Is the LightSheer Diode FDA approved?
The laser was developed in 1994 and the first hair removal study began in July 1996. The FDA cleared the device for treatments in December 1997. The FDA then granted it’s claim for permanent hair reduction in April 1999 after it demonstrated in a 3000 person study a better than 50% permanent hair loss after only 3 treatments.
Is hair reduction permanent?
Yes, in 90% of individuals. Treatments work the most successfully on hair that is light brown to black. Blond, grey and some reds do not have enough melanin for the laser to absorb. Most clients will loose 20-30% of hair volume with each treatment. The FDA defines permanence as a hair that does not regrow after 2 cycles of growth. Hair regrows in cycles between 4-12 weeks depending on the body area.
Is there an age limit for treatments?
It is suggested that girls have gone through puberty. All ages can benefit as long as they understand the process and potential side effects.
Who is a candidate for laser hair treatments?
Anyone who has hair that is light brown to black. The LightSheer with its patented chill tip at four degrees Celsius allows clients with any skin colour to be treated safely and effectively.
How many treatments will I need?
Hair grows in continuous cycles. The anagen or growth phase of hair contains the largest amounts of melanin and this phase is the laser’s target. From scientific studies we understand that any area contains a maximum of 20-30% anagen hairs at one time. So, these anagen hairs are affected each treatment. Most clients will require a minimum of three treatments up to six sessions. Repeated sessions are necessary. Finer hair and dark skin clients may require 6-8 treatments. If you suffer from a hormone imbalance your treatments may be ongoing. To have effective treatments it is imperative that they be sequenced. Every client’s expectations of hair loss are different. Some may be happy
with 50-60% loss and may want to discontinue and others will want to continue until they reach their maximum loss of 70-95%. No one will ever be 100% hair free.
What areas can be treated?
All areas of the body except for the area around the eye.
What should I do before my treatment?
Try to avoid sun exposure. Hair can be more aggressively treated without a fresh tan. Having hair is essential to having a successful treatment. You cannot wax, tweeze, thread or have electrolysis for 4 weeks before a treatment. The best way to manage hair before is to shave, trim, bleach or use cream depilatories. The day of your treatment the hair will need to have been freshly shaved. If you suffer from cold sores often and are having your mouth area treated you will need to get a prescription for Acyclovir or Zovarix and take as directed by your technician. Usually it is 2 days before and 3 days after your treatment. Purchase either Aloe, Vitamin E gel or sunburn creams and keep them in your fridge ready to go for after your treatment.
Why the LightSheer Diode Laser?
The LightSheer has numerous documented studies to demonstrate its efficiency. With it’s patented chill tip and 800 nm wavelength and ability to have a variable pulse duration to affect hair the LightSheer diode is considered the “gold standard” for hair lasers.
Does the treatment hurt?
No treatment to remove unwanted hair is completely painless. LightSheer has the patented chill tip and compression of the skin, which reduces the discomfort. The darker the hair the more the client may feel the pulse of the laser. Clients that have previously waxed or had electrolysis usually find the treatments more tolerable. Most people describe the sensation as tingling or slight stinging. The first treatment is usually the most uncomfortable. There are some options to make the treatments more comfortable. You can take whatever you normally take for a bad headache before your treatment. Anbesol that is used for toothaches can assist those having their upper lip treated. EmlaTM is available. It is a topical anesthetic. You can purchase it at your local pharmacy. The hair needs to be shaved first, then apply a thick layer and occlude with saran wrap. It works the best after it has been on for a minimum of 1-2 hours. Your technician can inform you of how many tubes you will need to purchase.
What can I expect during the treatment?
The area will be cleaned. A touch up shave will be done if there is still hair visible. You will be asked to sign a consent form. Photos will be taken. Gel is applied to the skin and the laser is compressed into the skin and the treatment begins. You will notice a distinguishable aroma of the lasered hair. This is a good sign and the smell will not hurt you. The skin will be cleaned frequently. After treatment a gel or cloth will be applied to your skin.
How does the laser work?
The laser targets the melanin, the pigment located in the hair bulb and shaft. The laser light energy causes thermal damage to the follicle. The damage causes delayed regrowth and permanent destruction of the hairs in anagen or growth phase.
Will tanning affect my treatment?
A tan is damage to the skin. When it is damaged it creates “tan” or colour. This is “melanin” deposits in the skin. The laser is attracted to melanin. The technology in the LightSheer allows the skin to be cooled effectively to not traumatize the “tan” but the energy of the laser must be reduced accommodate a tan. Therefore the client may require more treatments than someone without a tan. To have a more effective and aggressive treatment it would be better to not have a tan.
How long do I wait between treatments?
Waiting time may vary with individuals. The general guideline is 4-6 weeks for neck and above areas and 8-12 weeks for areas below the neck.
What can I do with the hair in between treatments?
You should not have much hair to manage. If you need to, shaving or trimming is the most effective way to maintain in between treatments.
Is it safe?
Yes. A laser is an intense source of light that produces heat. Its target is melanin in the hair shaft. The wavelength of the LightSheer is attracted mostly to the melanin. The light is pulsed for a fraction of a second and the heat is then pulsed into the hair’s melanin. The patented chill tip runs at four degrees Celsius and protects the epidermis (the outer portion of the skin).
How long will the treatment take?
This will depend on the size of the area being treated. Can take as short as 5 minutes to 2 hours. Your technician will inform you of the time required.
What about ingrown hairs?
The laser will not create ingrowns. If you suffer from them the laser will produce an effective treatment to clear the ingrowns.
Can I wear makeup?
Yes, as long as the skin is intact. If the skin is open anywhere you must use polysporin ointment on the open spots.
When laser cannot be done:
- if you are pregnant
- if you are on medication called Accutane
- if you make keloids
- if you have recently waxed, tweezed or had electrolysis within the last 4 weeks
Laser hair removal must be used with caution if you suffer from cold sores or genital herpes.
How much will the treatments cost?
Over time laser treatments have proven to be less costly than other ongoing methods such as waxing, shaving or electrolysis. A price list will be provided by the clinic.
Is this covered by my insurance?
Most insurance companies do not offer reimbursement for cosmetic procedures. However, consult your insurance company for more information.
Is there a guarantee that this will work?
Laser reduction works 90% of the time in most individuals. Unfortunately 10% of people may not respond at all. This cannot be determined until after 2 treatments. If you attend all sessions as suggested you should obtain 70-95% permanent hair reduction.
Director of Aesthetic Care
Celebrating over 20,000 Laser Hair Procedures
6800 Morrison St,
Niagara Falls,ON
L2E 6Z8
Call 1 888-510-2020 to book your FREE Consultation
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