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Laser Hair Removal

in Avon, Connecticut

If you’re tired of constant shaving, painful waxing, and plucking unwanted body hair, laser hair removal can offer a more permanent solution. The Spectrum 810 Diode laser system makes this possible by providing a safe and effective laser system for all skin types and tones.

WHAT IS THE SPECTRUM 810 DIODE LASER?

The Spectrum 810 Diode is the latest laser system that can heat and destroy the hair follicle for long-term reduction. When directed at the target area, laser light is absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle and converted to heat energy, causing injury to the hair shaft and preventing new hair growth. The system can remove hair virtually anywhere on the body including the arms, underarms, legs, back, chest, and bikini line. It can also be used to remove facial hair on the cheeks, chin, and upper lip.

Who is a Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

Anyone who wants to remove unwanted hair can benefit from laser hair removal procedures. The Diode laser system is safe for all skin types and skin tones and offers effective results for most hair colors. Because laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in the hair follicle, those with white hair will not be good candidates for treatment. During your consultation, your treatment area will be examined to ensure that you can achieve the results you want from your treatment with laser hair removal.

If you have taken Isotretinoin (Accutane) in the last 12 months or are currently on Minocin or Doxycycline you cannot receive laser hair removal treatment. If you have an active herpes simplex outbreak in the treatment area, you should wait to have a treatment and an anti-viral will be prescribed for your next treatment to minimize the chance of another outbreak. We also do not recommend laser therapy like hair removal for patients who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

How do I Prepare for Treatment?

You cannot be tanned, use self-tanners, or be sunburnt prior to or during the course of treatment. Your hair must be no longer than 1-2 mm for effective treatment. We suggest shaving 3-7 days before treatment (depending on how quickly your hair grows). Hair should be visible to the treating clinician but only slightly beyond the surface of the skin. If you are treating the back, you will need assistance shaving the area. Do not pluck, wax, tweeze, or use any hair removal technique that disrupts the hair follicle leading up to your treatment.

It is important that the hair follicle remain intact to ensure effective treatment. If treating the face, avoid using aggressive skincare products such as retinol, skin exfoliants, or other aggressive skincare products you must discontinue at least 1-week prior to laser hair removal if treating the face. Your skin must also be completely clean and free of any lotions, perfumes, or makeup on the day of treatment.

What is the Treatment Like?

For your laser hair removal treatment, you will be given glasses to protect your eyes and the treatment area will be cleansed and prepped. Using the Spectrum 810 Diode handpiece, laser energy will be directed at the hair follicles. Controlled heating ensures that only the hair follicle is damaged, preserving surrounding tissue and making your treatment process as comfortable as possible.

The Diode 810 laser hair removal we use has very little discomfort since it allows the hair to fall out on its own, rather than be ejected at the time of laser treatments. Older laser hair removal systems were quite painful because the system worked by ejecting the hair. The laser’s large spot size allows for a quick and easy treatment process, even in larger areas.

Because the hair grows in cycles, each 4-6 weeks apart, multiple laser treatment sessions are necessary to ensure each follicle is treated in its active growth phase. The exact number of sessions needed will vary depending on the patient.

Physician’s Blog: How Laser Hair Removal Works and the Negative Effects from Sun Exposure

WHAT ARE MY POST-TREATMENT CARE INSTRUCTIONS?

After each session, you can expect some redness and swelling in the treated area for a few hours. This can be easily managed with an ice pack. There is very little to no recovery time and you can return to work and all normal activities right away. Your treated skin will be extra sensitive, so make sure to wear sunscreen and limit sun exposure in the weeks following your treatment. You should avoid tweezing, plucking, or waxing the area between treatment sessions.

WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT?

In the week following your treatment session, your hair may appear to be growing, but this is just the hair follicle working its way out of the hair shaft. After optimal treatment sessions with the Spectrum 810 Diode laser, you can enjoy long-lasting hair reduction. Hair removal is not 100% permanent. Hormones can affect the cycles of hair growth and may increase or decrease depending on age. Hair can stay dormant for 7 years, however, as it comes out of dormancy, it will grow, and retreatment may be necessary.

Your first step to receiving treatment with laser hair reduction is your consultation with an experienced laser professional. A Registered Nurse (RN), Physician’s Assistant (PA), Advanced Practical Registered Nurse (APRN), or Physician should perform this procedure. Patricia Ferguson, R.N. has worked with Dr. Stanislaw since 2004 and is responsible for providing laser hair removal treatments. To schedule your appointment, contact our office at (860)404-6133.

At the time of your consultation, you will be provided a quote which will be honored for 1 year.

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