In order to address your questions and concerns, we have listed some of the questions patients ask us.  We welcome your comments and for more information, please contact us.

How does the Laser remove hair?
The laser works by a principle called Selective Photothermolysis. The laser is pulsed (turned on) for a millisecond emitting a gentle beam of light on to the skin. The light energy passes harmlessly through the skin, but is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle and hair shaft. By absorbing this laser energy, the hair follicles are disabled, impairing their ability to grow. The laser is effective on hair follicles in the active growth phase (anagen).
What Laser do you use?
We use the Lyra^TM Long Pulse Nd: YAG laser. The FDA has approved this laser system for permanent hair reduction. This laser has a1064nm wavelength light that specifically targets the pigment contained in the hair follicle and shaft. To diminish patient discomfort, Lyra's^TM active cooling module minimizes heat exposure to the epidermis and into the surrounding tissue before, during, and after exposure.
Is it safe?
Yes.  The laser was developed from years of research.  The laser parameters were carefully defined to inhibit regrowth by studying the anatomy of the hair follicle and matching the laser light and pulse duration to the follicle size, depth, and location to safely and effectively remove hair.
How does laser hair removal differ from electrolysis and is the
treatment permanent? 
The main difference between this technology and the traditional method known as electrolysis, is that lasers can treat multiple hair follicles at one time, no longer requiring the need to identify and probe each individual hair follicle, as is done with electrolysis. Laser hair removal is relatively new technology. The FDA, however, has recently provided clearance that indicates lasers can achieve a permanent reduction in hair growth based on clinical tests with patients who have hair reduction two years after treatment completion. Most people need an average of 3-5 treatments. Hair grows in cycles and subsequent treatments are necessary to treat the follicles that are lying dormant below the surface of the skin. These dormant follicles contain little pigment and are often not affected by the first treatment.  Laser hair removal is the most practical, least painful, most efficient, and probably least expensive professional method available to remove unwanted hair.
What does the treatment include? 
Depending on the amount of hair and area treated, the procedure varies from patient to patient. Generally, the treatment will include:  Safety eyewear to protect the patient's eyes during the procedure from the laser light. Most experience little discomfort at the treatment site. The sensation and the degree of discomfort varies with each person. In some cases, topical anesthesia is an option. Your physician will discuss this before laser treatment. Depending on the size or number of areas treated, the time will vary in length from minutes to hours. Patients can return to work or resume their normal activities immediately following treatment. The area may become slightly red and may last from a few minutes to several days depending on the area and skin sensitivity.
What should I expect?
Around 3-10 days after treatment hairs will begin to surface. Most of these hairs were treated and are "falling out" it is not regrowth. The hair follicles need to purge the hairs that remained under the skin. Please refrain from waxing, plucking, or bleaching between treatments (shaving is okay).
Does insurance pay for hair removal?
Insurance companies consider this to be a cosmetic procedure. We do not bill insurance companies for hair removal. As a medical expense it may be deductible for your income taxes.
How can I begin?
Please contact our office for a consultation. During this consultation, we will answer your specific questions and discuss a course of treatment for you.