Laser Hair Removal

Laser Hair Removal


Top FAQs

Will laser hair removal work for my skin color?

YES! WE LASER ALL SKIN TYPES! With our variety of laser machines and the variable laser wavelengths and energy settings, we are able to effectively remove hair from the very lightest skin, to brown, to dark brown. The Fitzpatrick Skin Type Chart is used to determine the effectiveness of many skin treatments, especially laser hair removal. During the consultation phase, our technicians will, importantly, determine each client’s skin type prior to treatment so that the best machines and settings are used to attain optimal results.

What are the risks or possible side effects?

Immediately following a laser treatment, clients should experience reddened and puffy skin. This is termed “follicular edema” and resembles goose bumps. It feels somewhat like a mild sunburn. This effect disappears in a few minutes to a few hours. In the hands of an experienced laser technician using the right equipment, clients will not experience any damage to their skin. Many clients schedule treatments during their lunch break and return to work with no visible indications. On very rare occasions, there are mild burns or skin pigment changes, but this almost always clears completely over time.

Is the process painful?

Most patients compare the feeling of the treatments to the “slapping of a rubber band.” Some people even say it tickles depending on the location of the treatment. The only discomfort, if any, will be during treatment and usually does not linger when you leave. Most patients compare post- treatment to the feeling of a mild sunburn. The most sensitive areas to treat are the back, neck, and bikini area. Our technicians are specifically trained to deal with any discomfort the treatment may cause. If needed, there are pre-treatment medications available through our supervising physician.

More FAQs

Is laser hair removal permanent?

Yes, most people achieve 80-90+% permanent hair reduction. Contrary to statements made by those unfamiliar with this technology, when laser hair removal is properly performed, it is effective for the vast majority of candidates. Non-responders are primarily limited to those with light blond, white, gray, or red hair. The current technology is capable of 80-90+% hair reduction for ALL skin types, male and female, and for ALL body areas (except around the eyes).  Some patients even achieve virtually 100% removal. Ten to 15% of people do not reach this level of hair removal, but almost all are still very satisfied! The number of sessions needed to achieve these results can vary from 4-10 treatments depending on many factors such as age, skin type, amount of hair, hair color, hair texture, hormones, and more.

What is involved in the laser hair removal process?

The laser hair removal process works by sending a pulse of laser light to a group of hair follicles with enough power to disable or destroy the root while not harming the surrounding skin. A cooling spray immediately follows the pulse to create minimal discomfort without the hassle of creams and gels that other machines require. The laser beam finds the hair follicles by targeting melanin (the substance that gives skin and hair color). It is important to note that the laser process will not work well on people that have red, white, gray, or light blond hair.

How many sessions do I need for laser hair removal to be successful?

It depends on several factors: skin color, hair color, hair texture, age, hormones, and medications must all be considered in determining the number of treatments an individual will need. Thick hair responds better than thin hair and darker hair responds faster than the lighter ones. We recommend starting with a 5-session package with treatments between four to six weeks apart to achieve optimal results. Typically, five to ten treatments for clients with dark, thick hair can yield up to 80% - 90% hair reduction. The most responsive areas of the body for laser hair removal are the legs, underarms, and bikini area for both men and women. The male back and female face are more challenging and can take a few additional treatments. Some clients may require ongoing, periodic "touch-up" appointments long-term.  

How long do I wait between sessions?

The average waiting period between treatments is 4 to 6 weeks. This period in between treatments gives your hair a chance to be caught in the “growth phase” of its life and this is when you will get the best results when performing laser hair removal. Your treatment program will be decided at your initial consultation and you will know, and be instructed, on how to care for your treatment area(s) and when to follow up.

What are the risks or possible side effects?

Immediately following a laser treatment, clients should experience reddened and puffy skin. This is termed “follicular edema” and resembles goose bumps. It feels somewhat like a mild sunburn. This effect disappears in a few minutes to a few hours. In the hands of an experienced laser technician using the right equipment, clients will not experience any damage to their skin. Many clients schedule treatments during their lunch break and return to work with no visible indications. On very rare occasions, there are mild burns or skin pigment changes, but this almost always clears completely over time.

I’m concerned about what to do between my treatments. I usually tweeze or bleach. Is this allowed?

Do not tweeze. You can bleach your face, but the root needs to remain so our lasers can effectively target the follicle. Shaving is completely safe. You will not grow more hair if you shave. The best way to come in for treatments is cleanly shaven or with a very slight stubble. We suggest shaving the night before or the day of your scheduled treatment, but not more than one day unshaven. If you come in for treatments with too much hair, we will have to shave you, which takes time and could be irritating to the treatment area.

How long is each treatment?

