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Is Laser Hair Removal Safe During Pregnancy?
We Think Not.
There are plenty of reasons that women want laser hair removal while they’re pregnant. Maybe it’s because it’s a routine thing that they normally do, and they don’t necessarily want to stop. Maybe it’s because the new hormones are causing crazy hair growth in strange places. Maybe it’s because they need to feel a little more attractive during a vulnerable time. Or maybe it’s because they can’t reach their legs over their belly to shave them. Whatever the reason, many pregnant women find themselves asking is it okay to get laser hair removal while I’m pregnant?
A reputable laser hair removal specialist would answer no. This is due to the fact that it’s simply better to be safe than sorry. While there’s no real evidence to support laser hair removal being a danger to your unborn baby, it’s still a topic on which most professionals agree that it’s better to wait rather than risk any harm to your child. After all, it used to be perfectly acceptable for women to smoke during pregnancy.
However, if you search hard enough, you’ll find laser hair removal specialists who will treat pregnant women anyway. We don’t advise this, but if you’re absolutely determined, then at least avoid any topical anesthetic creams that you might be given to soothe the laser heat. This cream can be absorbed in your system and may be a risk to your baby.
As laser hair removal specialists, we at Fremont Laser encourage mommies-to-be to hold off until their pregnancy and breastfeeding period is over to begin or resume laser hair removal. It’s only a few months to wait, and your baby’s safety always comes first. While smooth legs and a perfect bikini line may sound tempting, you have plenty of time to undergo laser hair removal post delivery.
If you have any more questions about laser hair removal during pregnancy or anything at all regarding laser hair removal, please feel free to contact us at Monterey Laser & Skin Care!
Home Laser Hair Removal Devices Versus Professional Laser Hair Removal
Which Solution is Best For You?
There are many beauty treatments that we attempt to do at home: manicures, dyeing our hair, exfoliations. But laser hair removal? Is that even possible, much less effective?
Turns out, yes, it is. There are home laser hair removal devices available, and these can be pretty tempting. After all, they’re less expensive than going to a professional, and then there’s the added convenience of being able to do your own lasering from the comfort of your bedroom.
However, as with any do-it-yourself beauty treatments, there are significant pros and cons. If you’re considering home laser hair removal device, know the facts.
Effectiveness
Fact: home laser hair removal devices are not as powerful as those used by medical professionals. Why? Because in the hands of a non-specialist (that’s you), the laser technology that professionals use would simply be too dangerous for at-home use. Normal folks could end up burning themselves and causing skin damage. Therefore, for home laser devices, the effectiveness is not as strong.
Convenience
True, if you invest in a home laser hair removal device, you can do your own treatments more comfortably, at home. However, there is a price to pay. Because a home device is weaker, you’ll be required to do laser yourself more than you would need to at a professional clinic. This can become frustrating and time-consuming.
Results
Everything else aside, when it comes down to it, which method actually produces the best results? It depends on you and how much hair removal you want—however, we can tell you that at-home laser hair removal devices require more treatments and the hair is less likely to be gone permanently, due to the reduced power of the home lasers.
And So…
This is a decision that will always come down to the individual’s personal preference—much like dyeing your hair at home versus going to a salon. Some people believe they can do it themselves, and others prefer visiting a professional. But considering how comfortable laser hair removal clinics are these days and how thorough of a job they do, laser hair removal should probably be one of those things you leave to the experts.
At Monterey Laser, we’re certified laser hair removal professionals. If you’re interested in having your unwanted hair removed by a specialist, please contact us any time!
Laser Hair Removal for Teens
Has Your Teenage Son or Daughter Been Asking for Laser Hair Removal?
Most moms remember when their daughters asked if they can start shaving. It can be an emotional moment thinking, she’s growing up…and once she starts, she won’t stop.
However, there is a right time for everything, and these days, just a few years after asking about shaving, many daughters are asking about getting laser hair removal. The idea of saving all that time that it takes to shave, not having to worry about razor burn or “shaving bumps” and getting rid of unwanted body hair permanently is a very attractive idea at any age.
It’s not just daughters, either. With the progressive technology of laser hair removal, many teen boys are interested in getting treated for body hair, too (such as on the neck or the back).
