Frequently Asked Questions for Laser Hair Removal

• How does the laser treatment work?
• What can I expect during treatment?
• Does it hurt?
• How many treatment sessions will I need?
• Are there side effects?
• How do I prepare for treatment?
• What can I expect after treatment?
• Are these treatments covered by insurance?

How does the laser treatment work?

The laser creates a beam of high-density light that penetrates to create a controlled amount of therapeutic heat. The upper layers of your skin are cooled with cold air. Working together the long-pulse laser and cooling offer optimal treatment with minimal side effects.

What can I expect during treatment?

Treatment will take place in your practitioner’s office. You will wear safety eyewear to protect your eyes from the laser light. Your practitioner will guide the laser to the treatment areas with a small handheld probe. Each laser pulse is preceded and followed by cooling air. A treatment could take as little as a few minutes to as long as an hour, depending on the area and condition being treated.

Does it hurt?

Some patients may feel a slight discomfort with the laser pulse, sometimes described as feeling like the snapping of a rubber band on the skin. This discomfort is minimized by the cooling process. For some patients, a topical anesthetic may be used prior to treatment. Be sure to discuss this with your practitioner.

How many treatment sessions will I need?

The number of treatment sessions depends on the treatment you require and the condition of your skin. For hair removal, most people require at least three treatments, as the process is only effective when the hair follicle is in its active growth phase. Some conditions may clear in as few as one treatment, but many factors impact the efficacy of individual laser treatments, including the severity of the condition being treated.

Are there side effects?

Your risks are minimal. Side effects may include purpura (a laser bruise), redness, blistering, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and swelling in the treated area; these usually do not last more than a few days. Permanent side effects, such as hypopigmentation are rare.

How do I prepare for treatment?

Patients scheduled for hair removal should avoid electrolysis, waxing, or plucking hair for six weeks prior to treatment. If you have had a history of cold sores around the mouth and are scheduled for facial hair treatment, prophylactic antiviral therapy may be prescribed. Also, any hair should be shaved, skin should be thoroughly cleaned and dried, and makeup, cream, or oils removed before laser treatment.

What can I expect after treatment?

Patients should avoid sun exposure before and after treatment, and should apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or above) when going outdoors. In the first few days after treatment, don’t scrub or rinse the treated areas with abrasive skin cleansers. Your practitioner may advise additional precautions.

Are these treatments covered by insurance?

Most insurance companies do not offer reimbursement for cosmetic procedures. Consult your insurance carrier for conclusive information.