Treatment times will depend on the size of the treatment area. Underarms for instance take about 10 minutes for both arms. A larger area, like legs or back, can take a full 30 minutes to an hour.

How do I know if laser hair removal treatments are working for me?

You will see results after the very first treatment. You will have fewer hairs and they will be finer and weaker. Your skin will be smoother and your hair pores less visible. The results will become more impressive with each successive treatment.

Is laser hair removal for everyone?

Laser hair removal will not work on white, gray, light red or light blond hair. Also, some medications such as Accutane or other photosensitive drugs will not be allowed during treatment. Patients under 15, pregnant, or have skin cancer, or open wounds in the treatment are also are not allowed to undergo any type of laser treatments. We will go over all these factors, and any questions you may have at your initial consultation.

I had some hormone tests done that showed my testosterone is relatively high. Is laser hair removal safe and effective for me?

If you have an untreated elevated testosterone issue causing the hair growth, you won’t see good results from laser hair removal until your testosterone is under control. Your body will be busy developing new hair, and regardless of how much of the “current” hair is destroyed, it will be replaced by new hair. You will need treatment to stabilize your hormone levels. When the imbalance is under control, you can start your laser treatments and achieve excellent and stable results on the body. In some cases, the facial area will require “touchup” treatments every 3 to 6 months to remain hair free.

I have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and I have a lot of extra hair. Will laser hair removal work for me?

Yes, it will but it may require a few more treatments than usual or higher levels of treatment energy. Almost all clients with PCOS are satisfied with their results.

I have peach fuzz on my face or other parts of my body. Can I get treatment?

Peach fuzz and very fine blond hairs typically do not respond well to laser hair removal treatments. If you have this type of hair we would like to see you in person before we determine whether it will work for you. Sometimes one patient’s definition of peach fuzz is not always the case for all.

I have ingrown hairs on my face, legs, bikini area, back, or other part of my body. Would laser help?

Yes, absolutely. Even after one treatment you will notice that many of your ingrown hairs will start to go away. Within a few weeks to a few months, depending on the severity of the scarring and pigmentation caused by ingrown hair, the skin appearance will be improved overall. The bumps will get smaller, the area will be smoother, and the color of your skin will become more even.

I am a dark skinned African American. Can I get laser hair treatment?

Yes, absolutely. Many darker skin types, especially African Americans, believe they cannot get laser treatment. This was true years ago, but not today. Smooth Skin has the most advanced lasers that work great on all skin types. At your initial consultation, we will go over your medical history, give you a personal skin assessment, and discuss your candidacy for laser treatments.

What can you do for men?

Many believe only females seek laser hair removal, but the truth is we have a large number of male clients. That’s because men have discovered laser hair removal is the best way to manage their unwanted body hair. We laser many areas for men, and have successfully treated whole backs, neck, face, scalp, ears, nostrils, buttocks, arms and legs. 

Please call for scheduling and for a consultation.

Skin Rejuvenation

Skin Rejuvenation


General FAQs

What is PicoSure?

PicoSure® is the world’s first and only picosecond aesthetic laser platform for multiple aesthetic applications including acne scar treatment, removal of pigmented lesions and wrinkle treatment. This unparalleled breakthrough in laser technology delivers ultra-short pulse bursts of energy to the skin in trillionths of a second to gently target and eliminate pigment without harming the surrounding skin. Improve the look of your skin and achieve a more youthful appearance by removing pigment or treating wrinkles and acne scars faster than ever before with PicoSure.

Why PicoSure Laser Treatment?

It’s important to consider your options. Face-lifts, fillers, and toxins are associated with significant downtime, risks, and side effects. Patients often consider these treatments a “last resort.” The first step to achieving a more youthful appearance or just tweaking some trouble spots may be a PicoSure laser treatment. Speak with our office today to see if this treatment is right for you!

How exactly does it work?

We know there are a few folks who really want to dig into the science.  Just for you, we provide this Flip Book with all you want to know. 

 

Pigment FAQs

What causes unwanted pigment?

Melanin gives us our skin color. Pigmented lesions including sunspots, age spots, and brown patches, are dark in color because the melanin is concentrated in one area of the skin. Most pigmented lesions come from sun exposure while some patients are born with them. Hormonal changes can also induce pigment changes in the skin.

What types of pigmented lesions can PicoSure remove?

Lasers remove a variety of unwanted pigment. Age spots, freckles, and brown patches can all be removed with PicoSure. During a free consultation, your practitioner will put together a treatment regime to help you achieve pigment-free skin fast.

How many treatment sessions will it take?

To improve the look of your skin and achieve a more youthful appearance by removing pigmented lesions will require only a few treatments. Darker, deeper and larger pigmented lesions may require additional treatments; however during the consultation, your practitioner will discuss treatment expectations with you.

What does the treatment feel like?

