Laser Hair Removal

What is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is a fast and effective method of removing hair growth via laser energy – and is up to 97% effective at drastically reducing the number of hairs in a given area (for the proper skin and hair type). Our advanced Sciton BAREit™ laser offers a blend of three wavelengths so we can successfully treat darker skin types with ease. Be wary of offices that utilize IPL (Photofacial) lasers for laser hair removal; they are not nearly as effective in the reduction of hair growth and your results can be disappointing. With the Sciton BAREit™ laser, our treatments are suitable for all skin types, able to treat the entire body, and the treatments are simple and effective!

What is laser hair removal used for?

Women most often use laser hair removal to treat the legs, bikini line, arms, underarms, upper lip, chin, abdomen, areolas, and more. Men most often seek to remove hair from the chest, abdomen, back, shoulders, neck, beard, sideburns, ears, hands, toes, and more. Ultimately, laser hair removal can be used to permanently remove unwanted hair from nearly any area of the body.

Why choose laser hair removal over shaving or waxing?

Women and men alike spend a great deal of time and money on removing unwanted hair. While shaving can be time consuming and lead to nicks and cuts, waxing can be painful and cause skin irritation. In addition, both shaving and waxing become a costly expense when you add up the money spent on shaving cream, razors, waxing kits, or professional services over the course of many years. In recent years, more women and men than ever have turned toward the permanent and ultimately less expensive method of laser hair removal to eliminate undesired hair. At KMP Aesthetics, we offer this solution to save our patients both money and time, allowing you to enjoy hair-free skin all year long.

How long does laser hair removal treatment take?

For smaller areas of the body – such as the upper lip or underarms – treatments usually last just a few minutes. For larger areas of the body – including the chest, back, or legs – treatments can often be completed in just 15 minutes, making the BAREit™ system a highly efficient laser treatment. To maximize your results, our skin care experts, led by Kevan Petterson, DNP, ARNP, will typically recommend a series of six to eight treatments. During your treatment sessions, a special cooling technique will also be performed to help ensure your comfort.

What results can I expect from laser hair removal?

Once the recommended number of treatments has been completed, most individuals experience an 80-90% reduction of unwanted hair. In many cases, results can be seen after just three treatments, and a full series of treatments can often be completed in as few as six months. The total number of required treatments will vary from patient to patient, and, in part, depend upon your hair color, hair type, location of the treatment area, and skin color. During the consultation process, you can be given a more personalized estimate for the number of treatments needed to achieve your goals. Since the Sciton BAREit™ operates by targeting the hair’s pigment, dark hair can be more effectively treated and eliminated. Patients with blonde, red, grey, or white hair may not be good candidates for laser hair removal. As a result, our team typically recommends that patients considering laser treatment for hair removal complete all sessions before the hair turns gray or white.

Recently I went to visit their BEAUTIFUL location on top of 1st Hill. I had my very first session of laser hair removal. The staff were incredibly friendly and very comfortable; I had no issues with jumping up on the table for the bikini area removal as they were all very professional. After much research on this treatment I also think that the price for laser hair removal seems very reasonable.

I will def. be going back to visit and try out many of their treatments. 2 thumbs up!!

Laurie, Seattle, Seattle, 2007

How often do I need laser hair removal treatment?

A good rule of thumb is that if the area to be treated is at the neck line or above, you will need to repeat treatments every 4 to 6 weeks. For areas below the neck line, you will want to repeat treatments every 6 to 8 weeks for best results. Some patients with darker skin types will require additional treatments to see full results. We do not recommend tanning, either by direct sun exposure, sunless tanning lotion or tanning beds, while seeking laser hair removal treatments. Although we can still treat tanned skin, the results are less effective and sensitivity of the treatment will be noticeably stronger. We also recommend that patients avoid retinoid products 7 days prior to scheduled appointments to ensure comfort and safety.

How does laser hair removal work?

At KMP Aesthetics, we utilize the Sciton BAREit™ for our laser hair removal treatments. It is one of the most advanced laser hair removal systems available today. It’s designed for all skin types. The BAREit™ removes unwanted hair with unsurpassed efficacy and comfort. That’s because its revolutionary technology combines three optimal wavelengths in one system: 810, 940, and 1060 nanometer wavelengths, ensuring both optimal results and safety. What’s more, we are able to administer treatments in significantly less time than with a single- or double-wavelength product.

Only about 10% to 20% of the hair in any given area of the body is in the “active” growth phase at any given time. It is during this phase the laser is able to target and effectively deactivate the hair follicle. A visual representation of hair growth is shown to the left. The target of the laser for hair removal is the “bulb” of the follicle.

