What is laser hair removal and how does it work?

Laser hair removal is an FDA-approved, safe and effective treatment used to remove unwanted hair. The laser creates a beam of intense light that converts to heat when absorbed into the hair follicle, while leaving the surrounding tissue unaffected. The hair to be treated must have adequate color to absorb the laser light. Blond and white hairs will not be affected by the laser. For those hairs we offer electrolysis treatments.


How do I prepare for a treatment?

To get optimal results, do not pluck, wax or have electrolysis for several weeks prior to a treatment. Shaving or clipping is permissible. Immediately prior to a treatment, the area to be treated should be shaved, and the skin should be thoroughly cleaned and dried, removing any makeup, cream or oils on its surface.

What precautions should I take before and after my treatment?

Each treatment is geared to the individual needs of the patient, so please consult your practitioner for specific advice. In general, sun exposure should be avoided for the four to six weeks prior and following the treatment. Apply sunblock SPF 30 or above to the skin when going outdoors. During the first few days after the laser hair removal treatment, do not scrub the skin with abrasive cleaners to help prevent skin irritation.

What happens during the laser hair removal treatment?

Your practitioner will interview you to review your specific needs and develop an individual treatment plan, prior to or on the day of your initial visit. Every caution is taken to provide you with safe and comfortable treatments. During the laser application, both you and your practitioner wear safety glasses to protect the eyes from the laser beam. Your practitioner uses an instrument equipped with a dynamic cooling system to deliver the laser beam, selectively spraying a fine mist of coolant prior to each laser pulse. You may feel a slight cooling sensation, increasing your comfort during the treatment.

How long does each laser hair removal treatment take?

Each individual, treatment plan and surface area is unique, but a typical session may last 30 to 45 minutes. Your practitioner will determine the best approach based upon your specific needs.

How many treatments will I need?

Although each case is different—depending on the area to be treated and your skin type—most people require four to six treatments, one to three months apart.

Are there any side effects?

Risks are minimal. Some patients experience changes in skin color. If this occurs, the skin will typically return to normal over time. To help prevent pigment changes, we recommend avoiding sun exposure before and after treatment. Sunblock SPF 30 or above should be applied when going outdoors.

Are laser treatments safe?

Yes, lasers have been used for many years for a variety of medical conditions. Lasers for hair removal are FDA approved, and provide a safe and effective means to achieve hair removal. To protect your eyes from the laser’s intense light, protective eye glasses must be worn during the procedure.

Are laser hair removal treatments covered by medical insurance?

Hair removal may be considered a cosmetic procedure, often not reimbursed by health insurance companies. Speak to your practitioner and health insurance provider to discuss the details of your case and coverage.

What forms of payment do you accept?

Epicare Laser Center accepts personal checks, Visa and MasterCard. Services are payable at time of treatment. Gift certificates are available.