Laser Hair Removal Procedure

Laser Hair Removal Treatment Summit and Englewood, New Jersey

Quick, Precise, Predictable

Laser hair removal is one of the advanced cosmetic laser treatments available at Ethos Spa Skin and Laser Center. All laser hair removal treatment procedures at our deluxe Summit and Englewood, New Jersey spas begin with a complimentary consultation with one of our physicians, where you can learn details about how to achieve desired results. Patients often have their first procedure following the consultation. At Ethos Spa, only physicians that specialize in aesthetic procedures, and are experienced in the use of laser equipment, perform laser hair removal for clients. For more information about laser hair removal treatment, contact our luxurious Summit or Englewood, New Jersey spa today.

About the Procedure

Prior to treatment, you should:

• Avoid skin irritants or tanning
• Use sunscreen, especially when outdoors
• Discontinue use of topical irritating agents, such as retinoic acid, 2 to 3 days before treatment
• Arrive for treatment with clear skin, with no creams, lotion, or makeup. We will cleanse the treatment area in the event that you do not
• Do not remove hair in the prospective treatment area prior to the consultation so the physician can clearly see the hair characteristics and density.

After your first treatment, we prefer you shave the area to be treated the night before your next visit to reduce any inflammation that may ensue. It is preferable for hair to be no more than 1 to 2 mm (1 to 2 days growth) at the time of the procedure.

For men having laser hair removal performed on their backs, it is important to have the back shaved either the day prior to, or the morning of the treatment. Whether on the back or another area, it is not uncommon for men to seek to thin out, rather than permanently remove body hair.

How the Laser Hair Removal Treatment Feels

Everyone responds differently to laser hair treatments. Most people state that discomfort is manageable and no worse than waxing. At Ethos Spa, we can utilize a topical anesthetic, such as lidocaine, to lessen any discomfort you may experience from the treatment. Leave yourself an extra 30 minutes for the numbing process.

Some clients prefer to not have numbing and do not feel any pain from the treatments. Many compare the sensation to the snap of a warm rubber band. We will adjust the treatment parameters based on your individual threshold.

We also utilize post procedural cooling with SynerCool technology to decrease possible complications due to excessive heat injury. Notify your physician if you notice any crusting, blistering, excessive redness, or swelling.

Maximizing the Effectiveness of the Treatment

Follow a few simple rules to help your treatments be as successful as possible:

• Limit sun exposure prior to and throughout your hair removal treatments.
• Though our newer laser can perform hair removal on tanned skin, we prefer that the client wait 2 weeks after a tan has faded to begin treatment.
• We also recommend against using tanning salons. Tanning booths can increase the chances of complications from laser hair removal, such as pigment changes in the skin, as well as decrease the effectiveness of the treatments.
• Use sunscreen during the treatments, especially if the treatments are on an uncovered area of the skin such as the face, because sun exposure without protection can lead to skin sensitivity and pigment changes.
• We advise against plucking, threading, or waxing for one to two weeks before treatment begins, since the presence of the hair in the follicle is important for its removal. There is no need to let hair grow long before the treatment. Bleaching, shaving, and depilatory creams between treatments are permissible.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

At Ethos Spa, we aim to deliver results in a safe and effective manner, and only physicians operate the laser. Lasers are highly effective in removing hair, however, immediately after the treatment you may experience:

• Redness and some swelling around the hair follicle. This is normal and will resolve in a few hours, though it can take up to a day.
• A burning sensation similar to a sunburn.
• Blistering may occur, although rarely.
• Hypo pigmentation (an area of lighter skin) and hyper pigmentation (an area of darker skin) can occur.
• Rarely, permanent scarring has also been reported.

Not All Patients Are Ideal Candidates

While laser hair removal can be used on any skin color and hair color, at Ethos Spa in New Jersey, we will not perform laser hair removal treatment on clients with certain contraindications, due to increased risk of complications. These contraindications include:

• Pacemaker or internal defibrillator
• Superficial metal or other implants in treatment area
• Current history of skin cancer or pre-malignant moles
• Severe concurrent medicals problems such as uncontrolled diabetes or heart disease
• Pregnancy and nursing
• Impaired immune system from medications or diseases such as HIV
• Diseases which may be stimulated by light, such as porphyria, epilepsy, or lupus
• Recurrent herpes infection in treatment area (such clients may be treated after a prophylactic anti-viral regimen)
• Any active sores, eczema, psoriasis, or rash in treatment area
• History of abnormal bleeding or medications which affect the blood such as anti-coagulants
• Use of medications known to induce light sensitivity within last 6 months to 1 year, such as Accutane; or St John’s Wort or tetracyclines within last 2 weeks

Learn More about Laser Hair Removal Treatment

If you are interested in laser hair removal treatment, and want to learn more, contact our Summit or Englewood, New Jersey spa today. A dedicated representative is standing by to answer your questions, or to assist you in scheduling an appointment.