An Introduction to Laser Hair Removal

Lasers have been used for many years for a variety of medical cosmetic procedures including treatment of facial and leg veins, age spots and rejuvenating the skin on the face. Our system, a revolutionary long-pulse high energy alexandrite laser emits a gentle beam of light that passes through the skin to the hair follicle where it is absorbed. The laser energy is transformed into heat, which destroys the hair follicle leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. The skin is further protected during a treatment whereby cryogen is sprayed on to the skin cooling the upper layers and providing patients with increased comfort. Our system helps to protect the skin, while effectively treating the unwanted hair.

Laser hair removal is a noninvasive method of photoepilation, which does not require needles or messy chemical creams. Your Pigalle Salon & MedSpa professional will deliver short laser pulses using a laser. Each flash of laser light disables a large number of hair follicles in less than a second. Since thousands of hairs can be zapped in a single treatment session, large areas like the back, shoulders, arms and legs can be effectively and efficiently treated. Some patients report a small stinging sensation during treatment, but the procedure is very effective.

Advantages of laser hair removal over waxing, shaving, plucking and electrolysis include a longer window of hair regrowth, less pain and fewer visits than electrolysis, less chance of an allergic reaction, less chance of ingrown hairs, no waxing is required before treatment, hair does not need to be grown out before treatment and no anesthesia is required.

How Long Does a Laser Hair Removal Appointment Take?

The amount of time your laser hair removal will take depends entirely on the size of the skin area being treated. Facial and bikini areas are usually completed in under ten minutes; larger areas, including the legs or chest will require more time.

What will the area look like after it is treated with the laser?

The hair follicles that were treated with laser may still look the same and the hair may appear as if it is continuing to grow. You may continue to shave the area, or you may simply leave it alone. In approximately two to three weeks you will notice less re-growth, and unshaved hairs will start to fall out. A percentage of the hair will fall out after each treatment and you will see the best results after a minimum of five treatments.

How many treatments will be needed?

The number of treatments you may require for optimal long-term benefits depends on the area you wish to have treated, your skin type and your hair's growth cycle. Multiple treatments are needed (average 4 -7) as hair grows in cycles and many factors influence its growth. Age, ethnicity, weight, hormones, diet, medication and metabolism all play a part in your hair's location, thickness and resilience.

Before Treatment

Please make an appointment for consultation. If you are an appropriate candidate for treatment, we may do either a test spot or a treatment at that time. Please do not wax, pluck or have electrolysis done for at least 4 weeks before your consultation/treatment. You may clip or shave your hair up to three days prior to your treatment. If you will have treatment of the upper lip, please let us know if you have a history of cold sores or fever blisters. Sun exposure and tanning or tanning creams should be avoided for at least 1 month before treatment.

After Treatment

After your treatment, ice is placed on the treated area and you can return to your normal activities immediately. Pigalle Salon & Med Spa laser technician may recommend a skin care regime especially formulated for your skin type after laser treatments. The use of sunscreen is recommended on any treated areas exposed to the sun.

Benefits:

Pricing

Once you've decided that laser hair removal is right for you, Pigalle Salon & Med Spa will make it as easy as possible to help you get started. Naturally, treatment fees vary depending on the size of the area to be treated. This will be discussed during the consultation process.

At Pigalle Salon & Med Spa, you have the option of paying per treatment. You can also take advantage of our treatment packages in which discounts are offered for having more than one area treated at a time.