Details: Laser Hair Removal

Check Out Our Package Pricing Below...Pre-Pay for 5 Treatments and Get the 6th for FREE!

What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal involves a series of treatments using the Candela GentleLASE Plus Laser to reduce the density and thickness of dark-colored hair.  The treatment takes place at our Frederick, Maryland office.

How does the laser work?
The laser emits an intense beam of light that is absorbed specifically by the pigment in your hair follicle. The energy disables the hair follicle without damaging the surrounding skin, and the hair later sheds.

Before	After

How long will my visit take?
Treatment time depends on the amount of area treated. Each laser pulse treats all of the hair within a quarter-sized area of skin. Treatment of the upper lip takes less than five minutes, bikini about 15 to 30 minutes, backs over 60 minutes, etc.

How many treatments will I need?
Everyone requires an average of six to eight treatments because only actively growing (anagen) hair responds. Hair follicles that are dormant (catagen) or have started naturally shedding (telogen) will return as anagen hairs and respond in subsequent treatments.

Hair density, color, and caliber along with your skin color can also affect the total number of treatments. Patients with darker skin or patients with finer hair tend to need more treatments. Plucking, waxing, and tweezing between treatments will increase the total number of treatments required, so please try to resist that urge!

If I have to have more than one treatment, how frequently will I need to come in?
Best results require repeat treatments at one to two month intervals depending on the site. Waiting too long between treatments will also increase the total number of treatments that you require.  You can be easily seen at our clean and comfortable office in Frederick.

How long will it take me to recover?
You'll experience a hive-like redness and swelling around the treated hair follicles or in the entire treated region, which can last a few hours to a few days. Occasionally, the area can be mildly sensitive or itchy. Bruising is rare. Your hair will shed in one to three weeks.

How long will my results last?
Most patients retain at least 70 to 80% hair reduction after two years. If any of your hair returns, it is usually much finer, less dense, and lighter colored. The most recent review in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology indicated that all lasers produce similar results.

Will the laser hurt me?
You may experience some degree of temporary discomfort with each pulse, depending on your tolerance and the location, density, color, and thickness of the hair. Topical numbing creams can be purchased and applied 30 to 90 minutes prior to the treatment, as needed. Oral narcotics and sedatives are rarely used.

What are my risks?
Blistering, scarring, hyperpigmentation (darkening), or hypopigmentation (lightening) can result from laser hair removal. Aside from the issue of poorly trained technicians, the risk of blistering and pigment alteration is proportional to the amount of pigment in a person’s skin, regardless of the type of laser. For pale Caucasian patients, the risk is less than a few percent, but for tan or darker individuals, the risk can be greater than 20%.

There are reports of new hairs appearing in and around the treatment site, and these cases usually responded to additional treatments. The cause is not yet known. Some patients require more than five treatments or require adjunctive use of topical agents such as Vaniqa®. A very small percentage of patients do not respond at all.

How can I minimize my risks?

• Start laser treatments when your skin is at its palest in order to minimize the risk of blistering and pigment alterations. We often perform a small test spot two weeks prior to the full treatment to help identify patients who might hyperpigment
• Avoid tanning between treatments by minimizing sun exposure and using daily sun protection in the form of broad spectrum sun screens or cosmetics with sunscreens (sunscreens that contain UVA and UVB filters)
• Reduce the risk of bruising by avoiding aspirin, ibuprofen products, and herbal remedies one week prior to each treatment
• Reduce the total number of treatments necessary by avoiding plucking, waxing, and electrolysis between laser treatments
• Reduce the temporary redness after each treatment by applying ice packs for a few minutes to the treatment sites

What should I do after my treatment?
Keep track of how long your skin stays red. This information allows us to determine the most effective energy level for each individual. No special aftercare is necessary, and make-up can be applied immediately, if desired. Any irregular or curled hairs on the surface can be shaved, cut, or removed with chemical depilatories. Exercise and exertion is not harmful but can increase the temporary redness on the day of your treatment.

How much will this cost me?

We offer the most competitive prices with our Laser and Cosmetic Nurse, Susan Young.  See the chart below for information on how we can help you save!

Package pricing is available...pre-pay for 5 visits and get the 6th treatment for free!

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