Most patients find the procedure tolerable and require no numbing cream or anesthesia. PicoSure delivers energy in ultra-short bursts, and patients often compare the laser pulse to a snap of a thin rubber band.

What type of post treatment care is necessary?

After the procedure, the treatment area may be tender. It is important to keep the area clean and to avoid any irritation. Your practitioner will provide additional after care instructions as needed to ensure a quick recovery.

Scar Treatment FAQ’s:

How does laser scar treatment work?

Unlike surgery, laser acne scar treatment uses ultra-short pulses of laser light to reach deeply into the skin’s sub-layers, treating the support structure. Then the body’s natural healing process sweeps away older, damaged tissue and rebuilds it with fresh, new collagen and elastin—the crucial building blocks of normal-looking skin. It’s a fast and simple procedure that’s easy to tolerate and requires little-to-no downtime.

What types of scars can be treated?

Laser acne scar treatment is FDA-cleared for acne scars on any area of the body, including the face.

Am I a good candidate for this treatment?

Laser acne scar treatment can work on many skin types, including very light and darker skin. Contact a provider to find out if you are a good candidate for this treatment.

How long does it take?

The treatment can be performed in as little as 15 minutes or less, depending on the size of the targeted area.

What does the treatment feel like?

Most people feel minimal discomfort during laser acne scar treatment. Your physician will work with you on the best option for optimal comfort based on your individual situation.

How many treatments will I need?

Acne scars will begin to show improvement in 2 treatments but a series of 3 to 5 treatments is recommended for optimum aesthetic results.

How quickly will I recover?

Most people resume regular activities immediately following the treatment session.

Are there any side effects?

Typical side effects include temporary redness and swelling at the treatment site. Unwanted pigmentation associated with the acne scarring should slightly frost (whiten) during treatment, then darken over the following 24 hours and then shed over time.

Wrinkle Treatment FAQ’s:

How does it work?

With a unique combination of leading-edge technologies, our light-based treatments target all three layers of photodamaged tissue, epidermal pigment, middermal wrinkles, and deep-dermal laxity. Then the body’s natural healing process sweeps away older, damaged tissue and rebuilds it with fresh, new collagen and elastin—the crucial building blocks of youthful looking skin.

Am I a good candidate for this procedure?

If you have fine lines and wrinkles around your eyes, mouth, or any area of your body including face, hands, and arms you may be a good candidate for the PicoSure treatment.

How long does it take?

The procedure can be performed in as little as 15 minutes or less, depending on the size of the treatment area.

What does the treatment feel like?

Your treatment provider may offer ways to make this a comfortable experience. Since everyone is different, and this depends on the level of treatment needed, it is best to discuss all of your options with your laser treatment provider.

How many treatments will I need?

A series of 3-4 treatments is recommended. Treatment intervals are 2-4 weeks but can be up to 8 weeks for darker skin types. Each patient is unique and will be evaluated prior to treatment.

How quickly will I recover?

Side effects include temporary redness and swelling at the treatment site that typically resolves in less than an hour but in some cases may linger for up to 24 hours.

Are there any side effects?

Adverse effects can include hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, mild erythema and edema, and possible scarring and infection. By following your practitioner’s post-treatment care instructions you will significantly decrease the risk of these adverse effects.

Tattoo Removal

Tattoo Removal


General FAQs

What is PicoSure?

PicoSure® is the world’s first and only picosecond aesthetic laser platform for multiple aesthetic applications including tattoo, pigment and scar removal. This unparalleled breakthrough in laser technology delivers ultra-short pulse bursts of energy to the skin in trillionths of a second to gently target and eliminate pigment without harming the surrounding skin. That translates into less pain and less risk of scarring than other lasers.

Does laser tattoo removal hurt?

Patients have described treatments with PicoSure as feeling similar to the actual tattooing process or less.  You may consider applying a numbing cream like over-the-counter Aspercreme (available at any drugstore) or an online product like Hush. Apply 30 minutes prior to your appointment to minimize discomfort. 

How long are treatments?

Treating an average-sized tattoo typically takes around 10-20 minutes. Treatments can be longer depending on the size and/or detailing of the tattoo being treated.

How many treatments are needed?

A series of treatments are typically recommended.  The number of treatments needed is dependent on variables such as ink type, tattoo size, tattoo location, lifestyle habits and desired outcomes. For example, if you want another tattoo over the same spot, you may only want to lighten the area, which would be fewer treatments.  We will work with you to come up with a treatment plan that's right for you!

Will there be any scarring?

Typically, no. As with any laser, there is a very small risk of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation in the area.

If you have any additional questions, call us at:

   434.964.8714 in Charlottesville

804.997.2780 in Richmond

Or, if you would like to schedule an appointment:

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