Question: Are lasers and the Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) machines safe?

Answer: Yes. The laser and IPL parameters were carefully defined by studying the anatomy of the hair follicle and skin. These parameters were then used to match precisely the laser light and IPL machine settings to the treatment. For instance for hair removal, they were matched to the follicle size, depth, and location to inhibit the growth of the hair.

Question: How long will a hair removal or skin rejuvenation treatment take?

Answer: The amount of time needed depends on the size of the area to be treated. The lip area, for example, would take only a few minutes, while the legs will take notably longer. Large areas, such as the legs or back, usually can only have certain sections done at a time. Due to the huge areas being treated in the back or legs, multiple treatment sessions are required to disable the hairs for an extended period in those areas. Each area needs three or more treatments in order to be effective for significant delayed hair growth or skin rejuvenation.

Pretreatment of brown spots                                    After treatment with IPL

    Question: Does it hurt?

    Answer: The laser and IPL machines might feel like a tingling or slight stinging sensation, but most people tolerate the procedures well. It can feel like a rubber band snapping against the skin. Some areas of the body are more sensitive than others, so you may elect to have topical anesthesia, which has a small additional charge, in order to increase the comfort of the procedure.

    Question: What happens after the treatment?

    Answer: Within several minutes of the treatment, the treated area may become slightly red and puffy. This reaction usually subsides, and within a few hours the area returns to normal or similar to a sunburn. There might be some sensitivity and redness to the area for a few days. In individuals with darker skin, major dark brown spots, or a suntan, there might be some blistering and a superficial burn immediately after the treatment. This will heal in two to five days, similar to any superficial burn. 

For hair removal, with dark hair and skin, the laser treatments and IPL treatments can be successful in disabling the hairs in people with dark skin for extended periods of time ranging from 8-24 weeks. Since the laser does not cut the skin in any way, bandages are usually not necessary, and you can return to your normal activities quickly. 

             Pretreatment to lip hair                                    Five months after treatments

    Question: How many treatments will I require for my hair or skin?

    Answer: Depending on the type of treatment, the laser and IPL machines work by disabling hairs that are in their active growth cycle at the time of treatment, cleaning off the old sun damaged superficial skin, stimulating the collagen, and destroying the blood vessels. Since other hairs will enter their growth cycle at different times, additional treatments will be necessary to disable all of the follicles in a given area. In general, most areas for hair removal and skin rejuvenation require at least three to five treatments. 

Usually for hair removal, with three to five treatments to an area, such as the upper lip or chin, the hair in that area has a significant change in its growth pattern. Many of the hairs do not grow back for up to two years, and the hair that returns is usually much thinner. Additional treatments every 2 to 6 months help to keep the hair away for long periods or to destroy some hair follicles. Some people, especially with dark skin, do not respond as well to treatments. Large areas, such as the back, usually require periodic treatments to small areas.

The skin rejuvenation treatments create slow permanent changes in the skin, especially the destruction of blood vessels, but some underlying skin conditions will continue, and many people have "maintenance treatments" every three to six months once the first series of treatments have been completed.

See other areas of this site for general price ranges for specific treatments. 

Dr. Taylor and his staff will work with you to develop the treatment program that best fulfills your hair removal and skin rejuvenation needs.

Call 210-490-1757 for an appointment.