Laser Hair Removal

Essex Medspa provides clients with the most advanced laser equipment. The Lumenis LightSheer™ is the state-of-the-art laser for hair removal. The Lumenis LightSheer™ is designed to remove unwanted hair with less discomfort and more reliability than any other method. The LightSheer™ Laser Hair Removal System has been extensively studied and is FDA-approved for the treatment of unwanted hair.

How does the laser treat unwanted hair?

The light emitted from the laser is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle. This produces heat in the hair follicle and impedes the follicle’s ability to grow. Because hair growth occurs in 3 cycles, multiple treatments are required. There is a growth cycle, a degradation cycle and a rest cycle. For effective treatment, the hair follicle must be in the growth cycle when treated.

Who is a good candidate for laser hair removal?

The best results have been achieved on dark, coarse hair, but the Lumenis LightSheer™ is effective for many different skin and hair types. Dr. Jill Sohayda will evaluate your skin type and determine what settings will give you the best results.

How many treatments will I need?

Multiple treatments are usually required for permanent hair removal. The number of treatments will depend on several factors related to specific skin type, color, thickness, and density of the hair. With the advanced technology of the Lightsheer, typically only 4 treatments are needed.  Some areas, depending on the hair type, may require additional treatments.  Other systems used for hair removal are less effective and can often require over 10 treatments.

What skin type am I and how will it affect the number of treatments needed?

Fitzpatrick Skin Typing Chart

• Type 1 always burns and never tans
• Type 2 usually burns and tans less than average
• Type 3 sometimes mildly burns and tans above average
• Type 4 rarely burns and tans more than average
• Type 5 very rarely burns and tans easily
• Type 6 does not burn and tans easily

Typically skin types 1-4 require only 4 treatments. Skin types 5 and 6 usually require more treatments to be effective.

How much time is there between treatment sessions?

The timing can vary from 4 to 6 weeks depending on the hair type and area being treated.

How long do the treatment sessions last?

Laser hair removal can last from a few minutes to 30 minutes depending on the size of the area being treated.

What does it feel like?

Every pulse, which lasts less than a second, produces a slight tingling sensation. In particularly sensitive areas, such as the upper lip, it may feel like a quick light pinch. Local anesthesia can be an option when treating more sensitive areas.

Is there anything I need to avoid prior to treatment?

Yes. You should avoid sun exposure, tanning beds and the use of self tanning lotions for at least 2 weeks prior to treatment. Avoid plucking, waxing, and electrolysis of the area you want treated for at least 3 weeks prior to treatment.  Please shave the area 12 hours prior to your appointment.

Is there any downtime?

No. You are able to return to normal activities immediately following treatment. You should avoid hot tubs and saunas while the skin is red. It is recommended that you avoid sun exposure, tanning beds and self tanning lotion in the areas treated for 2 months after treatment. You may resume shaving or clipping hair in the treated area a week after treatment. Anywhere from 5 to 30 days after the treatment, shedding of the hair may occur and may look like new hair growth.  This is not new hair growth, but dead hair pushing its way out of the follicle.  You can help the hair exfoliate by washing or wiping the area with a washcloth.  Detailed after care instructions will be provided to you by Dr. Sohayda at the time of your treatment.

Are there any side effects?

The appearance of the area immediately following treatment will vary from patient to patient, although side effects are typically rare. Any swelling or redness at the treatment site typically goes away within a couple of hours.

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