LASER HAIR REMOVAL

What is laser tattoo removal?

Laser tattoo removal is a FDA approved treatment that uses isolated laser energy to break up the pigment and color in tattoos.

How does it work?

During a laser hair removal treatment, a laser emits light energy and the pigment (melanin) in the hair absorbs the energy and heats and destroys the root of the hair. If there is no root, there is no regrowth in that particular follicle.

Am I a good candidate?

The ideal candidate for laser hair removal are clients with light skin and dark hair. That being said, Pampered Soul uses a laser that treats all skin types and can successfully remove the hair, however it will take more sessions. Clients who are interested in laser hair removal who have natural blonde, gray, white, or red hair unfortunately are not good candidates as the hair lacks the pigment (melanin) that is necessary to get results. Lastly, anyone who has a skin rash, infecion, open wound, or is an adamant tanner is not a good candidate. If you are an adamant tanner, fall and winter are the best times for you to come for treatments.

How to prepare (pre-treatment)

Shave the entire area being treated within 12 hours of the appointment, but not within a few hours of the appointment as shaving irritation combined with the laser will create discomfort. Two weeks prior to your appointment, you must not use medications that are labelled as “causing photosensitivity.” You must also avoid being exposed to direct sunlight, tanning beds, skin care products containing Vitamin A, such as RetinA, waxing, chemical peels, using Glycolic and Salicylic acids, and whitening creams (hydroquinone). The areas that will be treated should be free from moisturizers and make-up the day of your appointment.

What does it feel like?

Ultrasound gel will be applied to the skin in which you will experience a cooling sensation. When the laser is applied to the skin you will experience coldness as the laser has a built in cooling tip to protect your skin. Once the laser is pulsed, you will feel a tingling sensation or a pin prick sensation along with warmth the more passes that are performed. The treatment is well tolerated.

Post treatment and aftercare

After the treatment your skin will become photosensitive. This means that area will be more susceptible to burning from the sun. You must wear a minimum of an SPF 30 to protect your skin, and reapply every hour if you are in the sun for a prolonged amount of time. Also, in between treatments do not tan outdoors or in tanning beds because laser targets colour and you will be at a higher risk of burning. Shave in between treatments – NO plucking, waxing, electrolysis, sugaring, threading, or using cream depilatories (lotion for hair removal. For 10 to 14 days after the treatment you can gently exfoliate the area with a soft cloth in the shower or when you cleanse your skin to help the hairs to fall out.

How many sessions are required?

Everyone is different as our bodies are different, but to give you an idea, you will have very significant results in 3 to 5 sessions and it may be necessary to have 7 to 10 sessions for complete removal. Sessions are booked every 6 to 8 weeks.

Possible side effects

As with anything that denaturizes our body, there are possible side effects. Side effects include and are not limited to: skin irritation, temporary discomfort, redness and swelling are possible after laser hair removal. This typically disappears within several hours. Raised follicles and pinkness around the follicles are normal and will disappear within 24 hours of the treatment. Another side effect is your skin may lighten or darken in the treated area. These changes may be temporary or permanent. Skin lightening will typically happen if you don’t avoid sun exposure before or after treatment as instructed, and with those who have darker skin. Blistering, scarring, or other changes in the texture of your skin are rare, but can happen.