But when the kids start asking about the treatment, some parents wonder if it’s safe. Are the kids too young? What are the risks involved? And will laser hair removal even be effective on such young skin? Here’s some info.
How Young is Too Young for Laser Hair Removal?
The answer to this is: there’s no average age. Teens might begin asking about laser hair removal between the ages of 13-15. If this is the case, it’s up to you as a parent to decide if your teenager is mature enough to understand that laser hair removal is a step-by-step process, that it takes several sessions, that it’s basically permanent, and that it might hurt a bit. If your child is under the age of 12, it’s advisable to hold off on laser hair removal until they’re a bit older. At 12 and younger, they may not even have all the hair they’re going to have until they finish puberty, and they also may not fully grasp what laser hair removal involves.
Professionals Only
With laser hair removal—even when it’s an adult being treated—make sure the individual operating the laser is a certified, professional specialist. So of course, do your research and check into the laser hair removal technicians first. Look at their reviews and experience, and perhaps even meet them. It’s crucial to make sure the specialist treating your daughter or son knows exactly what he or she is doing, since laser hair removal done incorrectly can result in serious burns and damaged skin.
Is it Effective on Younger Hair?
Laser hair removal is just as effective on teenagers as it is on adults. Basically, there’s no difference between getting the treatment younger or older—you just need to make sure your daughter or son understands the process involved. They will require multiple sessions in order to remove all of the hair, since body hair grows in cycles.
What Risks are There?
As mentioned before, if laser hair removal is performed by the wrong specialist, the lasers can cause skin burns or changes to the skin color. This is why you must find a certified professional with good feedback. It’s also a good idea to find a laser hair removal clinic with lasers that treat all skin types.
If your daughter or son is interested in laser hair removal and you have questions for a professional, certified specialist, please contact us at Monterey Laser & Skin Care.
Using Laser Hair Removal to Eliminate Ingrown Hairs
Ingrown Hairs Can Be Painful
If you have ingrown hairs, then you know how painful they can be. They also can make you self-conscious about the irritated and red bumps they cause on the skin’s surface. There’s no hiding them, so how can you eliminate them? Laser hair removal is an effective and affordable option. Even better, it’s permanent.
Ingrown hairs curl down and grow back into the skin, which is what causes the uncomfortable bump. Anyone can experience ingrown hairs, and the typical methods of hair removal, such as shaving and waxing, actually can increase your chances of having them. Ingrown hairs can be found anywhere you have hair, but they are most common on legs, underarms, bikini or groin areas and faces.
Sometimes, an ingrown hair can be plucked out with tweezers as it grows, but if the hair follicle becomes infected; the bump becomes red, itchy and very painful, almost like a pimple. (The bump can fill with puss, much like a whitehead.)
Regular exfoliation can minimize ingrown hairs. And many apply retinols, cortisone creams and topical chemical peels to control ingrown hairs, but they’re not 100 percent effective and can cause uncomfortable skin irritation and dryness.
When ingrown hairs become unbearable and/or embarrassing, laser hair removal may just be the permanent solution you’re looking for. It is highly effective since the laser destroys the hair follicle, preventing regrowth, and thus eliminating the possibility of an ingrown hair.
Hair follicles follow different cycles, so not all of your hair is growing at the same time. A series of treatments spaced four to six weeks apart helps treat all follicles as they come in and out of dormancy. Occasionally, it might be necessary to book a laser hair removal appointment a few times a year just for maintenance.
Laser hair treatments shrink the size of the hair follicles, so any hair that grows will be finer. Finer hair is less likely to curl back into the skin. Plus, it’s lighter in color thanks to the laser, so it’s not as noticeable should it become ingrown while you’re undergoing your series of laser appointments.
If you’re spending a fortune on topical exfoliants and creams, but not getting the relief from ingrown hairs you want, perhaps it’s time to look into a permanent solution – laser hair removal.
If you’d like to schedule a complimentary consultation about laser hair removal for ingrown hairs, call Monterey Laser at (831) 869-8865 or use our contact form.
