American Laser Med Spa - Corpus Christi

• Our goal is 90% hair reduction

• Each session takes 5 minutes to 1 hour depending on the body area.

• The interval between treatments is 4 – 8 weeks.

Hair grows in cycles, so it is important to know that we take laser hair removal very seriously based on the biological factors of the three cycles of hair growth. Success is based on the percentage of hair that is gone after each session. Our goal is to have you at 90% hair gone, which according to the FDA, is considered success.  However, we know that due to biology, hormones, or other medical issues can cause dormant hair to wake up and that a hair may pop up here and there.

Unfortunately, however, not everyone is a candidate for laser hair removal. There is not a laser known to man currently that can permanently remove hair that does not contain melanin (pigment). What does this mean? It means that the unwanted hair must be a color with melanin pigment, which is what the laser targets. The laser cannot see hair that is blonde, white, grey, or extremely light red… these hair colors do not have melanin. If you have a mix of pigmented hair with these colors, you can at least be reassured that the laser will be able to treat the hair that does have pigment, giving you results that you may be happy with.

If you have questions and would like to visit with one of our trained and certified technicians to get a better understanding of what can be expected from your laser hair removal sessions, please give us a call to schedule your free laser hair removal consultation.

• Since the lasers used for laser hair removal are attracted to melanin (pigment), it is important to AVOID sun exposure, tanning beds, spray tans, and bronzers for 4 weeks before treatments. Sun exposure and tanning beds increase the melanin production in the skin which will cause the skin to absorb the laser more than the hair follicle. Spray tans and bronzers have pigment and/or pigment enhancing agents that will also absorb the laser more than the hair follicle, resulting in a burn and/or skin pigment changes.

• Please DO shave the area of treatment the night before your visit. DO NOT wax, thread or pluck the hair for at least 4 weeks prior to your laser treatment.

• PAIN – Tell us to stop the procedure if pain is more than 4 on a scale of 10 during treatment. Most patients feel pain scale of 2 to 3.

• If treatment area is the face, preferably come with your makeup off.

• Do not use on treatment areas: any skin lightener, exfoliation products or bleaching creams at least 2 days before and 2 days after treatment or until all pinkness has subsided.

• Do not apply any creams, lotions or deodorant on the area to be treated prior to treatment.

• Notify us of any change in medications or medical history since last visit – eg. Pregnancy or new tattoos or moles (on the area of treatment).

Yes!

However RESULTS WILL VARY & CANNOT BE GUARANTEED.

Generally speaking, after 4 treatments, you should see & feel noticeable results! Patient’s individual skin conditions, hair density, skin color, hormones, and the type of laser used play a role in final results. 

No, It should not.

Pain / Discomfort – Many patients describe the sensation as ‘warm sensation’ or snap of a rubber band with pain scale of 2 to 3. It is your responsibility to inform us if your pain during the procedure is more than 4 on a scale of 10. 1 being the least and 10 being the worst pain you ever had.

• After you leave the clinic, if there are any problems in the next 24 hours, please contact the clinic immediately especially if pain or burning sensation is at level 4 or more and is not improving OR if a burn or a blister formation has occurred.

• After treatment, avoid direct sun exposure or tanning on treated area for 3 days to prevent complications.

• Use Sunscreen – Sunscreen SPF 30 or higher is highly recommended.

• To wash, use tepid water and mild soap. Do not use hot water on freshly treated areas until pinkness has subsided.

• Please note the important risks of this procedure – Scarring & Discoloration that can be permanent.

• FOLLOWING THESE IS IMPORTANT FOR BEST RESULTS

Although it has proven to be very effective and safe, laser hair removal still has side effects and risks just like any other elective cosmetic procedure. Side effects are quite minor and usually temporary such as perifollicular edema (swelling of the dead hair follicle that looks like an ant bite) and erythema (redness). However, there are risks and side effects that can be more serious. Therefore, it is important to know about these side effects and their causes, so you may decrease your chances of experiencing them during or after treatments.

The 3 main risks are:

• Burning

• Scarring

• Discoloration (hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation)

• THESE CAN BE PERMANENT

Normal and minor side effects of Laser Hair Removal

• Erythema – redness – this redness can last for a few minutes to a few days on the treated area.

• Perifollicular Edema – swelling of dead ruptured hair follicles – this slight swelling that looks like ant bites at the site post treatment can last 1 to 3 days.

• Itching – itching may occur post treatment

• Slight pain or tingling – most patients report that they feel a slight sensation with the laser such as a minor snap that is often described as a rubber band against their skin. While very few find it painful, some patients feel it a bit more if they have sensitive skin or an extremely low pain tolerance.

Rare but serious side effects of Laser Hair Removal

• Bruising and/or Purpura – patients with sensitive skin may experience slight bruising on the treated area or the appearance of purplish spots which are the result of slight bleeding under the skin, but this is usually temporary and heals.

• Burning – burns to the skin are caused by the laser being absorbed by the skin more than the hair follicle itself.

• Change in skin pigment – like burn side effects, hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) and hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin) are rare but can happen if the laser is absorbed by melanin in the skin tissue instead of the hair follicle. If this happens, it can either stimulate or inhibit melanin production, causing darkening or lightening of the skin tone in the treated area. This can be permanent.

• Low first-time, introductory prices – $25 to $150. Try it before you commit to a package. You have nothing to lose… except for nagging hair!