Laser Hair Removal in Northern Virginia

Tired of unwanted and ingrown hairs on the face and body? Having to shave an area or use depilatory cream over and over again gets frustrating, and options like plucking, waxing and electrolysis are painful and take forever. Not to mention the cost associated with these methods can add up over your lifetime. Many of these are also short-term solutions. If you're done wasting time and money on these old fashioned ways of removing hair, it's time to try laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal is a gentle yet powerful method of removing hair. The FDA approved GentleMax Pro® laser is so effective that it's able to disable hundreds of hair follicles simultaneously. Not only is it more effective than the older methods, its results also last longer.

Many lasers are not considered safe for use on patients with darker skin tones. The GentleMax Pro®, however, is completely safe for these patients. Those with darker skin tones will benefit from the GentleMax Pro's Nd:YAG laser. For those patients with lighter skin tone, the Alexandrite laser is preferred.

In the six weeks leading up to your laser hair removal treatment, do not pluck, wax, or have electrolysis in the area that will be targeted. During the 14 days leading up to the procedure, do not let the target area get exposed to sun or use self-tanner.

Before you get laser hair removal, shave the target area to remove the surface portion of the hair, this allows the lasers energy to target and penetrate the hair follicle, thus causing the follicle to shed. Cleanse the skin to fully take off topical anesthetics, creams, tanning products, and makeup products. To protect the skin from the laser's heating energy and ensure that the client is comfortable, the Dynamic Cooling Device™ (DCD™) is used to lower the temperature of the area with cryogen, a freezing chemical substance. This occurs directly before the laser is utilized.

The areas being targeted by the GentleMax Pro® are then treated using laser pulses. These pulses of energy specifically affect the hair follicles, leaving the other cells in the area healthy and safe. The application of laser energy creates a tingling sensation and sometimes a rubber-band-snap feeling. The number of treatments needed will vary depending on the patient's goals, typically anywhere from 6-9 sessions maybe needed for optimal results.

The GentleMax Pro® laser also treats a variety of skin issues and imperfections. Its multi- wavelength energy can heal veins on the face, including rosacea and veins on the legs. It also targets pigmented lesions on the skin. If you're dealing with damaged blood vessels and capillaries, this may be the perfect procedure for you. It can even help stimulate collagen to tighten the face, neck, chest and abdomen.

Pretreatment instructions:

–  No tanning at least 2 weeks prior to the procedure
–  Shaving is allowed in between treatments, but should be stopped 2 days prior
–  No electrolysis at least 4 weeks prior
–  No waxing at least 4 weeks prior
–  No tweezing at least 4 weeks prior
–  No threading at least 4 weeks prior
–  No Accutane use at least 6 months prior

Laser Treatment Before & After Pictures

Photos courtesy of Syneron Candela.