Laser Hair Reduction
Are you tired of shaving, plucking, waxing, and/or electrolysis? Your repeated discomfort is unnecessary! Your time and money are precious commodities, and with laser technology you can now save both! Our FDA approved, LightSheer, diode, 800nm, laser targets the melanin found in the hair follicle. The laser light passes through the hair follicle converting to heat as it passes through the skin. The heat absorbed in the melanin disable the hair follicle, inhibiting future growth.
Ideal Candidates
- Patients who have educated themselves about hair reduction options.
- Patients who realize that I refer to this process as “hair reduction” instead of “permanent hair removal”
- Patients with light skin and dark hair will receive the greatest benefit
- Patients with darker skin, who understand they need be treated carefully and cautiously, which may lead to more treatments to reach their goal
- Patients who experience frequent in-grown or infected hair follicles
Risks and Complications
- Include but are not limited to burns, skin discolorations (hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation), ineffectiveness of the laser to destroy follicles, or allergic reaction to numbing cream, if used. Please remember that complications are rare and I take great care and caution to decrease the risk of complications.
Your Commitment
- Bring your questions. The first visit will consist of a consultation to answer your questions, discuss concerns, and get to know each other.
- Through a series of questions and use of the Fitzpatrick Skin Typing system we will determine your skin type.
- If your skin is pale to beige I will test the treatment area and almost always be able to perform the first treatment. If your skin is tan to black I will perform a test but not treat the same day. We should wait 1-2 weeks to observe your reaction. This is for your safety!
- Provide me with a list of your medications and pertinent medical history.
- Try not to tan…but if you must…do not tan 2 weeks prior to a treatment!
- Schedule follow-up appointments 5-6 weeks apart.
- If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant you should not be treated.
Recovery
Many patients will experience some erythema, redness, and pain, which rarely will last more than an hour or so. I will apply Aloe Vera lotion following the treatment for your comfort. Once home, you may take your normal over-the-counter pain medication as directed according to the manufacturer for any discomfort related to your treatment. For the next 2-3 weeks the treated area may mimic the appearance of a rapid growing cycle, but it is the damaged hair extruding. It will fall out with gentle exfoliation or shaving.
How to Choose a Laser Removal Center?
- Is the laser FDA approved for hair removal on your skin type and hair color?Blonde, gray, and strawberry red heads do not have enough melanin in their hair shaft to receive desirable results.
- Is the laser equipped with a cooling device? The tip of the LightSheer is cooled to ensure patient safety and comfort.
- Is there a Board Certified Physician on site? Resolve Hair & Vein Care is located within Dr. Jeffrey G. Copeland’s practice, Copeland Cosmetic Surgery, #2 Richmond Court, Saint Peters, Missouri 63376.
- Are treatments sold in packages or one at a time? Resolve Hair & Vein Care sells treatments both as a package and individual. I encourage patients to buy a package because hair has a cycling growth pattern and it is going to take 3-5 visits to achieve desirable results. Packages are “bundled as a bargain.”
Are complimentary consultations and spot tests available? Absolutely! Your first visit is for you to gather information. If you decide to move ahead we will proceed according to your Fitzpatrick Skin Type.
