Laser Hair Removal Treatment

Preparing for your visit:

• Please shave the day before you come in for your treatment.
• Please do not pluck, wax, bleach, or use epilators or depilatory creams for a minimum of 4 weeks prior to your treatment. We also ask that you refrain from any plucking, waxing, depilatory creams or bleaching during the laser treatment process; these methods will interfere with the laser treatment and may result in requiring more treatments to achieve desired results. Shaving is permitted during laser treatments.
• If you've started any antibiotics or any other medications that may make you photo sensitive, please let us know. We may have to reschedule your appointment. Also notify us if there has been any change in your health status (new medications, heart condition, etc.).
• Sun exposure and tanning beds are to be avoided for 4 weeks pre and post treatment to avoid laser burns. If self tanner is used, you should wait a minimum of 4 weeks after application to avoid any discoloration. If sun exposure is unavoidable, use a minimum SPF 30 sunscreen (UVA/UVB).
• For maximum desired results, multiple treatments will be required at regular scheduled intervals.

Laser Hair Removal Post Treatment Care:

• Hair may take up to 4 weeks, or in some cases, as little as a few days, to fall out following treatment.
• Care should be taken to prevent trauma to the treated area for the first 2 or 3 days following treatment. Shaving should be avoided post treatment for 24 hours or until any sign of irritation has vanished. You may apply Vitamin E or Aloe Vera Gel post treatment for a soothing effect. A minimum SPF 30 Sunscreen (UVA/UVB) should be used for any sun exposure during the course of your treatments. Sun tanning and tanning beds are to be avoided 4 weeks prior and throughout the course of laser treatments.
• If the skin is broken, apply Polysporin or a topical antibiotic. Also, for further protection, keep the affected area covered and moist, and avoid direct sunlight while experiencing these symptoms. Delayed blistering secondary to sun exposure has been noted up to 72 hours post treatment.
• Cold packs or cortisone cream may be used to ease any temporary discomfort.
• Makeup can be applied as long as the skin is not broken.
• If you experience an itchy, irritated raised rash after treatment, Benadryl should help relieve the itchiness. Although rare, these symptoms may take up to a several months to subside. Also, avoid direct sunlight to the affected area while experiencing these symptoms.
• Patients who have been tested for epidermal reaction with a test spot can return in 72 hours for treatment.
• Follow-up subsequent treatments are based on the technician's recommendation, usually about 4-8 weeks following treatment.
• If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at info@auroracosmetic.ca.

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.

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.

What is the difference between Laser and IPL?

Laser Hair Removal and IPL are often mistaken as one and the same however they are not. IPL is an Intense Pulse Light that treats using a full spectrum of light with different scattered wave lengths, while a laser uses one specific wavelength of light. IPL can release light over a wide wavelength range, unlike lasers, which can only deliver one specific, yet very powerful, wavelength. Laser has proven to be more effective than IPL because laser targets the hair follicle specifically without targeting the surrounding tissue.

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 such as Emla may be used by the client.

What happens to the skin after laser treatment?

Reddening of the skin is the desired reaction. The redness usually subsides within a few hours and returns to normal. You are able to re-apply your make-up, return to work, and continue with your normal daily activities immediately following treatment.

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 touch-up, after an average of 5 - 10 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, stress levels, medications and hormone levels. Keep in mind some individuals will require fewer treatments and some will require more treatments depending on the results desired.

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, however individuals slowly attain new hairs. 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 cm, 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.

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.

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.