Raleigh Plastic Surgeon Dr. Michael Law discusses:

LASER HAIR REMOVAL 

For many women and men, unwanted hair is a nuisance....or even a source of embarrassment. Until recently, laser hair removal has been uncomfortable, time-consuming, expensive and provided results that were inconsistent at best.

Advances in laser technology have resulted in far better results, and treatments that are safer, faster and more comfortable than ever before. Laser hair removal works on just about any area of the body where smooth skin is desired... underarms, face, neck, back, legs, shoulders, bikini line, you name it.

Not all lasers, or all laser centers, provide the same level of treatments.

Here are a number of advantages of laser hair removal

with Blue Water Spa & Michael Law MD Aesthetic Plastic Surgery:

EXPERIENCE:

We have provided training for physicians on laser hair removal since 1995 and we are a national training center for laser hair removal and medical spa technology.

EFFECTIVENESS:

The lasers we use have been evaluated as the most effective in peer-reviewed medical journals. These sophisticated lasers target the root of the hair so specifically that they not only eliminate very dark and coarse hair, but are also the most effective lasers for the removal of fine hair and even hair with a light brown root.

SPEED:

Full legs or a back can be treated in just 20 minutes. Our GentleLASE uses an 18mm spot size (about the size of a quarter). This larger spot size coupled with more hertz (power), means a faster and more effective treatment. A full back, for example, can be treated in less than 15 minutes and full legs in less than 20 minutes.

SAFETY:

We use a patented cooling device for that means a more comfortable treatment and eliminates the need for topical anesthetic.

AFFORDABILITY:

Our laser performs treatments quickly, therefore, we are able to charge less per treatment. We never insist on paying for packages up front, our clients pay per treatment. We feel confident about our laser and know that our clients will return for follow up treatments.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How does laser hair removal work?

The laser targets the darkness of the melanin pigment in the hair follicle. Since melanin is only produced in the growth phase of the hair, the laser must target the hair follicle during this cycle. At any given time, 20-40% of the hair in a particular area may be in a growth phase. Therefore, more than one treatment needs to be scheduled, preferably at 6-8 week intervals. With multiple treatments we can ensure that all hair follicles are being disabled.

Can all hair and skin colors be treated effectively with laser?

While laser hair removal can be performed on virtually any skin color, the color of the hair is the most important factor. The laser is attracted to the melanin (the dark pigment) in the hair follicle. Thus, darker hair is treated most effectively. If your hair has a blonde, red, or dark gray root, you may not be a good candidate for laser hair removal.

Do you offer free consultations?

Absolutely. We believe that a consultation is important for any client considering laser hair removal. We will perform a test spot so the client can see how the laser feels and we can answer any questions so the client can better understand what the laser can do. We can also determine if you are a good candidate for laser before you commit to any treatment.

Does my hair need to be "grown out" before my treatment?

No. We actually recommend that you shave the area to be treated. Waxing, bleaching, tweezing, or any other method that removes the root of the hair must be discontinued at least two weeks prior to treatment. Since the laser targets the root of the hair, it must be present for the treatment to be effective.

What areas of the face or body cannot be treated with laser?

None. All areas of the face or body can be treated with the GentleLASE or GentleYAG Laser.

Is laser hair removal painful?

While everyone's pain tolerance is different, the majority of clients do not think it is painful. Clients find laser hair removal with our laser much more tolerable than waxing. Our laser is equipped with a DCD (Dynamic Cooling Device) that makes the treatment both comfortable and safer to the skin than other lasers.

Will I have to use any topical numbing preparations before my treatment?

Absolutely not. We do not, nor have we ever prescribed, dispensed, or recommended any topical numbing preparations (prescription or non-prescription) prior to laser hair removal. The DCD (Dynamic Cooling Device) our laser is equipped with eliminates the need for any topical numbing preparations. Before every laser pulse, a cryogen (cooling agent) is automatically sprayed onto the skin within the laser field that protects and partially numbs that area. This makes the treatment safer and more comfortable.

What are the risks involved with laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is a 'lunch time' procedure. There is no recovery or down time. Patients can return to their normal activities immediately. These lasers do not injure the dermis so the risks are extremely low. As with any procedure, you will be given an informed consent to read over that explains all the possible risks.

Do you sell packages, and is laser hair removal affordable?

We don't sell packages - we never insist on payment of multiple treatments up front. Every patient differs in the way that their hair responds to the treatment. Any given area typically requires an average of five treatments but this can vary from person to person. This is why we price per treatment. We are confident in the way our laser performs and there is no reason to require clients to pay up front before seeing the results of a treatment.

Is there a board-certified physician on-site?

Yes. We are a fully-integrated medical spa and plastic surgery office. Blue Water Spa is owned and operated by Dr. Michael Law who is a board-certified plastic surgeon and his wife, Kile Law, who has over 10 years experience in training doctors and other aesthetic professionals on laser hair removal. Our office is a national training center for laser hair removal and other medical spa services. Physicians, laser technicians and other aesthetic professionals come to us for training.