Permanent hair reduction is a lasting solution that takes away the everyday hassle of dealing with unwanted facial and body hair. The secret lies in the light-based technology that targets and destroys hair cells responsible for hair growth without harming surrounding skin. It’s a simple approach to permanent hair reduction that’s fast, easy and FDA-cleared.
Permanent hair reduction is available for all skin types, including very light and very dark skin; however it does not work on patients with red hair, white hair, or gray hair.
How does it work?
Light is used to target and destroy hair follicles responsible for hair growth without harming surrounding tissue, so there’s minimal risk.
What do I expect during the treatment?
Before the procedure begins, you will be given ample time to meet with the RN and physician to ask questions and be provided with information. You can opt to receive a topical numbing cream for the treatment area, which should be applied 30 minutes to one hour before the treatment. As the treatment begins, you will be given protective eyewear to protect you from the bright flashes of light. A cool gel is applied to the treatment area, both to lubricate the hand piece and to help cool the epidermis during the treatment. A melanin reader will take three readings from your skin to give the technician a more objective reading of your skin tone to ensure the safest setting. Your skin care specialist will apply brief pulses of bright light to the skin through the hand piece. The hand piece has a cooling element to it to provide more comfort during the treatment. Depending on the size of the area being treated, the procedure may take anywhere from 15-30 minutes.
During the hair reduction procedure, you will feel a warm sensation caused by the pulses of light. Some compare the sensation to a light snap from a rubber band. The number of pulses you receive will depend on the size of the area being treated. Following the procedure, the laser specialist may help you in icing down the treatment area to help soothe any discomfort from the procedure.
How long does it take?
Permanent hair reduction treatments take just minutes for small areas like the face and underarms.
How many treatments will I need?
Usually six treatment sessions are recommended for the best aesthetic outcome. Permanent hair reduction technology can only affect hair in active phases of growth so several treatments are needed to affect all your unwanted hair. You do not need to let hair grow out between treatment sessions.
What will the treatment feel like?
Most people feel only a slight, momentary “snap” at the treatment site during the procedure.
How quickly will I recover?
You can resume regular daily activities immediately following treatment.
Are there any side effects?
Typically, most people experience a mild, sunburn-like sensation, possibly accompanied by some minor swelling, immediately following the treatment. This usually lasts two to 24 hours.
Visit patients.cynosure.com/treatment/hair-removal/ for more information and before and after photos.
Precautions
Do not go sunbathing at least 4 weeks before the treatment. The lighter the skin, the more effective the treatment.
Do not go to the sauna or swimming pool 24 hours before the treatment to avoid skin irritations caused by chlorine.
Do not wax or pluck the body hair 4-6 weeks before the treatment, only shaving is permitted
Please shave the parts of the body to be worked on 1-2 days before treatment.
Do not apply any self-tanning cream or bleaching cream.
Do not take any medications which make the skin photosensitive.
Do without creams prior to treatment.