Q. WHY CHOOSE LASER HAIR REMOVAL OVER OTHER METHODS?

A. Unlike other hair removal methods including the out-dated, traditional techniques of waxing, tweezing and electrolysis, laser hair removal is typically less painful, much faster and more convenient. It is a safe, very effective and affordable treatment in removing up to 90% of unwanted hair. In addition, Avosant Beverly Hills’ state-of-the-art LightSheer™ Diode Laser quickly treats larger areas during individual sessions. Known as the “golden standard” in laser hair removal, this laser provides more comfort with its chill-tip handpiece and Zimmer Cooler.

Q. IS LASER HAIR REMOVAL PERMANENT?

A. Studies have shown that during the first laser session, approximately 40% of treated hair may be permanently removed. With additional treatments, the percentage of hair reduction can increase to 90%. A few hairs will always remain but they are often finer and lighter in color. It is important to remember that the color, thickness, length and location of your hair depend heavily on many factors including genetics, age, hormones, and metabolism. Because of all of these variables, each patient responds differently to laser hair removal treatments and results may vary.

Q. WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR LASER HAIR REMOVAL?

A. Because the laser targets melanin pigment in the skin and hair follicles, the ideal candidate has dark hair (black or brown) and light to medium skin tones. The hair follicle contains more pigment than the actual hair. Therefore, patients with lighter hair (blond) often respond to treatment. Due to lack of pigment, white and grey hair doesn’t typically respond to treatment.

Darker skinned and sun-tanned individuals are difficult to treat since it is hard for the laser to accurately distinguish the targeted hair follicles and its surrounding skin. However, Avosant’s LightSheer™ Diode Laser contains several components including an active cooling system and longer wavelength and pulse width that makes treating individuals with darker skin more safe and reliable.* Nevertheless, each laser hair removal case will be assessed individually and guided accordingly.

Q. WHAT AREAS OF THE BODY CAN BE TREATED BY LASER HAIR REMOVAL?

A. All areas of the body can be treated including the back, legs, arms, underarms, bikini line, neck, upper lip and chin, cheeks, sideburns, chest, abdomen, buttocks, ears, hands, feet and unibrow.

Q. IS LASER HAIR REMOVAL PAINFUL?

A. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during laser hair removal treatments, but it is virtually pain-free. The majority of our patients describe no more discomfort than a quick pinching sensation similar to a rubber band snap. To minimize the discomfort, we use a topical anesthetic to numb the surface of the treated body area. In addition, our LightSheer™ system’s ChillTip and the Zimmer Cooler helps to further reduce discomfort by protecting and soothing the skin during the treatment. Some patients also report a little discomfort, similar to a mild sunburn, 24 to 48 hours after the treatment.

Q. HOW MANY LASER HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENTS WILL I NEED? HOW OFTEN WILL I NEED THEM?

A. To achieve long-term results during the first year, 6 to 10 laser sessions are required as a “general rule.” A single treatment can achieve 10% to 40% and three treatments by 30% to 70%. With repeated treatments, 90% of hair can be permanently reduced.*

Each hair follicle grows in cycles of three distinct growth phases. The first phase, Anagen, is the active growth phase. At any given time of your life, 50% to 75% of your body hair is in this phase. During Anagen, the hair contains an abundance of melanin. Phase two, Catagen, is the regression phase which lasts about two weeks. During this phase, the hair stops growing but is not shed. Approximately 4 to 5 % of your body hair is in this phase. The final phase, Telogen, is the resting phase which lasts about five to six weeks. At any given time, about 10 to 13 % percent of your hair is in this phase, during which the old hair falls out and new hair begins to form.

Laser hair removal is most effective in removing unwanted hair during the Anagen active growth phase. Our LightSheer™ Diode Laser removes hair by targeting the melanin pigment found within the hair follicle. Only hair in the active growth phase has enough pigment for the laser to target and remove. Because hair follicles are not in the growing phase at the same time, it is important to get treatment at the right time to achieve the most effective and desired long-term results. This may require multiple laser sessions to remove hair that subsequently enters the growth phase. Laser hair removal treatments are usually scheduled four to eight weeks apart. Treatment times vary from as little as ten minutes for areas such as the lip and chin to a few hours for larger areas such as the legs, back and chest.


Q. HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR TREATMENT?

A. Prior to a laser hair removal treatment, patients should do the following to minimize risk of side effects:

● Avoid excessive sun exposure four to six weeks before treatment.
● Avoid tanning, including sunless tanning, 14 days prior to treatment. If a patient has a tan from sun exposure or sunless tanning products, he or she must wait until the tan fades before laser hair removal because potential side effects such as skin discoloration and blistering.
● Avoid waxing, tweezing, using depilatory creams or electrolysis to remove hair three weeks before treatment. However, since laser hair removal is most effective when hairs are visible but shaved short, it is fine to shave the day of the treatment.

Q. ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

A. There are typically no side effects as laser hair removal is very safe and complications are rare. Most patients return to their usual schedule within several hours following the treatment. Some patients may experience slight redness and mild swelling but this usually clears up within 24 hours. Other rare side effects include:

● Pigmentary changes of the skin that may occur in patients with naturally dark or extremely suntanned skin.
● Minimal burning or blistering of the skin, which usually clears up within one to three days and is most always avoided by determining the proper settings for your particular skin type.
● Scarring occurs in less than 0.1% of cases.

To greatly reduce your risks, it is important to choose a laser hair removal center with certified physicians and registered nurses. Unlike many other places, Avosant Beverly Hills is a full-service medi-spa directly supervised by a board-certified medical physician, who is available on-site during the treatments. Our experienced staff includes licensed medical estheticians and registered nurses.

Q. WHAT WILL THE TREATED AREA LOOK LIKE AFTER TREATMENT?

A. Some patients may experience slight redness and mild swelling immediately after the treatment, but this usually clears up within 24 hours. In patients with thicker and darker hair, a small amount of crusting may appear, especially after the first treatment. If crusting does occur, patients may keep the area moist with petroleum jelly. Three to ten days after a laser hair removal treatment, some patients may experience what looks to be hair re-growth. These hairs are usually treated, dead, and just shedding.

Q. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO AFTER THE TREATMENTS?

A. Medications or bandages are not necessary after a laser hair removal treatment. To minimize the risk of side effects, patients should do the following after their treatment:

● Avoid exercise for the first 24 hours as excessive perspiration may increase irritation of the hair removal site.
● Avoid exposure to the sun or tanning booths for several weeks after treatment.
● Apply sunscreen daily.
● Do not scrub, pick at or rub the skin in treated areas. Patient may use soap and water to gently wash the area.
● In between laser hair removal treatments, patients should not wax, tweeze, use depilatory creams or electrolysis as this decreases the laser’s ability to destroy actively growing hairs during future treatments.

Q. WHO CAN PERFORM THE LASER HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENTS?

A. The state of California requires that any laser hair removal treatment be performed by a Registered Nurse, licensed in the State of California who has completed a training program. At Avosant Beverly Hills, our registered nurses are highly trained and also perform other laser procedures including Intense Pulse Light (IPL). In addition, our full-service medi-spa is directly supervised by a board-certified medical physician, who is available on-site during the treatments.

Q. WILL MY INSURANCE COVER THE PROCEDURE?

A. Because laser hair removal is considered cosmetic, it is not covered by insurance companies.

* Source: Lepselter, J. and Elman, J. (2004). Biological and clinical aspects in laser hair removal. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 15, 72-83.