How does laser hair removal work?

At INFINITY Laser Hair Removal, we use the LightSheer DUET platform for laser hair removal; the Gold Standard for the one of the fastest, safest and most comfortable laser procedure on the market. This laser is considered a real game changer in the field because several factors. The majority of laser hair removal treatments can be difficult for patients to tolerate, due to long treatment times, discomfort during the procedure and risk for adverse effects. The science behind the LightSheer DUET allows for successful treatment at a lower fluence (or energy). This provides hair removal efficacy similar to that of our other LightSheer laser, but with much lower levels of discomfort during treatment and risks of adverse side effects. The laser produces a beam of highly concentrated light that is absorbed by the pigment in the hair which converts it into heat and causes thermal damage to the follicle to disable it from growing again. Your hair grows in three different phases. Laser hair removal is most effective when the hairs are in the anagen phase, known as the active growth cycle. Not all of the hairs are in in this phase as the same time, therefore, several treatments are necessary to achieve permanent reduction. After the hair has been treated, the hair will shed over a period of 14 weeks, leaving you with a hair-free period of up to four to six weeks, depending on the area. The next cycle will return in time for your next scheduled appointment. The results are fabulous!!!

Is laser hair removal permanent?

The LightSheer Diode laser was the first laser to be approved by the FDA for PERMANENT hair reduction. This means that although laser treatments with our and any other Class IV medical grade device will permanently reduce the total number of body hairs, they will not always result in a permanent removal of all the hair. The FDA has cleared laser hair removal, regardless of the laser, for "Permanent Hair Reduction" only. Based on our experience, we believe that the hair treated will probably not re-grow. Each individual's treatment response may be different due to hair or skin type. In addition, we have between 500 and 1000 hair follicles per square inch of our bodies. Many of these follicles are dormant at the time of a particular treatment and perhaps throughout the entire treatment process. We also cannot prevent the propensity of new growth in the treatment area which is due to stress levels, certain medications and differing hormone levels throughout our life. If you follow the treatment protocol as we describe, you can expect at least an 80-90% total reduction in hair for the treated area. For the few cases that hair growth is re-occurring, it is usually lighter and finer which is less noticeable, easier for you to maintain, as well as it is more difficult to remove with further laser treatments.

Who is a good candidate?

If you have a concern about unwanted hair, you are probably a good candidate. Our laser treats all skin types, although darker skin types may require more treatments as the results on finer hair against darker skin tones are not as effective. There currently is not a laser technology that effectively treats blonde, white, gray or red hair. Electrolysis is still your best option for this concern. Your initial complimentary consultation will help us determine whether this service is right for you and what you should expect.

How many treatments are needed?

The number of treatments required depends on many variables. We need to take into consideration your skin tone, hair color, texture and your tolerance to the laser treatments. The influences of hair growth have to do with many factors; age, ethnicity, hormones, medication, metabolism, weight gain and genetics all play a part in your hair's location, thickness, and resilience. Generally, most clients will require 8-10 treatments spaced 6-12 weeks apart to achieve permanent reduction of their hair. Fewer treatments are needed if your goal is just to reduce the density or coarseness of the hairs to be able to shave and maintain the areas more easily. In hormonal induced areas. (i.e. woman's facial area) a client usually will need usually need more treatments and sometimes it can be an ongoing process, as we can only help you get rid of the hair you are currently dealing with. We cannot control your propensity to grow new hair in the facial area where you have the highest density of hair.

How long will the treatments take?

Since the laser treats many hairs at a time, an area the size of a full back or legs can be treated in as little as a half hour up to an hour and a bikini line and underarms may take less than 15 minutes. The upper lip and chin will take less than 10 minutes. The length of time depends on the size of the area to be treated and your tolerance to the laser treatment. All clients considering laser hair removal should avoid sun exposure for four to six weeks prior to your treatments. For optimum results, avoid tweezing or waxing the hairs for at least four weeks on the face and for six to eight weeks on the body areas. The use of bleach, depilatories and sunless tanning cream should also be avoided for a week prior to your treatment. The hair to be treated on the body should be cleanly shaven on the day of treatment. If there is a question about the darkness of your hair or the actual location of the hair in the area to be treated, just leave it alone for evaluation prior to your first treatment. Pregnant women should consult with their OB/GYN before proceeding with laser hair removal services.

What areas can be treated with the laser?

You may be surprised that aside from the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet, your entire body is covered with hair and in some areas you may have up to a thousand hair follicles per square inch. All areas including the Face, Breasts, Legs & Feet, Bikini Line, Back & Shoulders, Chest & Abdomen, Buttocks, Underarms, Arms & Hands, Neckline, Nose, Ears & Uni-brow and be treated safely with the laser. For your safety, the only area we are not able to treat is below the eyebrow and the area within the eye orbit bone.

Is the treatment painful?

Pain tolerance is something that’s unique to every individual, but most people tolerate the procedure well. Many factors such as the coarseness and density of the hair, the color and the area being treated affect the sensation. The amount of energy used can affect this as well. However, the LightSheer Diode does help alleviate some discomfort by providing a chilling system before, during and after each pulse with its 12mm spot size. In addition to this system, we use a frozen gel on your skin before treatment to further minimize discomfort. Our LightSheer High-speed DUET laser provides a fast treatment with little to no discomfort. For more sensitive clients, we have available a topical anesthetic cream, which is an FDA approved 5% lidocaine cream. Those who decide to use their own numbing product prior to their treatment should follow the directions of their own provider.

Are there any side effects?

The appearance of the treated area immediately following treatment will vary for each individual. Short-term side effects may include slight redness and swelling around the hair follicle, which is, in fact, are desired clinical results and indicate that the follicle has responded well to the treatment. This usually lasts less than an hour, although infrequently for some may last a few days. Most clients resume normal activity after their treatments. Occasionally, a slight rash may occur on body parts that are difficult to exfoliate such as ingrown hairs and men's backs.