Laser Hair Removal
WHAT IS LASER HAIR REMOVAL?
Laser hair removal represents a revolution in hair removal. It disables hundreds of hair follicles in seconds, and gives long lasting results. You can expect up to 90% hair reduction in most cases.
The Cutera CoolGuide laser is a fourth generation laser that delivers a non-invasive laser beam specifically designed to eliminate unwanted hair from all parts of the body. Unlike older lasers, which often merely stun the hair shafts and follicles, the Cutera CoolGuide has a longer wavelength (1064 nanometers) that can penetrate to the deepest hair follicles.
It generates intense light through an actively cooled hand piece, which effectively disables unwanted pigmented hair follicles, thus impairing growth. The laser's cold hand piece is placed gently on the skin and glides along as pulses of light are delivered from the laser.
When light penetrates the skin, it selectively disables the root of the unwanted hair. The laser can remove hair from all parts of the body, including the face, legs, arms, underarms, and back, as well as sensitive areas like the chest, breasts, and bikini line.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
Short-term side effects may include slight reddening of the skin or local swelling. These effects typically last less than an hour, but on rare occasions may last a few days. In very rare instances there may be some blistering.
DOES SKIN COLOUR MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
Long pulsed Nd:YAG laser hair removal systems such as the Cutera CoolGuide are uniquely designed with flexibility to treat all skin types, including tanned skin. However, it is best to avoid tanning before and after treatment, as tanning reduces the efficiency of the laser.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE REQUIRED?
A minimum of three treatments are required for optimal long-term benefits. Depending on the treated area, your hair's density and your hair's growth cycle, the average is four to six treatments. Your hair grows in cycles and many factors influence its growth. Age, weight, hormones, diet, medication, and metabolism all play a part in your hair's location, thickness and resilience.
ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS ON MY ACTIVITY AFTER TREATMENT?
After your treatment, the area is cleansed and you can return to your normal activities immediately. The use of sun block is recommended on any treated areas exposed to the sun. As always, it is a good idea to limit your sun exposure. In between treatments, continue to shave only, avoid other methods such as waxing, sugaring, and depilatory creams, which affect the pigment in your hair follicles and reduce the effectiveness of subsequent laser treatments.
HOW DO LASER HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENTS COMPARE WITH ELECTROLYSIS?
Electrolysis is a tedious, invasive, and painful process that involves inserting a needle into each hair follicle and delivering an electrical charge to destroy them one at a time. It has been compared to cutting your lawn one blade at a time. Electrolysis often requires years of treatment at regular intervals. Laser hair removal delivers non-invasive light energy to hundreds of hair follicles at one time. In just a few minutes, laser hair removal can effectively treat and area that would take over an hour with electrolysis. Laser hair removal is much more economical when compared to electrolysis, if you take into consideration the reduced number of treatments required to achieve the same results.
WHAT DOES LASER HAIR REMOVAL FEEL LIKE?
The CoolGuide laser's hand piece soothes your skin as it glides along. After a pulse of light is delivered, some people experience a mild stinging sensation, or a snapping sensation like a rubber band. The headpiece immediately cools the spot and usually any pain is eliminated. Ice packs can be applied if necessary. Occasionally, clients find taking some Tylenol or Advil prior to treatment can be helpful.
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR LASER HAIR REMOVAL?
Most people can benefit from laser hair treatment. However, since the laser can only be absorbed by pigment, those with white hair cannot be treated. As well, people with very fine or blonde and light red hair can be difficult to treat.