Laser FAQ
How many treatments of laser hair removal will I need?
Those with skin types 1-4 usually require 10-12 treatments to achieve up to 90% permanent hair reduction and those with skin types 5 & 6 usually require 2 more treatments. However, you will see great results after the first treatment. Hormonal areas and fine hairs usually require more treatments than non-hormonal areas with thick hair. You may need a maintenance treatment 1-2 times a year following these treatments.
How often will I need treatments?
Treatments are required on the face every 4-6 weeks. Treatments on any other part of the body are required every 6-8 weeks.
How effective is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is very effective. You should see permanent hair reduction following each session. Hairs that are destroyed will fall out 1-3 weeks after your treatment. After completing all of your sessions, you should achieve approximately 90% hair reduction.
Will my hair grow back if I wait too long between treatments?
No. Successfully treated hairs will not grow back. However, you must be consistent with your appointments to target all of your hair follicles effectively. This is because the hair growth cycle lasts approximately 6 weeks and laser hair removal can only kill hair in the anagen (growth) phase. Only a certain percentage of hair is in this phase at any given time. Therefore, treatments are required every 4-6 weeks on the face (since hair grows faster on the face) and every 6-8 weeks on other parts of the body to eliminate new hairs each treatment.
Will shaving make my hair grow back thicker?
Absolutely not. Shaving does not make hair grow back thicker, but the blunt tip caused by shaving can give the appearance that hair is growing back thicker.
What is the purpose of using ultrasound gel during laser hair removal treatments?
Ultrasound gel helps the laser handpiece glide across your skin, transfers the laser energy better, and provides additional cooling.
Are intense pulsed light (IPL) and laser hair removal the same thing?
IPL is not a laser. The wavelengths emitted by IPL scatter and travel in different directions. This means that the light energy is not as focused as with laser hair removal. For this reason, laser hair removal is much more effective for hair removal. IPL also poses a higher risk for hyperpigmentation and burns than laser hair removal.
Does laser hair removal hurt?
Laser hair removal with the Soprano ICE laser hair removal system is virtually painless. Instead of exposing hair follicles to a single high energy pulse, the Super Hair Removal mode in the Soprano ICE allows for gradual heating of the hair follicles until the required energy is delivered. This minimizes pain. Gradually heating the hair follicles also allows more energy to accumulate than any other laser hair removal machine, making the Soprano ICE the most effective laser hair removal system on the market.
Why do I need to shave before my treatments?
Shaving before laser hair removal ensures that the laser energy is not wasted on hair that can be seen above the skin. Unshaved hair will burn and fall onto the skin, potentially burning the skin. Shaving 24 hours before your appointment also gives your skin enough time to heal in case you cut yourself.