Myths About Hair Removal
9 Laser Hair Removal Myths
If you’ve never had laser hair removal treatments, but are considering them, you may be hesitant because a few “facts” about the process have scared you off. These “facts” may include things like tales of radiation destroying your organs, or new hairs sprouting uncontrollably. But it’s important to know the truth about laser hair removal, and which “facts” are actually myths.
The Myth #1: Laser Hair Removal is Permanent
The laser’s heat will zap hair follicles, which causes the hair to fall out in the following weeks. Hair will not grow back from these “zapped” follicles, however, new follicles can develop—and hair can grow from these. So, laser hair removal is permanent in that it causes hair to stop growing from follicles, but a touch up treatment may be required every few years. Despite this, laser hair removal is still considered the most long-lasting hair removal treatment available.
The Myth #2: Laser Hair Removal Causes Ingrown Hairs
This is so false that actually the opposite is true. Laser hair removal can be quite helpful in reducing ingrown hairs. It is an excellent treatment for ingrown hairs.
The Myth #3: Laser Hair Removal is Very Painful
This is one of the more common myths, as it seems to be the one that keeps the most people from trying laser hair removal. The truth is, this myth most likely originated from the days when laser hair removal was brand-new and more unpredictable. The lasers and technology have come a long way over the years. Most patients these days find laser hair removal to be very tolerable, or painless altogether. However, the amount of discomfort will depend on what area is being treated and your unique pain threshold. The “pain” is usually described as a continuous snap of a rubber hand on the skin, with some heat added. Keep in mind that these days, lasers have attached cooling devices, and numbing cream is also available if needed.
The Myth #4: Laser Hair Removal Can Be Completed in One Session
You may have heard that laser hair removal can be done completely in one session using “a really powerful laser.” False! This simply can’t be done—sorry. The hair removal laser is most effective at destroying hairs that are actively growing, which makes up about 25% of the total. It does not work as well on hairs that are currently not growing. Hair grows on a cycle of every five weeks. Therefore the laser hair treatments are scheduled about every 5 five weeks and about 25% of the hair follicles are destroyed at each treatment. This is why patients will need multiple treatments scheduled about five weeks apart.
The Myth #5: Laser Hair Removal Will Damage Your Skin
As long as you choose a licensed nurse or physician, like those at Monterey Laser & Skin Care for your laser hair removal treatments, this myth is false. Laser hair removal affects the hair follicles only—not the skin. Some patients may experience a little swelling or redness, but no true damage such as scarring will happen if done by a professional.
The Myth #6: Laser Hair Removal Can Damage Internal Organs
False. The laser used in laser hair removal treatments can only penetrate a few millimeters into the skin, and cannot cause any damage to the internal organs.
The Myth #7: Laser Hair Removal Exposes You to Radiation
Similar to concerns about the treatments damaging organs, the radiation myth has probably come from people simply hearing the word “laser.” Hair removal lasers aren’t in a dangerous radiation range—they operate on a safe (and approved) wavelength of light.
The Myth #8: Laser Hair Removal Causes More Hair to Grow
It may seem like this is happening, but it’s temporary. Once your laser hair removal session is over, new hair follicles may form, but the amount of hair will be significantly less compared to the time before the hair removal session. With the correct amount of treatments, all hairs in the treated area will be removed.
The Myth #9: Laser Hair Removal is Too Expensive
We won’t lie to you—laser hair removal treatments aren’t cheap. However, they aren’t “too” expensive, either. Most people react strongly because they look at the bulk cost for several treatments and see a pretty high number, but what’s important to understand is that laser hair removal treatments save you both money and time in the long run over waxing and such. Savings on shaving products, plus the buildup of time spent on getting rid of body hair, is well worth the cost to many.
Don’t let false myths stand in your way of laser hair removal, which is the perfect way to save yourself from the time-consuming and often-frustrating process of getting rid of your own body hair. To learn more or book an appointment with our certified laser hair removal professionals, please contact us today!
Questions About Laser Hair Removal?
The 8 Most Common Questions About Laser Hair Removal Answered
Laser hair removal seems like a dream—and for the majority of individuals, it is. The time saved by shaving, waxing, and using hair-removal creams is well worth a few treatments. Here are eight of the most common questions we hear from new clients about laser hair removal.
