Laser Hair Removal
DermatechMD proudly serves Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, NC and surrounding areas
DermatechMD uses the Cynosure Apogee Elite laser and Sciton laser which are both FDA approved, state-of-the-art, medical grade units. These lasers are designed for all skin types, including tanned skin and both lasers provide one of the most advanced and comfortable treatments. Each procedure is performed by a highly experienced medical professional.
A special message for our Groupon and Living Social clients who have not yet begun their treatments:
We are happy that you have chosen dermatech|MD for your hair removal needs. Please note that the vouchers do expire which means all of the treatments must be completed by the expiration date. Depending upon the area you choose to treat, your appointments will be scheduled once overy 4, 6, or 8 weeks. In order to best accommodate everyone we are now offering clients to choose 2 of the areas listed on the voucher and come in for three appointments. This way you can receive 6 treatments. For clients that choose to treat only one area, we will schedule as many appointments for you as possible within the time the voucher is valid. Please call today to reserve your first appointment! 919-871-3292
Important things to know before your laser treatment
- The area to be treated should be shaved the night before or morning of your appointment.
- Arrive a few minutes early for your initial appointment to allow time for paperwork.
- Some medications may include "photosensitivity" as a side effect so be sure to inform your technician if you are taking any meds. If you have used or are taking antibiotics, you must finish your course of treatment five days prior to your appointment.
- No sun exposure three days before or after treatment.
- Laser treatments are not effective on white, blonde, grey or red hair
- No sunless tanners five days prior to treatment
- Do not use any retinoic product 48 hours prior to treatment.
- Treatment intervals are 6-10 weeks depending on the area of the body/face treated.
- A $50 surcharge will be added to your treatment if you arrive unshaven.
Q: What is laser hair removal?
A: Laser hair removal is widely regarded as the safest and most effective form of hair removal on the market today. It is a high-tech method for destroying massive amounts of hair follicles in their growth phase so that it gradually deteriorates.
Q: What to expect during the laser hair removal procedure?
A: The length of a laser session may range from a few minutes to an hour or more depending on the size of the area being treated. How long the procedure takes depends on the area of the body involved. A small area such as the upper lip may take several minutes. A larger area such as the back may require several hours.
Since laser tends to treat hair follicles that are in an active growth phase, more than one treatment is required to disable hair follicles that subsequently enter this growth phase.
During the procedure, laser light will be delivered through a hand held piece attached to a laser console. You may experience a stinging sensation as the laser pulse is delivered. To reduce discomfort, a cooling system may automatically remove heat from the surface of your skin before, during and after the laser exposure. The process can take from just a few minutes for an upper lip to several hours for a full back and legs.
Laser treatment itself may cause a slight tingling sensation. Most patients tolerate the procedure well. B The appearance of the treated area immediately after the laser session will vary from patient to patient depending on the extent of treatment and skin type. Immediate after-effects, if any, are minor. They may include redness and swelling, which disappear in a short time. Most people return to normal activity right away.
During the procedure, you wear goggles to protect your eyes from accidental exposure to laser light. The procedure causes a slight charring of your stubble. You may notice a strong odor of singed hair, which is normal. Afterwards, you may experience some temporary redness and swelling.
Q: How does skin color affect the results?
A: Light skin makes laser hair removal easier to perform. Fewer treatments are required, and better, faster results are obtained. People with darker skin can be treated, but results are slower, more sessions are required, and greater expertise is required on the part of the laser technician.
Q: Are there any side effects?
A: In most cases there are no side effects associated with the procedure. However, pigmentary change of the skin treated can occur, including either dark or light areas. Pigmentary changes may persist for months, but are almost always temporary. They are very rare in patients with fair skin, who are untanned. Blisters and burns are rare, but occasionally occur, particularly in patients with dark skin if treated improperly.
Q: What are the post-treatment instructions?
A: It is common to experience redness or bumps after the treatment. A cold compress often helps in this scenario. Apart from this, general precautions to take after laser hair removal treatment include:
- Minimal use of makeup and maximum use of moisturizer
- Use sun block of SPF 25 or more for a couple of weeks after the treatment
- If needed, the only other acceptable hair removal method during the treatment regimen is shaving
- Be aware that hair will continue to shed up to three weeks after the treatment.Help the hairs out by using a loofah or washcloth.
Q: What are some pre-treatment instructions?
A: While the process in itself is considered to be very safe, individuals opting for laser hair removal may want to review these pre-treatment tips:
- Laser treatment should be avoided when you have a suntan or sunburn
- Though not necessary, shaving before the treatment quickens treatment time. Shaving should be done to a degree where only a shadow or stubble remains visible
- Bleaching or plucking should be stopped for a couple of weeks before the treatment
- If you are likely to suffer from cold sores or have genital herpes, talk to your doctor
Q: What areas can be treated with laser?
A: Any area, except near the eyes, be treated with laser hair removal. The most common areas requested are the face, upper lip, neck, chest, periareolar, underarms, back, abdomen, bikini line, and legs.
Q: What are the limitations/disadvantages of Laser Hair Removal?
A: Although laser hair removal is an excellent treatment option, some patients may experience hair regrowth. However, this hair is usually finer and lighter in color. Possible side effects, though very rare, may include damage to the surrounding healthy tissue in the form of scars, burns, redness and swelling. The process is also not as effective on unpigmented (gray) hairs and red or blonde hair.
Q: What are the effects of tanning on laser hair removal results?
A: Having a tan increases your risk of side effects such as blistering and discoloration. It is not advisable to have a laser treatment if you have a tan. Wait until the tan has fadded.
Q: Does hair color have any impact?
A: Dark hair absorbs more laser energy and is, therefore, much easier to treat. Coarse dark hair responds the best to laser treatment. Light hair is can be more difficult to treat, while blonde or grey hair does not respond to laser treatment. Multiple treatment sessions are required, and results are variable.
Q: How long has laser technology been in use?
A: The laser was first used in medicine in 1961, nearly 50 years ago! Laser hair removal began about 15 years ago, but has advanced significantly in the past 8 - 10 years.
Q: What is the difference between an IPL and a laser?
A: IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light and is not a laser. While IPLs can be effective for some cosmetic procedures, our experience supports the more powerful, yet safer use of the laser for hair removal.
Q: Is the Alexandrite laser the best choice for my skin and hair?
A: The Alexandrite laser is considered by many in the field of laser hair removal to be the gold standard laser. This is true if you have a lighter skin type. The Alexandrite laser uses a longer wavelength for penetration to the hair follicle and energy that is particularly attracted to melanin - the target for hair removal. However, if your skin is darkly pigmented you will get the best results with a laser specifically designed for your skin type - the YAG laser. dermatechMD employs both of these lasers in our office.
To learn more, request a free consultation: 919.845.3006 or click here
Women
Upper Lip $75
Chin $75
Naval $75
Breast/Areolas $75
Sideburns $100
Lip/Chin $125
Underarms $125
Bikini $140
Buttocks $150
Extended Bikini $200
Knees to Toes $216
Upper Thighs $216
Arms $300
Brazilian $300 and up
Full Legs $400
Full Legs & Bikini $500
Men
Uni-brow $50
Ears $75
Front of Neck $125
Back of Neck $125
Sideburns $100
Beard $300
Chest & Abs $300
Arms $300
Back $300
Back & Shoulders $445