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Our Med Spa has been performing laser hair removal in Atlanta since 2002. Collectively, we have performed over 1,000,000 laser procedures, including 600,000 on dark skin types. We can safely and effectively treat any skin type; our patients represent over 52 different countries from around the world. We know that when it comes to laser hair removal you’re looking for safety, experience, results, convenience and affordability.
Our staff of Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, and Medical Aestheticians are all licensed laser practitioners by the Georgia Composite Medical Board.
Laser hair removal is a process that requires a series of treatments to achieve the best results. Because of this, at WIFH, all of our laser hair removal packages include 8 treatments at 6-week intervals. Custom treatment packages can be made to accommodate multiple treatment areas, as well.
The power of laser hair removal comes from the absorption of laser energy by the pigment in the hair follicles – also known as melanin. Just as the energy from the sun is absorbed by the black color in clothing – producing a large amount of heat – when applied to the skin surface, laser energy is absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle. This absorption creates a significant amount of heat that damages or destroys the hair follicle.
So, while commonly known as laser hair removal, the hair isn’t actually being removed, rather, the laser reduces the number of hair follicles and their ability to produce hair by 75% to 90%. Patients will never achieve 100% hair reduction, and WIFH will never guarantee 100% hair reduction. Patients who hear of such promises from other practitioners should not believe these claims.
Following a series of treatments, the remaining hair is typically finer in thickness because of the reduction in follicle size. Hairs will appear lighter in color and grow back very slowly, decreasing the amount of maintenance for the patient post-treatment.
Before the treatment, sunscreen should be used and is very important for patients who are undergoing laser hair removal treatments. Patients who have had recent sun exposure and can see visible tanning or tan lines, it is recommended to reschedule the treatment for a later date, once the tanning has subsided.
Shaving is the preferred method of removing hair prior to having laser hair removal. Waxing and plucking can reduce the effectiveness of the laser treatment. The day of the treatment, patients will need to make sure the skin area is clean and free of makeup, lotions, creams, and deodorant. It is recommended to shave the day-of or the day before the procedure.
Laser hair removal is not painless, but most WIFH patients tolerate treatment really well. For those with sensitivity (roughly 25% of WIFH patients) Dr. Cox can prescribe a numbing cream that the patient can apply prior to the treatment to reduce discomfort.
Treatment duration ranges between 3 minutes to 60 minutes or more, depending on the area of the body being treated. For example, an upper lip takes approximately 3 minutes to treat, whereas a larger area such as full legs takes approximately 60 minutes per treatment.
There is no downtime after receiving laser hair removal treatment. Patients can continue normal activities immediately following treatment. Patients may experience some redness in the skin, but it typically dissipates in a matter of minutes. In rare instances some patients may experience redness for up to 24-48 hours.
Approximately 2 to 3 weeks after each session, patients will notice hair reduction as well as a reduction of ingrown hair and razor burn. It is important that patients complete all 8 treatments to see sustainable results and the most reduction.
WIFH believes consultations are very important to help educate patients on the laser hair removal process. Consultations provide an opportunity for us to get to know the patient, and to understand their questions and concerns. During the consultation a member of the WIFH clinical team will assess the patient’s skin and hair to provide a realistic expected outcome of laser hair removal for their specific case.
It is common practice at WIFH for patients to begin laser hair removal treatments the day of their consultation. If a patient would like to begin treatment immediately following the consultation, simply let us know so an appropriate amount of time can be scheduled for the procedure.
This is one of the great beneficial side effects of laser hair removal. Reduction of hair bumps and ingrown hairs will be markedly noticeable even after your first session. We have seen this on all body parts including face, neck, bikini line, legs, backs and underarms.
While we cannot effectively treat colorless or grey hair, often times even the fairest of blondes may have enough pigment in their hair for the laser to work. Still, we prefer to see these patients for a consultation. If we don’t think you are a good candidate, we will tell you right away so that you don’t waste your money. One thing is certain, if you have very light hair, it is important that your skin be very light to get the best results. We strongly recommend that you DO NOT USE TANNING BEDS, SPRAY-ON TANS OR SELF TANNERS while undergoing laser hair removal treatment!
We understand that many people use self-tanners and spray tanners, however we cannot treat you with a laser while it is on your skin. When scheduling your laser hair removal treatments please be sure that you have allowed enough time for all of the artificial tanner to be gone from your skin. We recommend at least 2-3 weeks. You are able to use self-tanners/spray tan immediately following your laser hair removal treatment. Tanning beds are different, because they actually tan the skin. For Caucasian patients we need you to be as close to your natural color as possible, so tanning is not recommended while you are having laser hair removal.
We prefer you to not do either of these. Feel free to shave the area as needed, but avoid waxing, plucking or threading. Because these methods of hair removal remove hairs from the follicle, there will not be a target for the laser during treatment, thus patients will not get an optimal result upon completing their package.
Georgia law prohibits laser hair removal within 1” of the orbit of the eye.
Our team of medical professionals have over 70 years of combined laser experience. Our clinical team consists of Nurse Practitioners, Physicians Assistants, Registered Nurses, and Medical Aestheticians who are all certified laser practitioners that are all registered under the Georgia Composite Medical Board.
Laser hair removal is a fairly low risk treatment, safely treating all skin types and ethnicities, provided the practitioner performing the treatment has the appropriate training and experience to take specific patient characteristics such as skin type, body treatment location, and sun-exposed or tanned skin into consideration when selecting the course of treatment.
The most common complication from laser hair removal is hyperpigmentation, the temporary darkening of the skin. This occurs more frequently in light skinned patients who have had extended sun exposure resulting in the tanning of the skin.
Hyperpigmentation is less common in darker skin types. Hyperpigmentation is not a burn and isn’t long-term, typically resolving on its own over the course of several days. In rare instances hyperpigmentation can last several months. If a patient experiences any issues or concerns following treatment the patient should contact their provider at WIFH. Our clinical team of medical professionals have the appropriate training and expertise necessary to manage and treat any potential complications from laser hair removal.
