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If you’re tired of the current waxing or shaving routine you have now, you might consider laser hair removal. To help address uncertainties you might have about laser hair removal, here are 13 Q & A’s to help answer your questions.

1. How does laser hair removal work?

Any service with the word “laser” in its name might seem intimidating, but it’s actually very simple. “Energy from the laser is picked up by the pigment in the hair follicle, causing destruction to the root,” explains New York dermatologist Dr. Margarita Lolis. Once the root is destroyed, it can’t produce more hair.

2. Which type of laser is good for each need?

According to Rachel Sharoff, licensed esthetician at Skintology Skin and Laser Center, here’s a quick rundown on the three most popular laser types:

Diode: The diode laser is very effective for light and dark skin.

Alexandrite: This laser is the fastest of all laser types and works best for treating larger body areas among patients who are have light-to-olive complexions.

Nd:YAG: This long pulse laser can be used safely on all skin types, including tanned skin. It is less effective for light or fine hair when compared to other types of lasers.

3. Which body parts does laser hair removal work best on?

While laser hair removal can work on any part you wish to remove hair from, it works especially well on the bikini, lip, chin, and underarm areas.

4. Who are the best candidates for laser hair removal?

If you have dark hair and have ever been annoyed with how stubborn it can be when it comes to regrowth and removal, rejoice: laser hair removal actually works best withthick, coarse, dark hair. “The laser is attracted to pigment, or color, in the hair follicle,” explains Sharoff.

That said, it can take a little longer to fully work on thicker hair. “Some hair is just very resistant, and sometimes new ones come out due to hormonal changes or other hair bulbs becoming active during the treatment period,” explains Dr. Birnur Aral, Director of the Good Housekeeping Beauty Lab, who has personal experience with laser hair removal.

5. Which medications should you stop using beforehand?

Just as with waxing, this skincare treatment is incompatible with certain meds. “Any medications that are photosensitive need to be stopped at least one week prior to treatment,” Sharoff warns, noting that most antibiotics can be photosensitive, so if you have an infection, it could be a good idea to push your treatment back a few weeks.

“Patients should not be using skincare with strong actives such as retinoids and alfa hydroxyl acids,” says Dr. Aral. These ingredients can increase skin cell turnover, making skin more vulnerable to the sun and irritation during the treatment period. If you’re not sure whether your medication could negatively affect your laser hair removal treatment, consult with your doctor beforehand.

6. How long does it take to work?

Everybody is different, so the amount of sessions it takes varies per individual, says Dr. Lolis. “Laser hair removal works when the hair is in its active growth rate,” she explains. Different parts of the body have different growth rates, and therefore could take longer or shorter depending on which spot you’re treating, but Sharoff states that the majority of clients need an average of six to eight treatments for full hair removal.

7. Do you really need to attend all your sessions?

Yes. “One of the biggest mistakes people make is not completing the necessary amount of sessions,” warns Dr. Lolis. “Once the hair growth slows down, patients don’t follow through.” If you really want your treatment to be effective, listen to your practitioner — they know best.

8. What does it feel like? Does it hurt?

“With numbing, it should be comfortable,” says Dr. Lolis, who adds that it feels like a “rubber band snapping the skin,” while Sharoff notes that most of her clients describe it as a light, warm pinch.

9. Should you reschedule an appointment if you have your period?

Unlike getting a bikini wax, you should not cancel your treatment due to your period, says Sharoff. “It’s very important to stay consistent with treatments,” she explains, “so even if a woman is menstruating and treating her bikini area, we just ask that she uses a tampon on the day of treatment.”

10. How should you prep for an appointment?

“We ask that you shave the area you are treating beforehand so that the laser can penetrate into the root of the hair — not target or singe any hair on or outside the skin,” advises Sharoff. She is very specific about the shaving aspect of this prep work for a reason: “You should not wax, tweeze, or bleach any hair one month before your session because the root needs to stay intact in order for the laser to effectively destroy the hair.”

11. What’s the proper way to care for the treated areas?

After your session, avoidance to sun exposure is advisable and the use of sunscreen is highly recommended. (But hey, you were already using sunscreen every day, right?) Dr. Aral also notes that any hair growth between sessions should be shaved off — not waxed or threaded.

12. On average, how much does it cost?

The price you pay per session of laser hair removal can vary from provider to provider, but Dr. Lolis says it can range from $50 to $300, depending on which body part you’re removing hair from.

Considering multiple sessions are often needed to fully stop hair growth, it’s not exactly a cheap treatment. But if you like to have hairless skin, imagine using razors or heading to the salon for a wax for the rest of your life — when you think of how much all that costs, laser hair removal can be seen as more of a longterm investment. Plus, some service providers offer packages for clients purchasing several sessions at once, so be sure to ask about any specials available.

13. What are the risks?

While laser hair removal is considered a safe treatment, Dr. Lolis notes that there is a risk of burning, while the FDA adds that blistering, discoloration, redness, and scarring are also potential side effects. There’s also the possibility that your hair could grow back, which Dr. Aral notes may require yearly treatments to keep new hair growth at bay.

