frequently asked questions

In the state of New York Laser Hair Removal is regulated by the Medical Board. This means only certain people with medical licensure can legally perform your laser treatments. These people include Physicians, Cosmetic Therapists, and sometimes Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses or Licensed Practical Nurses under certain conditions.

You MUST be seen by and talk to a physician at the time of your first laser treatment at any new location, even if you have had laser before somewhere else. A Cosmetic Therapist has a special license in New York that allows them to treat you without the physician in the office after your first visit. If you are being treated by any other type of licensed laser technician the physician MUST be in the office and you should ask if the physician is in the office for YOUR SAFETY.

This also means you cannot legally be treated by a Cosmetologist or Esthetician for Laser Hair Removal in the State of New York.

Laser uses a specific frequency that seeks out pigment cells. Dark hair contains large amounts of this pigment and attracts the light energy of the laser. The laser energy travels down the hair follicle and destroys or damages the root and cells that nourish a hair under the skin's surface. What this means is that the light is drawn to the root of a hair by it's color and heats up the cells destroying the hair. Hair grows and sheds from the body in cycles. Not all hair is actively growing at any given time. To destroy hair as it enters the actively growing phase we must treat the same area several times over a period of several months. Most people will need an average of 4-8 treatments spread out from 4 weeks to 6 months apart as determined by the technologist.

Our treatments are performed by medically licensed professionals in accordance with the New York State Medical Board's regulations. Hair removal is what we do best. We have the most experienced technicians in Northeast New York for Laser Hair Removal. We perform Hair Removal with one of the industries most trusted lasers. The Candela GentleLASE is an Alexandrite laser that is extremely effective for permanent hair reduction.

We have tried many of the lasers on the market and feel this machine gives the most consistent and lasting results.

Our treatments are more comfortable due to the laser's skin cooling device which uses a spray of cryogen an instant before the laser treats.

Laser hair removal can be performed effectively on most people. A few limitations to the technology must be considered. The hair must contain enough pigment to absorb the laser light, meaning blond, white or grey hair does not work. All skin types can be treated but laser works best on light to medium skin with darker hair. The skin must be it's natural color, a tan to the skin during treatment can cause a burn to the skin. Some medications and medical conditions prohibit a person from safely having laser treatment, consult your technologist if you have questions.

The feel of laser treatment is relatively painless. The Candela GentleLASE's cryogen spray helps cool the skin an instant before the laser fires and makes the treatment more tolerable. Usually the feeling is described as a rubber band snap or a scratch. The feeling from the laser application goes away within seconds. Sometimes there a is a "tingling or tender" feeling to the area that has been treated for a short time after. In most cases you will feel as though nothing was done once you leave the office.

The skin may be slightly red and have some swelling around the follicles right after treatment. This fades quickly. The hair in the area will often be singed but does not fall out or shed for 7-10 days after treatment. You will notice less hair in the area until the next growth cycle comes in and you are ready to treat the area again. With each treatment you will see less hair coming back and the texture will be lighter and finer.

Tanning and laser hair removal are not compatible. Tanning prior to the procedure will result in negative side effects such as soft scabs, burning, change in pigmentation, and in severe cases, blistering and scarring. Because of possible adverse reactions, we will not perform treatment on tanned skin. You may tan areas other than those being treated. You may also use self-tanning products (sprays, lotions, etc.) as long as the tint is worn off before your treatment. Self-tanning products typically wear off within one week after application.