Part One: About the Equipment
Equipment
**No matter how well trained the technician; the equipment used determines the majority of the efficacy and safety!!
Brand/Manufacturer: Candela Corporation. USA
Type: Alexandrite / FDA approved, Class IV medical device.
Wavelength: 755nm
Knowing this enables you to compare “apples to apples” should you choose to shop around. You can also search the internet for additional information concerning the laser.
The type of laser and wavelength determines the “target” for the laser. The most common laser targets for cosmetic procedures are water, melanin (color), and hemoglobin. The most effective target for hair reduction is melanin in the hair.
The 755nm Alexandrite laser utilized at Laser Affair precisely targets the melanin (color) in the hair shaft, inflicting injury to the cells lining the hair follicle, inhibiting future growth, while leaving the surrounding tissue unaffected. Candela’s Alexandrite is considered the gold standard amongst the industry as the most effective laser for hair reduction for light to medium skin types. For those with darker skin types, the 1064 ND:Yag is a safer laser.
Some facilities put a “private label” on their laser. Insist on knowing the laser manufacturer and wavelength. Be aware if this information is unknown. Run as fast as you can if the technician doesn’t know. (A good test of their knowledge)
** Although some lasers can safely treat all skin types, this does not ensure you will achieve maximum results; therefore, it is imperative to be assessed by our Laser Specialist.
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light and is NOT a laser at all. Although filters may be used with an IPL in attempt to focus the energy and mimic the “direct beam” of a true laser. IPL’s are not capable of this. Therefore, efficacy and safety may be compromised. While IPLs can be effective for some cosmetic procedures, experience supports the more powerful, better focused, direct beam of energy, recognized from a “true laser” as not only safer, but substantially more effective for hair reduction.
No. As a rule this is a condition of being treated on an IPL device. (But not always).
Part Two: General Information
General Information
A fair price is based on the value of services received. Being thoroughly informed will enable you to determine what is best for you.
At Laser Affair, we are so confident in the value of our services we designed this questionnaire for you to compare should you choose to do so. We are very passionate about our profession and welcome any additional questions. Our reputation is founded on the fact that services will only be offered following a thorough explanation, with honest ethical and realistic expectations. If we cannot safely and effectively treat you, we will gladly discuss your options and steer you in a safe direction. We value our clients and your satisfaction is our number one goal. Come experience the difference!
When treated by a skilled technician on the appropriate laser, most clients recognize 70%-98% permanent reduction; however no one can predict the exact amount or guarantee that other factors such as hormonal changes and medical considerations will not affect future growth.
If you are offered a guarantee, be sure to read the fine print!
Usually a guarantee is merely a promise for a few additional treatments. Consider the integrity of the facility if this was not thoroughly explained up front.
The goal is not to have endless treatments, but to reach your individual, optimal, results with the minimal treatments necessary.
Our laser is equipped with DCD (Dynamic Cooling Device). This is a cooling mist of cryogen that is sprayed milliseconds prior to the laser pulse, ensuring client comfort and epidermal safety.
Unfortunately not much! Some claim this is possible, and occasionally you may see some reduction, but beware of this promise. It is best to treat any remaining white, gray, or blond hair with electrolysis.
Although multiple treatments are required, reputable establishments should allow you to purchase just one treatment at a time and not require you to purchase multiple treatments in advance.
Being multiple treatments are required, most facilities, as Laser Affair, will offer a reduced price should you choose to purchase a “package” of treatments. Being price is determined by the particular area being treated, most facilities lock you into using these sessions in the agreed upon area only. At Laser Affair, we will allow you to use any un-needed pre-paid treatments as maintenance, or you may apply this to another area of similar size.
Make sure there are no misconceptions of the agreed upon treatment area. At Laser Affair, as most facilities, these areas are very specifically defined. Should you need additional attention outside this agreed upon area, Laser Affair allows you to purchase additional laser pulses without committing to an entire area.
Although it is safe to treat pregnant women, we prefer to wait until your post-partum checkup to proceed. Since treatments are timed to target the periods where hair growth is active, it may be necessary to redo some of previous treatments. No charge of course!
