The diode laser system has been cleared by the FDA for hair reduction on most skin types and is considered the gold standard for laser hair reduction. This laser uses a chilled sapphire crystal tip to cool the skin, which increases patient comfort. A concentrated beam of light is aimed at the hair and absorbed by the pigment in the hair. This process causes damage to the follicle and will stunt future hair growth. Lasers can remove hair for several months to years; however, results vary for everyone. Due to hormone fluctuations or imbalances which can cause the re-growth of unwanted hair, and per the FDA, Modern Dermatology cannot claim or guarantee that your laser hair reduction treatment will be permanent or will remove 100% of the hair.
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What does the treatment feel like?
Pain is minimal, and patients often say that the laser feels like hot rubber bands snapping against the skin. Unlike other lasers, the diode laser has a chilled tip making the treatment very well tolerated by patients. For certain areas, we can also use topical numbing cream.
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What is my preparation for the treatment?
An in-office consultation with one of our physicians prior to scheduling the procedure is required. Patients must avoid sun exposure, tanning booths, and the use of any tanning products including spray tans for at least 4 weeks prior to treatment. This rule applies to all 6 treatments with Modern Dermatology and is essential for the prevention of burns and adverse side effects. Patients are also instructed to shave the area(s) being treated the morning of the appointment. Do not wax, sugar, tweeze, or use depilatories, as this removes the hair from the follicle and the laser beam will not detect any pigment.
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What should I expect after my treatment?
Immediately following the procedure, mild redness and some swelling of the treated area may be present and should be resolved within a couple of hours. The skin may feel warm like a mild sunburn for 30-60 minutes after the treatment.
There is minimal to no downtime with laser hair reduction. You can return to work the same day as the treatment, but we ask that you avoid physical activity for 48 hours after your treatment. Excessive sweat could potentially cause an infection. It is best to stay out of swimming pools, hot tubs, and saunas for 72 hours after your treatment. Patients must avoid sun exposure and wear zinc based SPF 30+.
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Are there any risks or possible side effects?
During the healing process, there is a slight possibility that skin in the treated area may become lighter or darker in color compared to the surrounding skin; this is usually temporary. Ingrown hairs may also occur and can be treated with hydrocortisone cream. Although rare, scarring is possible. There is a small possibility that your treatment could stimulate hair growth. When this happens, it is called paradoxical hair growth. This is a normal and natural process. If this happens, it will be treated during your next treatment in conjunction with the rest of the treatment area. It will not continue to grow. It is also normal for the treated area to look like there are intermittent spots which appear to have been “skipped over” or missed. This is because your hair grows in different stages of the hair growth cycle. Hairs that are in the active growth stage, known as anagen, contain more pigment, and thus are more susceptible to the laser and absorb the most energy. Hair that is in different stages of growth, absorbing different amounts of energy, can give the impression of “skipped over” spots.
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Are there are contraindications?
Unfortunately, people with red, blonde, or grey hair are not considered good candidates for laser hair reduction. These hair colors do not contain enough pigment to absorb the beam of light from the laser and will not result in an effective treatment. It is also important to note that the laser settings must be lowered for darker skin types so that the skin does not burn. Therefore, people with darker skin will require more than the usual 6 treatments for improvement. We cannot treat you if you have been on Accutane within 1 month of treatment for laser hair reduction. Laser hair removal may be contraindicated for individuals with active vitiligo.
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Cancellation Policy
Modern Dermatology requires a 48-hour notice of any changes or cancellation of any aesthetic appointments. If you make changes to your treatment plan, reschedule, no show or cancel your appointment within 48 hours, you will be required to pay $250.00. If a third late cancellation, change to your treatment plan, reschedule or no show should occur, within the same calendar year, you will be required to pay 50% of the service you are requesting to reserve any future appointments. This amount is non-refundable should you fail to show up or cancel within 48 hours of your appointment.
*This policy is subject to change without prior notice.
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New Patients
Modern Dermatology requires a 48-hour notice of any changes or cancellation of any medical appointments. If a new patient reschedules, no shows or cancels their appointment within 48 hours more than twice, no future appointments will be scheduled.
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How often should I come for my treatments?
When it comes to laser hair removal, one treatment does not remove your hair completely. The hair grows in three stages, so with each treatment we are stunting the hair growth process. Treatments should be done in a series of 6 treatments. For the face, you should come every 2-4 weeks; the body should be every 4-6 weeks; and the legs are 6-8 weeks. It is important to follow your provider’s scheduling recommendation to achieve optimal results.