Laser Hair Removal

This patient information brochure is intended to supplement, not replace, consultation with your physician regarding laser hair removal. Please consult with your physician if you have additional questions or if you have questions that may not be covered in this Patient Information document.
Hair removal works best when there is color in the hair. People with light hair may see only moderate improvement and may need a greater number of treatment sessions. Dark hair responds best and white hair does not respond at all.
 

Q: What is CoolGlide?

The CoolGlide system presents a revolution in hair removal. Using technology beyond that of other lasers, the CoolGlide can disable hundreds of hair follicles in less than one second, and promises long-lasting results for all skin types. Our CoolGlide hair removal system is FDA approved for permanent hair reduction. It is a non-invasive laser specifically designed to eliminate undesired hair from all parts of the body. The CoolGlide system generates intense, long pulsed laser light through an actively cooled handpiece. The laser effectively disables unwanted pigmented hair follicles, thus impairing their growth. The laser's cold handpiece is placed gently on the skin and glides along as pulses of light are delivered from the laser. When the light penetrates the skin, it selectively damages the root of the unwanted hair.
The CoolGlide can remove hair from all parts of the body including the face, legs, arms, underarms, and back, as well as sensitive areas like chest, nipples and bikini line.
 

Q: What about side effects?

Slight reddening and local swelling of the skin, similar to a sunburn, may occur in some patients. These effects typically last 24 hours or less. In rare instances, blistering may occur. Consult with your medical professional for complete information on the benefits and risks of treatment.
 

Q: Does skin color make a difference?

With CoolGlide's unique design we have the flexibility to treat all skin types. Now even suntanned patients or those with darker pigmentation may be treated. Patients with fair skin respond the best.
 

Q: Is it permanent?

Treatment results may vary among patients. CoolGlide is cleared by the FDA for 90% Permanent Hair Reduction. The FDA defines permanent hair reduction as the long term, stable reduction in the number of hairs re-growing after a treatment regime.
 

Q: What does it feel like?

The laser treatment may feel like a mild sting for a fraction of a second. It has a built-in cooling tip that not only helps to protect the skin but also helps to minimize discomfort.
 

Q: How long do the treatments take?

An upper lip and chin can be done in 5 to 10 minutes. Underarms or bikini lines usually take 15 to 20 minutes. Legs and backs take longer. Very often, follow-up treatments are shorter (and less expensive) because there is much less hair to treat.
 

Q: How many treatments are necessary?

This is very important to understand. Hair goes through 3 stages of development. Typically in the anagen stage, the hair will respond more effectively to treatment. At any given time, only one third of human hair is in the anagen stage. For this reason it is necessary to treat an area at least 3 times with the treatments spaced approximately 6 weeks apart in order to see the best and longest lasting results. Darker hair will respond better, but both dark and light hair may need up to 5 treatments for maximum response and the best long-term results. The number of treatments you may require for optimal long-term benefits depend on the area you wish to have treated, the hair density and your hair's growth cycle. Your hair grows in cycles and many factors influence its growth. Age, ethnicity, weight, hormones, diet, medication and metabolism all play a part in your hair's location, thickness and resilience.
 

Q: Results - What should you expect?

There is often no immediate change. Your skin may get slightly red or even develop as a small crust that will peel. The laser may leave small red marks on your skin. The marks clear up in a few days. The hair that has been destroyed will not start to fall out for 2-3 weeks. Many times it will get darker and thicker just before it falls out. Don't worry if you do not see an obvious change immediately after your first treatment.
 

Q: Are there any restrictions on my activity after treatment?

After your treatment, the area is cleansed and you can return to your normal activities immediately. Your physician may recommend that you use a specifically formulated skin care product line or prescribe a skin care regimen especially formulated for your skin type. The use of sunscreen is recommended on any treated areas exposed to the sun. As always, it is a good idea to limit your sun exposure.