A.  The laser is able to target the hair follicles of actively growing hairs and destroys them so they will no longer produce hair. Unlike other lasers, the Sciton laser is very effective for all skin types and can be used even on tanned skin. The computer scanning ability of the laser allows for large areas to be done, allowing for an optimum pattern for your skin type to ensure results without discomfort. A state of the art cooling system is used to remove the heat generated by the laser, in order to provide comfort during the treatment as well as to protect the skin from burning. Treatment is recommended 3-5 times every 3-8 weeks since the laser can only affect actively growing hairs.

A.  Your eyes will be protected using safety goggles. The skin is chilled to protect it from the heat generated by the laser and to provide anesthesia. We like to see a small amount of stubble in the areas to be treated. You may hear some minor popping or snapping as the hair follicle is treated. Some people experience a sensation of heat, similar to the feeling of the hot sun directly on your skin in the summer, but no real discomfort. The treated skin will be more sensitive to ultra-violet light so you will need to avoid the sun and tanning beds for a few days following treatment to avoid causing pigment changes in the skin. (For this reason, this is a great winter time treatment.)

A.  Redness and slight swelling may last for a few hours after treatment. Like all laser treatments, you will need to stay out of the sun and tanning beds for a few days after treatment.

A.  Once the hair follicle is destroyed, it will no longer produce hair. However, since the hair follicle must be in the active growth phase to be treated and since there are only approximately 20% of hair follicles in active growth phase at any one time, it is generally necessary to repeat the treatment 3-5 times to permanently reduce sufficient hair to avoid shaving in the future.

A.  The Sciton^TM laser uses a state of the art continous chilling system so the skin is cooled before, during, and following the actual laser use to give the maximal amount of comfort and safety. Other laser systems frequently will chill the skin only before and not during the treatment, so there is increased risk of skin damage as well as pain from the heat generated by the laser. Therefore, we do not have to use potentially dangerous topical anesthetics, which also improves the safety of the therapy.