The focused laser energy zeroes in on the dark color of the hair follicle and super-heats it until it alters the follicle beyond repair – thus deactivating the hair follicle and preventing it from regrowing hair in the future. Treatments are spaced 4-8 weeks apart, maximizing the chances of hitting newly active follicles with each treatment.

It is because only a certain percentage of hair is available in this growth phase that we need to do multiple treatments spread out over varying time spans to ensure we get the most actively growing hair possible. We endeavor to plan your course of treatments to maximize your results.

Is laser hair removal safe?

The laser hair removal technology we utilize here at KMP Aesthetics is designed to provide safe and effective treatment. When combined with the extensive training and experience embodied by our skilled aesthetics team, the safety potential of laser hair removal is maximized and the chance of complications resulting from the treatment is reduced.

Does laser hair removal hurt?

Individual experience varies, but most people feel a heated sensation like tiny pin pricks, or rubber band snaps. For your added safety and peace of mind, our cooling technology features an advanced patient comfort system, which keeps your skin at a soothing cool temperature during the procedure. We offer this service at no additional cost as a courtesy to our Seattle-based patients.

What are the common side effects of laser hair removal?

Individuals will have different reactions from treatment based on their unique skin condition. The most common side effects include, but are not limited to: a sunburn sensation on the treated area, post-treatment redness and inflammation, and swelling around the hair follicle. Many of these common side effects reduce within the hour post treatment but some patients may have sensitivity and redness for up to a couple of days after treatment. A full list of potential side effects is available during your consultation. It is important to continue to avoid the sun after treatment as your skin will be sensitive to UV radiation. If you cannot avoid sun exposure we highly recommend using a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen that contains both physical and chemical sunscreens. We carry a full line of high-grade sunscreens at KMP Aesthetics to serve a variety of skin conditions and UV protection needs.

Is laser hair removal permanent?

One of the most prominent goals of laser hair removal is to produce results that last a lifetime. With this in mind, the question of exactly how long laser hair removal results will last is somewhat dependent on each patient’s unique skin type and commitment to the treatment process. Individuals who undergo a series of treatment sessions often stand the best chance of obtaining an 80-90% reduction of hair that does not grow back later in life.

How much does laser hair removal cost?

The cost of laser hair removal is often highly variable among patients since the procedure is customized to one’s unique needs and goals for treatment. Factors that will determine the overall cost include the number and size of the areas being targeted, the number of laser hair removal sessions necessary for optimal results, and other components of the treatment process. Once your personalized treatment program is developed during the initial consultation, a member of our team will produce a cost estimate that includes all associated expenses and answer all of your questions. KMP Aesthetics accepts a wide range of payment methods, including financing arrangements through CareCredit®, which offers a number of affordable installment plans for qualified applicants. We try to make the payment process as easy and convenient as possible for our patients, so please don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have!

What is the best way to save money on laser hair removal?

The most cost effective way to undergo laser hair removal at KMP Aesthetics is to purchase our Laser Hair Removal Package. By purchasing a series of six sessions at once, you will receive a significant discount compared to paying for each individual treatment as you go. However, for our patients who have begun laser hair removal treatments elsewhere, our a la carte offerings are likely a better option for you. For more detailed information and to schedule a free consultation, please contact our medical staff.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions

How old do you have to be for laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is most often performed on adults, but teenagers can often benefit from the innovative treatment, as well. Our team will evaluate each patient to determine if laser hair removal is the most beneficial treatment for their needs. As long as the individual is considered a good candidate, has realistic expectations, and understands the risks of treatment, they should be eligible to undergo treatment.

Can I get laser hair removal if I have dark skin?

Hair removal on darker skin can be more difficult with traditional laser technology, but with our Sciton BAREit™ laser, we are able to effectively treat darker skin tones. Many technologies cannot successfully achieve this goal, however, because they require the pigment of the skin and hair follicle to have more contrast, allowing the laser to target darker hair. Due to the blend of three wavelengths in our laser system, however, our team is able to target hair on all skin types. In some cases, patients with darker skin may need additional treatments to achieve optimal results.

How will I need to prepare for my laser hair removal treatment?

Before your scheduled appointment, you will be instructed on how to prepare. In general, you should limit sun exposure and refrain from using tanning products. Patients who are already tanned may need to wait to undergo their treatment until it has faded. This helps reduce discomfort during treatment and minimize the risk of developing discoloration. You will be able to shave, if desired, but will need to avoid removing hair from the root, such as with plucking and waxing.

How many laser hair removal treatments will I need?

Since hair grows in multiple phases, laser hair removal must be performed as a series of treatments to fully destroy the hair follicles and slow or prevent further growth. Hair must be in its active stage of growing to be removed via laser treatment. As a result, it can take six to eight laser hair removal sessions to provide long-lasting reduction.

For more information about laser hair removal, or to schedule a consultation to determine your candidacy, please contact KMP Aesthetics today.