If you have additional questions or are curious about our rates at Laser Smooth Company, call us at 503.867. 6386 or find our rates here. 

SRC: See the entire article here: www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/anti-aging/a35990/laser-hair-removal-guide/

Many people interested in laser hair removal have a small problem area that they want treatment for. Our goal is to help you achieve permanent hair removal no matter how big or small the area is that you want addressed. 

Small Treatment Areas

Underarms, hands, feet, areolas, bikini line, happy trail, chin, forehead, sideburns, upper lip, lower lip, jawline, nose, ears, anterior neck, posterior neck

$35 per treatment or
6 treatments for $149

For optimal results, appointments are scheduled 4 to 6 weeks apart. Treatment areas require between 4 and 8 treatments. We do not treat sun damaged skin. Call to schedule your free consultation and spot check today!

Call us at 503.867.6386

SRC: Photo visagecenter.com/pearl-of-the-month-june-2013-lip-augmentation/

If you are considering laser hair removal, but aren’t quite convinced, this personal account of laser hair removal, published in the Huffington Post, might be able to answer your questions or address your uncertainties:

I took the plunge into Laser Hair Removal four years ago, when a friend that finished her treatments lifted her arm to show me the smooth softness that lay underneath. This was an underarm that had been to Laserland and come back rejuvenated, hairless and content. I needed to go to there.

As a medium-hairy Russian Jewess, body hair and how to remove it has been a preoccupation of mine since high school. I can’t even count the numerous nicks and cuts from shaving endured from dull razors, the painful aftermath of ingrown hairs, the red bumps and the overall itchiness. And how do I ever get past the trauma of having a strange woman pour wax onto my nether regions as I lay, vulnerable in a cold room, legs splayed out in the air, completely at the mercy of her yanking skills. There had to be a better way. And with laser, I was hoping to find it.

Like most people thinking about taking the plunge, I asked myself if would it be worth the price (it’s not even that expensive anymore), if it would hurt (sometimes, but not in the way you think), or if it would even work! (On specific body parts, it works wonderfully). Sure laser was permanent, more expensive and potentially dangerous (we’ve all heard the horror stories of scarring), but was my normal hair removal routine any better? If I never had to walk into another nail salon while a judgmental hairless Asian woman surveyed my bikini line with a sigh and shake of the head, it would be worth it.

Now, several years past that first treatment, I may be a few hundred dollars poorer, but oh so much smoother and so much happier about my body hair — or lack there of. All my friends that have gotten laser are thrilled with the results, including several men that swear by it (not everyone blessed with a full chest of hair wants that full chest of hair). With affordable salons popping up all over the city, this once costly option is now barely more expensive than a high-end waxing salon. So, for those of you thinking of joining me in Laserland, read on for helpful tips for embarking on your own laser journey.

• Laser hair removal works best on light skin and dark hair. I swear by theCandela laser, but there are many other brands, including newer ones for dark skin and dark hair, like the Yag laser. • Can I get it — anywhere…? Almost. As far as I know, eyebrows or any other hair near your eyes is a no go, but the rest of your bodacious wonderland is fair game. This includes Brazilian, that pesky nipple hair and even the anus (which surprisingly didn’t even hurt) TMI? This is a post about removing body hair, so, yeah. • How much is this going to cost me? I’ve found amazing Groupon deals ranging from $99 – $300 for six sessions on a medium to large area. Buying in bulk will serve you best, as a la carte options range from $50 a session (underarms) to $300 (Brazilian) — Yikes! However, with salons popping up everywhere and a deal to be had on numerous discount sites, I really see no reason to pay full price. Just commit and buy a package already – if you end up backing out, gift it to your best friend — s/he will thank you. • You will need to shave the area you want lasered a day or two before your appointment. So if you are going Brazilian down there, get cracking and don’t forget your, um — crack. Some places charge a fee for shaving you — yes, I did just write those words. Wouldn’t you prefer to just shave yourself — it will be one of the last times you will ever have to again! • Pain factor I found the first four or five sessions to be quite manageable. However, waiting too long between subsequent sessions increases the pain tenfold, so stick to the schedule discussed with your technician (usually 6 weeks between treatments). • How does it feel? I can only describe it as a rubber band snapping followed by a cooling sensation. Plus, they give you orange tinted safety goggles to wear while you’re being zapped, making it easier to go to your happy place where pain does not exist. More intimate areas hurt more. If you really can’t handle the pain, most places offer numbing lotion you can put on beforehand, but it costs a pretty penny. • Can I go during my lunch break? A laser treatment is surprisingly quick, depending on your technician’s style and how many breaks you need due to how painful you find it. I’ve been in and out in under three minutes, while Brazilian can take about ten – fifteen. Each zap kills a hair in a second and no area is zapped twice, so even if it hurts, the laser quickly moves on to a new place. • Results Will Vary. I’ve gotten my bikini line, underarms, arms and legs lasered to varying results. I’m told laser treatment is most effective on very dark, coarse hair. I have had less successful results on my arms (too light and thin) and medium results on my legs (it grows in patches). However, my underarms and bikini results are a godsend and it is amazing to throw on a bathing suit, wear a tank top or change in a public area without having to worry about any hairy surprises. •Tanning & Laser Don’t do it at least four weeks before and two weeks after a treatment. I recommend starting treatments in the fall, as it will take about a year to get the recommended 6-10 sessions in before you want to be on the beach with the new, smoother you.