Almost everyone can enjoy the benefits of laser hair removal. Males, females, swimmers, bodybuilders, dancers, cheerleaders, athletes, nudists, volleyball players, runners, gymnasts, students, brides, PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and hirsutism patients to name a few. However several factors and characteristics will determine the results for each individual.
At Laser Affair we are proud to safely treat all skin types while achieving optimal results.
In the past, those with Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV were generally the best candidates for laser hair removal. These were patients with light to medium pigmented skin with medium to dark-colored hair. Those with Fitzpatrick skin types V-VI, patients with darker or tanned skin tones, experienced less than optimal results, and were at higher risk for adverse reactions. This was due to the laser energy being attracted to and absorbed by the melanin in the skin as opposed to the intended absorption to the hair shaft. Today, when treated by a skilled professional on the appropriate laser, all skin types can benefit from laser hair removal and obtain optimal, yet safe results.
The Fitzpatrick Scale (aka Fitzpatrick skin typing test or Fitzpatrick photo-typing scale) is a numerical classification for the color of skin. It was developed in 1975 by Thomas B. Fitzpatrick, a Harvard dermatologist, as a way to classify the response of different types of skin to UV light. It remains a recognized tool for dermatologic research into the color of skin. Skin type is race dependent and does not change. A suntan alters the degree of pigmentation, not the skin type.
Why Does My Fitzpatrick Skin Type And Hair Color Matter?
Your Fitzpatrick Skin Type is the most important factor when determining which laser will give you optimal, yet safe, results. The wavelength of a laser determines the chromophore (target) for that particular laser. Melanin (color) in the hair shaft is the natural chromophore for targeting, and damaging, hair follicles. Since melanin (color) is also present in the epidermis (skin), increased levels can compete for the laser’s energy posing a risk for decreased efficacy, and increased risk of epidermal damage such as hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. The appropriate laser wavelength, fluence, and pulse width for your skin and hair type will sufficiently damage the hair follicle while protecting the epidermis. The laser’s epidermal cooling mechanism is another key factor when determining the appropriate laser for your skin type.
Generally, but not always…Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV should be treated on the Alexandrite 755nm laser. Fitzpatrick skin types V-VI should be treated on the 1064 ND:Yag laser.
OK. So How Is My Fitzpatrick Skin Type Determined?
Fill out our Fitzpatrick skin typing form to obtain a basic idea of how you might be classified. Keep in mind this is only a tool for determining your skin type. Other factors will be taken into consideration.
Who Would Not Be a Candidate For Laser Hair Removal?
- Although it is entirely safe, we ask pregnant women or those attempting pregnancy to wait until after their first postpartum checkup to proceed.
- Those with a tendency toward severe keloid scarring.
- Clients under 14 years old. (Just a Laser Affair rule). Keep in mind hormonal changes can affect hair growth and regrowth.
- Laser hair removal may not be performed over tattoos or permanent make-up.
- Laser hair removal will not remove white, light gray, blond or vellus hairs, and may be less effective on some red hairs. Electrolysis is a safe and effective alternative for these hairs.
- Those with recent skin cancers and some other medical considerations.
All areas of concern will be addressed by our Medical Director
What Type of Equipment Is Utilized At Laser Affair?
We don’t believe in a “one size fits all” laser and are extremely proud of our multiple, state-of–the-art Candela Laser platforms. Candela is a leading US-based global medical aesthetic device company. Our coveted 755nm Alexandrite GentleLASE and 1064 ND:Yag were designed specifically for hair removal and are known to be the most effective hair removal lasers throughout the industry. These Class IV medical devices must be registered with the Department of Health and the Board of Medicine and may only be operated by specific licensed Practitioners. We are proud to safely treat all skin types while achieving optimal results.
Only a professional should determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure and which laser would be appropriate.
At Laser Affair, we are so confident in the value of our services we designed this questionnaire for you to compare should you choose to do so. We are very passionate about our profession and welcome any additional questions. Our reputation is founded on the fact that services will only be offered following a thorough explanation, with honest ethical and realistic expectations. If we cannot safely and effectively treat you, we will gladly discuss your options and steer you in a safe direction. We value our clients and your satisfaction is our number one goal. Come experience the difference!
