varicose vein treatments you may submit to your
insurance
company if you have out of network benefits in your plan. We also
encourage
uninsured patients and offer low rates for out-patient treatment of skin
lesions.
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What
other
hair removal methods are available?
At Essence MediSpa we use only the
LightSheer System to permanently remove hair, as we feel it is has the
longest record of safety and effectiveness of any system on the market.
There are over a hundred systems available for hair removal now, but
only a
small percentage have demonstrated their effectiveness and safety. There
are
many systems that have just come out and have little or no long term
treatment studies. Be sure the system you choose has been out for at
least
three years.
Besides Laser Hair Removal there are other ways to
eliminate unwanted hair. For a discussion of other hair removal methods click here.
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How are
skin lesions treated?
We use a variety of methods to treat moles, warts and
other skin growths. Traditional skin surgery, the LamProbe, cryotherapy
and laser can
be
utilized depending on the lesion and location. We also use digital
photography to map and track mole growth in areas where it is difficult
for
patients to see, such as backs. Questionable lesions can be biopsied and
analyzed to discover skin cancers before they grow too large to be
easily
treated.
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Why
should
I choose Essence MediSpa for my
procedure?
While cosmetic procedures have become less expensive
than
in the past, there is still a considerable cost involved, and everyone
wants
to get the most for their hard-earned dollar. And nobody wants to end up
looking worse than they did before they started as a result of poorly
performed treatment. The recent explosion in new equipment and operators
claiming to be "certified" in the last few years is
overwhelming. An
informed consumer must make choices, and with procedures such as laser
hair
removal, vein reduction and skin growth treatments this is a critical
decision.
Very few of the practitioners in the Hudson Valley
have
extensive experience in the hair removal and medical laser field.
In addition to being the best in the area at these
procedures, our practice is also very discreet.
Essence MediSpa is the practice that
local physicians refer more patients to, knowing that Dr. Weinman is the
only physician in the area specializing in laser hair removal and vein
reduction, and Dr. Weinman is always available to answer your
physician's
questions.
Essence MediSpa has an unsurpassed
safety record.
Lastly, while most procedures are quite tolerable,
any
procedure involving laser hair removal and vein reduction is
uncomfortable
to some degree. If you find a practice claiming "painless"
treatments you
are either being mislead or will encounter equipment completely
ineffective.
Some clients, especially younger clients (we treat many students,) are
especially sensitive to discomfort and for that reason Essence MediSpa
offers the
option of Nitrous Oxide gas (also called laughing gas, dentist gas,
sweet
air.) We are the only practice that offers this option and while very
few of
our clients need it, those who do truly appreciate having it
available.
Essence MediSpa offers Laser Hair Removal services to patients throughout Ulster County and Dutchess County including Highland, New Paltz, Poughkeepsie, Hyde Park and Pleasant Valley.
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