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Did You Know…
The word “Cosmetic” is derived from the Greek word “Kosmos” which means “of this world.”
Just before the laser is fired, a jet of frozen air is sent to the skin to protect the skin from the laser energy and to decrease the pain.
Neurotoxins are medications developed from the bacteria known as clostridium botulinum. Researchers noticed that people infected with this bacterium had suffered muscle weakness. Dysport and Botox have been developed from this discovery.
In the past some doctors tried to dye the patient hair dark so that more of the laser energy would be absorbed by the hair and thereby the laser would more effectively remove the hair. Unfortunately, it did not work because the dye did not reach the hair follicle.
The idea behind the CoolSculpt machine started after doctors noticed that children who sucked on popsicles lost the fat in their cheeks without damage to the skin. It is amazing what can develop from a simple observation.
The same laser that is used for hair removal, can get rid of toe nail fungus.
The light from a hair removal laser passes through the skin and is absorbed by the hair follicle. The laser energy is absorbed by the hair follicle and is destroyed. Since people have different skin colors, we need to have lasers with a variety of colors of laser light.
A tan can absorb some of the energy of laser light and prevent the laser light from reaching the hair follicle. Do not get a tan before laser hair removal.
In the 1450s, women would shave their pubic hair to get rid of lice. And then they would have a pubic hair wig made as a replacement.

Laser Treatments

Considering Laser Hair Removal?

Questions to Ask Your Laser Hair Removal Specialist

Have laser hair removal ideas been dancing in your head lately? If so, you’re not alone. Summertime is the most popular time of year for the treatment, what with all those beaches and swimming pools.

If you’ve never gotten laser hair removal before and you’re not quite sure what it entails, it’s a good idea to approach your specialist with some questions beforehand. Be sure to ask…

Is your particular laser(s) going to be good for my type of skin?

Different lasers target different things, so it’s smart to ask what type of laser will work best for your skin’s color, tone, oil levels and skin texture. Be sure to find the best laser for you.

Do you perform a lot of laser hair removal treatments?

The specialist you choose should routinely perform laser hair removal treatments. Don’t go with someone who doesn’t have much experience in the practice—get someone who is certified and knows what they’re doing.

What do I need to do to prepare before my session?

Whatever area is being treated should be clean and shaved. The more hair you have, the less effective the laser’s going to be. You also do not want the room to smell like burned hair. Stubble can cause some lasers to not work as well, but other types of lasers need a couple days’ growth, so be sure to ask your laser hair removal specialist before you do (or don’t do) anything.

Is there anyone who should avoid laser hair removal for medical reasons?

Women who are pregnant, nursing or menstruating at the time shouldn’t get laser hair removal, but there may be other factors that you need to be aware of. Be sure to ask this important question to your specialist.

How many treatments will I need to get?

The typical number of treatment visits is 4-6, but it can be more or less than this, depending on your skin and hair type.

How long does the treatment last?

The average “lifespan” of a laser hair removal treatment is three years before you’ll be needing a touch-up treatment. Hair follicle life cycles come into play here.

Can I get laser hair removal if I have a tan?

Your laser hair removal specialist should not answer “yes” to this question. Tanned skin cannot safely or effectively receive laser hair removal treatment. It will either burn or not work at all.

Does laser hair removal treatment work for everyone?

Again, this is a great question for the specialist, since different lasers focus on different things. However, if you’re trying to get rid of blonde, light-colored, or gray hairs, be aware that these types of hair are pretty difficult to get rid of. Those lighter hairs have lighter hair follicles, which means the laser has a hard time picking them up and removing them.

If you’ve been seriously considering laser hair removal treatments, please feel free to contact us with your questions, or to schedule a consultation at Monterey Laser and Skin Care. Laser hair removal is one of our specialties, and we would love to hear from you!

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