LASER Hair Removal

Laser hair removal has come of age and is a fully developed procedure that can yield long-term permanent hair reduction of the face and neck area. At Clínica Privé we are committed to the latest technological innovations in this field and now can offer a laser/light treatment for any skin type and hair color excluding grey or white. At Clínica Privé, we have laser systems to treat men and women of all skin tones safely and effectively, even patients with a suntan.

The Clínica Privé´s laser hair removal devices utilizes deeply penetrating light wavelengths to zone in on the hair follicles for gentle yet rapid and effective long-lasting hair removal. This leaves you with the smooth silky skin you always dreamed of, and puts an end to routine shaving and messy waxing.

The GentleYAG Laser is a 1064 nm Nd: YAG laser cleared by the FDA to permanently reduce hair in patients of all skin types (I-VI), those who are tanned or tanning and patients who suffer from Psuedo-Folliculitis Barbae also known as ingrown hairs. Other technologies require the suspension of treatments during the summer months but the GentleYAG Laser may be used year-round on skin of all types including tanned skin.

How does Laser Hair Removal work?
Laser hair removal uses a LASER light to target the germ cell above the hair follicle. The hair must be present in the follicle for the laser to work, thus no waxing or plucking can be done before the treatment. Unwanted hair can be shaved or cut.

The average number of treatments ranges from three to ten visits. This is because at any given time, only a fraction of hairs are in the growing phase (anagen cycle). Only anagen hairs can be effectively removed with laser because the resting phase (telogen) hairs do not mature pigment at their follicle bulb, which is the target for the light. Thus, one treatment will sometimes only get 30% of the hairs because only those hairs have enough pigment to be destroyed.

Facial hair is traditionally very difficult to treat, as it is hormone dependent. More treatments are needed to treat facial hair and sessions should be one month apart.

The FDA has approved our lasers for permanent hair reduction. Data has shown that about 30-90% of the hair does not grow back after the end of the treatment cycle. Of course, this assumes the appropriate treatment and the correct number of treatments for each individual, all of which can be variable.

We cannot guarantee 100% permanent hair removal, as people do need occasional maintenance or touch-up treatments. White hairs and light hairs are the most difficult to remove. Light hairs may require more treatments and more maintenance, and more modest results should be expected. Grey hair cannot be treated with Laser Hair removal and others options such as electrolysis are recommended.

 

Is Laser Hair Removal safe?
There is some discomfort during the procedure likened to the snapping of a warm rubber band. Most people find this to be mild and tolerable. We use cold air to minimize any discomfort and also offer a topical anesthetic if desired.

Immediately after a treatment there may be some redness and/or mild swelling, although usually this dissipates before you leave the office or within a couple of hours. Makeup can be applied immediately after a treatment.

Uncommonly, a skin wound such as superficial blisters and scabs can occur, which heal within 2 days to 14 days. Use of antibiotic ointment on a regular basis usually results in uneventful healing. There is a <0.5% possibility of a skin wound leaving behind a permanent scar. It is also rare for an infection to occur since the skin is usually not broken.

Another risk is the possibility of hypo (too little) or hyper (too much) pigmentation, which is very uncommon. Usually treatable with Blending Bleaching Cream, chemical peels or further laser treatments, there is a <1% possibility that the pigmentation could be permanent.

There is an increased risk of this with tanned or naturally dark skin. You may need extra treatments than those required by others if your skin is dark or tanned in order for us to be more conservative (gentler with initial and subsequent treatments) due to this increased risk. It is also important that you let any tanning lotions fade and do not seek artificial tanning treatments for 3-4 weeks prior to the procedure.

Can all skin types be safely treated with Laser Hair removal?
Yes, due to its unique design and longer wavelength, the CANDELA GentleYAG is one of the only lasers on the market that can treat men and women of all skin tones safely and effectively. Even patients with a suntan!

Laser hair removal on the face is much more difficult to treat than laser hair removal on the body. Monthly treatments are usually necessary as this facial hair has a hormonal component. Up to 10 to 12 treatments are usually needed for permanent hair reduction.

What are the benefits of laser hair removal?

Laser Hair Removal is the most advanced, most effective, and safest treatments for permanent hair reduction.

1. They allow large areas of skin can be treated at once.
2. Lighter and darker skin types and hair can be treated safely and effectively.
3. Any area of the body where smoother, fuzz-free skin is desired can be treated effectively.
4. It combines the ease and speed of shaving or waxing with the long-term benefits of electrolysis.
5. Less mess, pain and risk of scarring compared to other methods of hair removal.
6. No repeated trauma and irritation from constant shaving and epilation. This saves you from problems such as darkening of the skin and ingrown hairs.
7. Existing ingrown hairs and shaving bumps are effectively removed as well.

So which treatment will be most suitable for me?

GentleYag – You want to look your best and feel confident in knowing that you are getting the highest quality treatment. From the world's leader in lasers, this long-pulsed Nd-Yag laser is one of the fastest and most powerful of its kind in the market. The gentle giant stays true to its name, being extremely kind even to dark or tanned skin while going tough on "stubble" spots. Its patented Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD™) maximizes comfort and safety.

Is there anything preparation I need to do before the treatment?

Refrain from further plucking or waxing. Avoid over-shaving a few days before the treatment, as it is important for the doctor to be able to see short hair stubbles. Do not suntan prior to treatment.

Is there any special post-treatment care?

You can dive right back to your normal activities right after the treatment. Apply sunscreen diligently on any treated areas that are sun-exposed. In some stances, your doctor may recommend a specially formulated product line for use between treatments. It is normal to notice some successfully treated coarser hairs seemingly “growing” as they are extruded by your skin over the week after treatment before being permanently eliminated. These stubbles can be shaved off.