HOW IT WORKS

During laser hair removal, the laser emits a specific wavelength of light that targets the pigment of your hair. The melanin in the hair absorbs the light energy and converts it to heat, damaging the follicles and delaying/inhibiting hair growth. If you have darker skin, the laser may target the pigment in your skin instead of hair, causing burns and pigmentation changes. Therefore, we ensure the laser used is safe for your skin type! Our Candela’s Nd: YAG laser emits a different wavelength of light, allowing for safe hair removal on darker skin. Here at MiraMed, we use the Candela GentleMax Pro laser, which has both ND: YAG (1064 nm) and Alexandrite (755 nm) laser wavelengths, equipped with cryogen gas that acts as a cooling system for your skin. We also use the Diolaze XL Diode (810 nm) laser, which has a sapphire tip for a cooling effect and uses ultrasound gel for a barrier between your skin and the handpiece.

PRE-TREATMENT

Before your laser hair removal, try to avoid direct sun exposure and all forms of tanning for 4-6 weeks. Tan skin cannot be treated due to the risk of pigmentation changes that may take months to resolve. Additionally, refrain from bleaching, waxing, and tweezing for 4-6 weeks to allow your hair follicles to grow out properly. If you’re getting face hair removal, avoid any intense facial treatment such as retinol use, chemical peels, lip filler, and botox for 2-4 weeks prior. For leg hair treatment, make sure to shave within 24 hours of your appointment. Finally, we want to emphasize the importance of only seeking treatment from a medically established and licensed professional who can perform a “good faith exam” (a series of questions regarding your medical history and medications) to clear you for treatment. 

POST-TREATMENT

Immediately after your treatment, don’t be alarmed if you have any light redness or swelling–this is called Perifollicular Edema (PFE) and it occurs from swelling at the roots of your hair follicles. This common response will resolve anywhere from 20 minutes to 24 hours depending on your body’s sensitivity. Your skin may itch for a day in the areas where the laser was used, but make sure not to scratch! If you received facial hair removal, makeup can be used directly after treatment. Avoid exercise, tight clothing, hot baths, exfoliating scrubs, scented lotions, and deodorant (for armpit hair removal) for two days. Treat the area like a sunburn for 24 hours. Hence, stay out of direct sunlight without at least 30 SPF sunscreen and apply aloe vera gel, ice, or unscented lotion. After about 5-14 days, your surface hair may shed and you can remove it by washing and wiping the area with a wet washcloth.  

CONTRAINDICATIONS

  • Pregnancy
  • Nursing  
  • Tanned skin 
  • Skin cancer/History of skin cancer 
  • Tattoos
  • Active skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, rash, etc.) 
  • Accutane
  • Photosensitizing medications 
  • Some antibiotics
  • Seizure disorders
  • Cold sensitivity 
  • Active skin infection  

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING TREATMENT

During treatment, your technician will move the laser up and down the target area and you’ll hear a beeping sound. The lasers can feel like a quick rubberband flick that varies in intensity depending on the area. Overall, the pain is minimal during this treatment. Hair removal for areas such as the legs, underarms, bikini, and face takes about 20-30 minutes while a full-body treatment may take around an hour.

ENDPOINT

For the most effective and long-lasting hair removal, we recommend 6-8 rounds of treatment, repeating each treatment once every 6-8 weeks except for facial treatment every 4 weeks. After a full series of laser treatments, there will be a 70-90% reduction of hair and no ingrowns! Maintenance of more laser treatment for touch-ups may be needed every 2 years after your initial series of treatments.