[…]

I wish you luck on your laser journey — should you decide to take it (which, if you haven’t already garnered from this post, I highly recommend you do). Because unlike that N’SYNC tattoo you got when you were in high school, the permanent results from laser hair removal are something you will never regret.

To find out our package deals, read about your options here. If you have additional questions, or would like to schedule and appointment, call us at 503.867.6386

SRC: Find the original article here: www.huffingtonpost.com/dina-mikhails/all-you-ever-wanted-to-kn_b_7683978.html

SRC Photo: View the image used in your post: www.naircare.co.uk/hub/underarm

 We promise to give you premier laser hair removal treatment in our office, but it is important you maintain post-treatment care at home to make your laser hair removal process and pain-free and effective as possible. Here are 4 tips for you to keep in mind after a laser hair removal treatment:

• We will apply a soothing aloe and vitamin E lotion to treated areas.
• There is no downtime with laser hair removal, so you can immediately engage in normal activities following your appointment.
• We advise the use of sunscreen for the next 48 hours.
• Immediate and continuous sun exposure, tanning, or working under halogen lights is to be avoided.

Find more post-treatment tips here.

If you have questions about our pricing, find treatment prices here or call us at 503.867.6386

Laser hair removal is something that is new to many. Understandably, many people are a little skeptical of what it is, how much it will hurt, and how effective the procedure really is in the long-term. If you have doubts or confusion, here is some clarification: 

Laser hair removal may seem unreliable at best and ambiguously torturous at worst, but the science behind the procedure is actually quite simple. “The Tria Hair Removal Laser uses a diode laser that detects the pigment within the hair follicle and disables it.” Crenshaw explains. “Hair follicles treated while using the Tria Hair Removal Laser are attacked and some follicles are disabled with each treatment. Because hair grows in various cycles, it takes up to three months to see full results to ensure that follicles can be disabled.”

Laser hair removal is by no means a one-and-done-type treatment to dispel errant hairs from your skin, but some consumers may be fortunate enough to see a decrease in hair proliferation within your first two treatments. According to Crenshaw, the majority of Tria consumers require six or more sessions to view a marked change. “Permanent results can be seen when the device is used once every other week for up to 3 months,” she clarifies. “This equals roughly six at-home treatments.” In addition, laser treatments do not yield complete hairlessness in any region of the body. The majority of hair follicles can be removed after a full set of treatments, but laser hair removal patients are cautioned that removal is never absolute.

As a veteran of several laser sessions, I can verify that the “rubber band snapping” sensation of each pulse is an undeniable aspect of the treatment. Each treatment zone requires a distinct number of pulses per session to address hair growth depending upon its surface area. Therefore, large expanses of skin such as the legs or arms necessitate a significant time commitment — and if you’re susceptible to pain, a fair amount of teeth-gritting — to hit each hair follicle. However, Crenshaw confirms that patients rarely experience troubling side-effects post-treatment. “The commonly reported side effects are temporary redness and minor swelling at the treated site. With normal use, these should resolve by themselves after treatment,” she explains.

If you possess the correct skin type and hair color as well as a bit of disposable income, you may find your hair removal soul mate in laser therapy.

If you are interested in Laser Smooth Company’s package-rates, find more information here. Give us a call at 503.867.6386 if you have any questions. 

SRC: Read more about laser hair removal here: www.bustle.com/articles/76396-is-laser-hair-removal-safe-and-effective-everything-you-need-to-know-before-booking-your-first

Don’t forget about the package treatment program offered at Laser Smooth Company! 

Package Treatments
$99 Per Treatment Armpits and Brazilian pay as you go, expires 12/31/2016	$99 Per Treatment Full Back and Neck pay as you go, expires 12/31/2016

 

Single Treatments
Small Treatment Areas 1/$35 or 6/$149 expires 12/31/2016	Medium Treatment Areas 1/$60 or 6/$249 expires 12/31/2016	Large Treatment Areas 1/$80 or 6/$349 expires 12/31/2016

Call us today at 503.867.6386 to schedule a free consultation! 

Laser Smooth Company specializes in Laser Hair Removal for both men and women in all areas of the body. Our hair removal services are as simple as Small, Medium and Large. Our services and pricing depend on the size of the hair removal area. We remove hair from here, down there or anywhere. Learn what parts of the body that are included in our Large Treatment Areas, below.

Check out our current pricing for Large Treatment Areas here.

Call 503.867.6386 to schedule your free consultation and spot check today!