1. Does it hurt?
The answer to this really depends on a client’s pain threshold and the area that is being treated, but in general the feeling of laser hair removal is very tolerable—and many patients don’t really feel much of anything. When there is some feeling, it has been compared to the feeling of a rubber band snapping on the skin. At Monterey Laser & Skin Care, we provide cooling devices and/or gels to keep our clients comfortable during treatments.
2. How long does it take?
It all depends on the size of the area. For a small area such as armpits (axilla) the process takes only a few minutes. For a large area such as the back or both legs the hair removal takes about 30 minutes.
3. Do I need a doctor’s approval?
You do not need a prescription from your doctor.
4. Is it permanent?
The energy from the laser destroys the hair follicle and in a few days the hair will fall out. With time some hair follicles may recover, and a touch up laser treatment may be required every few years.
The hair follicles on the face are difficult to completely destroy, and facial hair will often come back sooner.
5. Does it work for all Skin Colors or types and Hair Colors?
Laser hair removal works on nearly every color of skin. But it is important to use the correct laser for the color of skin. For example the Alexandrite laser works best on light colored skin, and the YAG laser works best on darker colored skin.
Lighter hair is more difficult to remove, so if you’re considering laser hair removal and your hair is blonde, gray, or fair red, be sure to double-check with a specialist about how many sessions you may need and other possible difficulties.
6. Can I get it anywhere on my body?
Pretty much everywhere except for hair around the eyes. We do not want to take any chance that the eyes will be injured.
7. Will it damage my skin?
Laser can cause damage, and that is why it is very important to choose a well trained and experienced nurse or doctor for your treatment. The staff at Monterey Laser & Skin Care have years of training and experience. Do your research and make sure you’re getting laser hair treatments from a professional. You may have a little swelling or redness, but no real damage should ever occur. Remember, the laser itself isn’t dangerous, but the person operating it can be. Make sure to use a licensed specialist.
8. Can I remove hair all in one fell swoop?
Sorry—but no. Beware of any laser hair removal provider that promises this. Even if they claim that they can remove all your hair in one go with a “special laser,” don’t believe them. The laser can only get rid of hairs that are actively growing, and your hair doesn’t all grow at once. Professionals recommend at least six sessions.
Have even more questions about laser hair removal? If so, give us a call and we’ll be happy to answer them for you!
Brazilian Laser Hair Removal
Get the Look, Ditch the Wax
The Brazilian, a look many women want, but shy away from because of the fear of waxing such a sensitive area. A Brazilian look also comes with its fair share of upkeep since waxing hairs in the pubic area is the same as any other area – it eventually grows back, which often brings itchiness or a five o’clock shadow before your next waxing appointment. What is the ultimate solution to having the perfect, permanent Brazilian? Four words: Brazilian laser hair removal.
No more painful waxing “down there.” No more trying to reach hard-to-reach areas yourself. No more itchiness during regrowth and no more less-than-attractive pubic stubble. A Brazilian laser hair removal for the pubic area is no different than laser hair removal on other areas of the body, like your arms, legs and face. However, like other body areas, achieving hair-free results will take several appointments spaced approximately four to six weeks apart to accommodate hair follicles’ growing cycle. With each appointment though, hair in the pubic area becomes sparser as the laser destroys the hair follicles.
Is Brazilian Laser Hair Removal the Right Way to Go for You?
There are women for whom the Brazilian look will eventually pass, and there are those who can’t imagine going through life any other way. How you feel about the Brazilian will guide your decision on whether to invest in permanent results or to continue waxing. If you can’t image ever wearing a swimsuit or lingerie without a Brazilian, investing in laser hair removal might be the solution, and alternative, to waxing that you’ve always wished you always had.
And men, we’re talking to you, too. For the same reasons many men choose to get laser hair removal on their chests and backs, the same applies to the pubic region. If you’ve ever nicked an “un-nickable part” then laser hair removal in the pubic area is way to avoid the possibility or ever doing that again.
