Hair Removal Basics

To get the most out of hair removal at The re*be Skin Clinic it helps to know how the procedure works. All the light based machines we use heat up the hair to destroy generally causing minimal changes in the surrounding areas. The changes have permanent lasting effects and will greatly reduce the amount of unwanted hair. The target for the light treatment is the hair beneath the skin. If you are planning on hair removal treatment it is best to wait until the hairs are just barely visible on the surface of the skin so we can treat you. Hairs grow in cycles making it impossible to treat and effectively remove all of them at the same time. Several treatments are required generally about 6 weeks apart. We sell our treatments in packages of 5 treatments. That is generally enough to control the unwanted hair in most areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it hurt?

Hair removal is generally well tolerated by most people. There is a sensation much like getting snapped with a rubber band. We have several ways to help control the pain. Taking Tylenol if this medication is appropriate for you an hour or so before the treatment can help. We have a cooling machine that will reduce the sensation greatly. If needed we can use topical prescription anesthetics to numb the skin in the treatment area. Injection local anesthesia can also be used if needed. Most people can tolerate the pain and we use the amount of discomfort you may be having to judge the effectiveness and safety of the treatment.

Is it expensive?

Not really. We think our prices are comparable to others providing similar services. The rates vary for different areas of the body and are affordable. Large areas like a man's back are more expensive than a women's chin. Our packages are more economical than purchasing each treatment individually. To remove the hair from a women’s chin for 5 treatments with a 6th complimentary treatment as needed is $300. Individual single treatments are $100 for the same area. A complete bikini hair removal including the hair from the belly button around to the low back (brazilian) as a package runs $600. Single treatments to the same area are $200.

Are the changes permanent?

Hair removal done in the past with some older equipment even three years ago did not go as deep as our most powerful machines today. Even if you had laser hair removal in the past and your hair came back we may be able to do a much more thorough job with our newer equipment. The changes caused by the laser to the hairs seem to be very long lasting. It is possible that after several years on a large area like the legs a few hairs may return. Follow up treatments may be necessary in 2-3 year intervals to get new hairs that develop in that time or some stragglers that were incompletely taken care of originally. We have 4 different light based machines now and will soon have electrolysis equipment. If the hair does grow back after treatments, it will usually be finer and with much less color. If we cannot get the hair to go away we feel confident no one else will be able to either.

How should I care for the area after my treatment?

Once treatment is completed you should stay out of direct sunlight or use at least SPF 30 if the treated areas are exposed to sunlight. For 3-4 days they should use warm or cooler water when bathing especially of normally hot water hurts the treated area. Do not shave, wax, pluck, or use hair removal creams in the treated area for at least 4 days after the procedure.

How long do the treatments take?

Depending on the area most treatments take 5-15 minutes. Large areas such as an entire back may take 45 minutes or longer on a large man.

What about blond or white hair?

Hair removal works best when there is color to it. Lighter hair color may not respond as well, or may need to be treated longer to get satisfactory results. Fine white hair does is the most difficult to reduce and may not always respond.

Why does it take several treatment sessions to do the hair removal?

The hair cycle is made up of three parts: Anagen, telogen and catagen. At any given time you have some hair in each of these phases. Anagen, or the growth phase, is the only part of the hair cycle that is affected by laser energy. Hair goes into the anagen phase about every 4-6 weeks. Our treatments are based on that interval. It usually takes 4-6 treatments to get catch all the hairs in the proper phase to get good results.

What are the funny sunglasses for?

You and the staff in the room during a hair removal treatment will wear eye protection. The laser light can be intense and if scattered off of a shiny object or shiny skin could cause some injury to your eye. Everyone in the room needs to have eye protection on during the use of the light machines.