A fair share of athletes and bodybuilders come to Monterey Laser & Skin Care for laser hair removal in private regions so that they are always competition ready. However, don’t tan prior to your appointment because lasers target darker areas and a tan can throw off those targets.
In the end, Brazilian laser hair removal is a lifestyle and aesthetic choice, and one that is more common than you might think, and it is one of our most requested services. Whether you remove all pubic hair for a smooth, clean appearance or choose a version of it such as a Brazilian with stripe (all hair removed but leaving stripe of hair), Brazilian with triangle (all hair removed but leaving a triangle of hair) or a custom Brazilian with a design of your choice.
Brazilian laser hair removal is a safe, permanent way to get a smooth pubic area, free of the pain and irritation that comes from waxing. It gives you the confidence of never worrying about how you look “down there” or planning around your waxing appointments. Plus, you decide how much or how little of the hair is permanently removed from your genital region.
Schedule an appointment with us at Monterey Laser & Skin Care to learn more about the Brazilian laser hair removal, and say goodbye to waxing forever.
Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?
What Does Laser Hair Removal Feel Like?
You’ve researched laser hair removal, weighed the pros and cons between shaving, waxing, and permanently removing body hair. And, here you are on the cusp of just going for it – laser hair removal – you’re going to be hair-free and never have to shave or wax last minute again. There’s one more thing you want to know before scheduling your appointment for laser hair removal at Monterey Laser & Skin Care, what does laser hair removal feel like?
Maybe it’s the word “laser” that we associate with the potential pain. Maybe we’ve seen too many movies associating lasers with weapons and death rays. The reality is that laser hair removal is tolerated extremely well. The newest generation of lasers for hair removal spray the skin with a liquid that freezes the skin just before the laser is fired. This accomplishes two things, first it minimizes any pain from the laser and two it protects the skin from damage. Patients will experience a quick zap. Some people describe the sensation like a rubber band snapping against the skin. Afterwards the skin will be warm and a little sensitive. You know your tolerance for pain. If a rubber band snap makes you cringe, then expect a little discomfort. If you tend to be more of a trooper, then you probably won’t be bothered at all.
While we’d love to say, “Don’t worry, you won’t feel a thing,” the reality is that people experience pain differently. What we can say is that the hair-free results of laser hair removal are worth it. For some, laser hair removal is a life-changing experience. If you want to make the jump and lose annoying hair once and for all, schedule an appointment with Monterey Laser & Skin Care. Our staff will even hold your hand if you’re the least bit nervous. But if you’re like most of our clients, you’ll be just fine and excited to get the hair-free areas you’ve always wanted.
Laser Hair Removal for Men
Six Things Most Men Don’t Know About Laser Hair Removal (But You Will)
As 2017 finds its self well into summer, more and more of us are going to the beach, pool parties, and on vacations. This means we’re seeing lots more skin. Because this time of year basically has a dress code of “swimsuit,” many women head to Monterey Laser for laser hair removal. But did you know that just as many men go as women? Laser hair removal is not just for guys who want a David Beckham chest. Many men get laser hair removal treatments for their back, neck, stomach, nether-regions, and yes, their chest.
Here are a few things you may not know about laser hair removal for men.
1. Laser hair removal is less painful than waxing. Far less.
Remembers the scene in The 40-Year-Old Virgin in which Steve Carrell is given a chest wax and screams through the whole thing. Laser hair removal is far, far from that. While it does give some patients a bit of discomfort, it’s fairly gentle and painless. Most men say that it feels like a rubber band snapping on their skin or a small bee sting, though intimate areas can be a bit more sensitive. It’s important to not wait too long between sessions—this will cut down on any pain. All patients, both men and women, agree that the very small amount of “pain” is worth it. Also, keep in mind that sessions are fairly quick!
2. Laser hair removal cuts down on body odor and itching.
Your excess body hair absorbs odors, and slows down the evaporation of sweat. This can cause you to smell “manly” or funky if you will. But by removing excess body hair, you’re also removing the source of some odor. Excess hair also can cause itching and irritation, especially during the summer months. But removing the hair—or even just thinning it—will get rid of that itchy feeling that occurs when you sweat.
3. You’ll need to shave before your laser hair removal session.
…As in, right before. You should shave the night before so that the laser can get to the hair follicle easily.
4. You can get laser hair removal performed anywhere on your body.
Some men want hair removed from their toes. Some want it removed from their throat. Some want it removed from their ears. Any hair on the body can be removed. But because the eyes are so sensitive to light, the hair around the eyes is not treated.
5. You shouldn’t tan before a laser hair removal session.
Melanin is the pigment that tans the skin and is produced when the is exposed to the sun. Melanin absorbs light energy. Because of this, tan skin is prone to being burned during laser hair removal. You should stay out of the sun for four weeks before laser treatment and two weeks after the treatment.
6. Laser hair removal is permanent after a few sessions.
For men with hairy backs or hairy chests that affect their self-confidence, laser hair removal is a miracle. Imagine, all that extra hair, gone for good! For most patients, it takes about 4-6 sessions to permanently get rid of all the unwanted hair. Some need less, and some need more, but that’s the average. How often you return for another session will depend on how fast your hair grows.
At Monterey Laser, our laser hair removal treatments are gentle and effective. We use FDA-approved Candela Lasers, which are renowned for being the best in the field for laser hair removal. If you’re in the Monterey area and are considering this quick and self-esteem-boosting treatment, call us at (831) 869-8865. We offer free consultations and hope to speak with you soon!
Keeping Summer Skin Smooth & Sexy with Laser Hair Removal
This Summer, and the Next… and the Next
If you’ve never tried laser hair removal, first of all—why not? If unwanted body or facial hair bothers you, you’re missing out on a miracle. Secondly, if you’ve never tried it, you’re most likely interested in the prospect of permanently hair-free legs. No more razor burn or cuts, no more stubble, no more painful waxing or creams that only partially work. Doesn’t that sound amazing? Especially for the summertime? If you’re like many of Monterey Laser & Skin Care’s clients, it does.
Laser hair removal has some truly amazing benefits. Women who have chosen this treatment love it and sing its praises. But there may be quite a bit you don’t know about laser hair removal.
Laser hair removal is gentler than waxing.
Waxing can be very painful, but the intensity of the laser can be adjusted depending on a patient’s skin sensitivity. Although the laser zaps are certainly noticeable, everyone agrees that it’s much less painful than waxing. You can use a numbing cream if you’re unsure.
Laser hair removal is more permanent than waxing.
After a patient’s first treatment, the hair on the surface falls off. The hair underneath will take 5-10 days to vacate the follicle. With each laser hair removal session, patients will notice less and less hair, and it will be finer. Most patients find that their hair is permanently removed in six treatments or less (although sometimes it takes more than eight treatments depending on your hair growth cycle).
Laser hair removal is best after puberty.
Laser hair removal isn’t recommended for anyone who may still be going through puberty, or the last stages of puberty. This is because during the teen years the body produces new hair and new follicles at a quicker pace, which means the treatment wouldn’t be as effective.
Laser hair removal is a (small) commitment.
Most patients need about 4-6 sessions of laser hair removal to achieve permanent results— although some require more than that, and some require less. The treatments are scheduled to match the hair growth cycle. Try not to miss appointments in order to get the best results.
Laser hair removal requires tan-free skin…and a shave.
Before your session, it’s important that you have shaved the area that’s being treated and that you haven’t been in a tanning bed or had sun exposure for a while. An unshaven area or sun exposure can cause a treatment to be less effective.
Laser hair removal is fast.
Treatments for laser hair removal typically take about 10 minutes to an hour, and can last longer if you’re having multiple areas treated. And the most popular areas to have treated? The arms, arm pits, bikini area, and legs.
Laser hair removal destroys hair follicles.
When the laser hits your skin, the pigment in your hair follicles will absorb the energy and are destroyed. Once a follicle is successfully destroyed, it won’t grow back.
At Monterey Laser, our laser hair removal treatments are gentle and effective. We use FDA-approved Candela lasers, which are known for being the best in the field for laser hair removal. If you’re in the Monterey area and are considering this quick and self-esteem-boosting treatment, call us at (831) 869-8865. We offer free consultations. Contact us today!