5 Laser Hair Removal Myths

Laser Hair Removal (LHR) has now become a common every day word.  20 years ago, back in 1999 when Silk Touch first introduced Laser Hair Removal, we were met with skepticism and disbelief.  "You mean you can really get rid of hair permanently?"

The answer to that question is a resounding YES.  Laser Hair Removal works. Thousands of clients have had the satisfaction of never having to shave again.
With that being said, there are some things we need to clear up.  Here are 5 Myths about Laser Hair Removal:  

Myth #1:  Laser Hair Removal is completely permanent, FOREVER.

Answer:  Yes and No.  The FDA prohibits the advertisement of FDA-approved laser treatments to be described as a method of “permanent hair removal”. Hence, use of the term “permanent hair reduction” is used to describe the procedure.  In reality, many clients never have to shave again in certain areas of the body.  I had LHR 12 years ago on my legs, bikini line and underarms.  I DO not have to shave my underarms or bikini line, but there are finer blond leg left over from treatment years ago that I have to shave every few months.  

Myth #2: All Hair types can be treated.

Answer:  No, not as effectively as dark haired individuals.  Today, most lasers target Melanin. Melanin gives colour to both hair and skin. Since the dark matter in hair follicles are the target, this procedure is best suited for dark haired individuals. 

Myth #3:  Laser Hair Removal is painless.

Answer:  We all wish that were the case, but the fact is....even with lasers that add coolant or gel, it can be a little uncomfortable.  Look for a doctor who provides a topical anesthetic in additon to the coolant that the laser provides.  A machine called a Zimmer can help to cool the area and make this treatment much more comfortable.

We offer both numbing cream, and the Zimmer machine to make your treatment as comfortable as possible. Our most common comment from out patients “I was so surprised how much that DIDN’T hurt. You guys were fast!”

Myth #4:  Once gone, my hair will never grow back. 

Answer:  For many, the hair never grows back.  Hair on the face (especially for women) can grow back or be difficult to get rid of in the first place.  Hormones, heredity and other factors can play a role in the permanent reduction of hair.  Hair treated with the laser will often grow back lighter, finer, and more sparse.  LHR treatments can delay growth.  Many clients need maintenance treatments on their face every year or two to keep hair at bay.  This can still be a much better option than the cost of waxing every few weeks.

Touch-ups if needed, are always offered at a much lower price. 

Myth #5:  Laser Hair Removal is expensive.

Answer:  Compared to what?  Shaving everyday?  Buying new razors & shaving cream every month? Waxing?  Over time, Laser Hair Removal is much more cost effective than other procedures.  Your time alone is worth something.  If you shaved 10 min. a day (that's pretty conservative) for 10 years you will have spent 304 hours shaving!  And that doesn't count the cost of razors, shaving cream or the price of waxing. Treatments can start at $50 an area to several hundred for larger areas. 

Just take a look at the infographic below to see how much you could save in a lifetime.

 

Right now save 50% on any Bikini or Underarm Laser Hair Package - Click for details!

  

We get this question all the time. When should I start Laser Hair Removal treatments to be hair free by next Summer? The perfect time is…. NOW!

Fall and Winter months are ideal for starting Laser Hair Removal treatments. Here are a few reasons why.
 

1. Tans have started to fade. Laser hair removal depends on the laser seeing the difference between the color of the hair and the color of the skin.  
2. You have plenty of time. You get the most hair reduction with multiple treatments. (We suggest a minimum of 6). Starting in the Fall gives you time to get all your sessions completed by summer and it gives you time to get several areas done.
3. Easier to cover up! Sometimes, you skin can be a little red after a treatment. Which can last for a few hours or several days depending on your sensitivity.  Fall and winter months allow you to wear more covering clothing to hide any redness that may occur.
4. Savings! Because Fall is the perfect time to start, we like to celebrate Laser Hair Removal Season here at Silk Touch with great specials. During October, you can save 50% on 2 Laser Hair Removal packages and up to 75% on 3 packages!

 

Right now is a great time to purchase your Laser Hair packages, it’s the only time a year that you can get a package for up to 75% off. (Bringing some of the most expensive packages to less than $300!)

 

For those of you who are already budgeting for the Holidays, we offer monthly payment plan options to make your package purchases a little easier on the Wallet. Some payment plans are less than $50 per month. Learn More About Payment Plans.
 

What areas are you dying to stop shaving? 

We asked Erica, one of our office managers here at Silk Touch, what 3 areas would be on the top of her list to do first, if she had to do it all over again. 

“ If I was starting all over again, I would start with underarms, bikini and lower legs. Those are the areas that we shave most often, and are also the areas that are the most embarrassing if we forget to shave. Come summer time, there is nothing worse than getting the river and realizing that you forgot to shave your legs, arms, bikini – or worse, all three! I seriously haven’t had to buy a razor in years, and that is AMAZING!”

  

 

 

Summer is right around the corner, which means it's officially shorts season. It’s only May and we are already hitting temps of 90+, and with this heat – who wouldn’t want to break out the shorts and mini skirts? Baring a lot of leg is fine for some, but for others with cellulite, saddlebags, varicose veins or troublesome unwanted hair, it causes a good amount of anxiety.

That's why we have rounded up the best procedures for getting sexy, lean legs in time for the summer heat! After these treatments, you wont ever want to cover your legs up.

Varicose Veins

Spider and varicose veins are really just enlarged veins, but many women find them to be extremely unsightly. With 50 percent of women in the United States suffering from them, they can be a result of genetics, pregnancy and/or hormonal changes. There are however a couple of options for treatment. Sclerotherapy, when a doctor injects the veins with a solution that irritates the lining of the veins, forcing them to collapse, is a popular and effective option. There are also lasers like Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), which work to reduce redness and the look of enlarged veins.

Learn more about Scelortherapy or IPL treatments.

Hairy Legs

If you hate to shave your legs or simply wish you just never had to deal with it, laser hair removal might be a good option for you. After just one session hair growth is stunted and after several sessions the hair grows back thinner and virtually invisible until you’ve completed all of your prescribed treatments. At Silk Touch, we sell packages in series of 6 treatments, though sometimes 2-3 additional treatments are needed for touch-up. It all depends on your hair type and how fast your hair grows.

Did you know you can save THOUSANDS of dollars on waxing and razors if you switch to laser hair removal? Now that’s a big amount for anybody. Read more here on why lasers are the way to go for hair removal.

Cellulite/Loose Skin

If the term "cottage cheese thighs" hits a bit too close to home, then you might want to consider a skin-tightening and body shaping treatment for cellulite-free legs. While diet and exercise are your best bet for fighting unwanted dimples, for those that can't get rid of rippling, there are some in-office procedures that might help. A combination of laser, vacuum, massage and/or radio-frequency devices may help to smooth out cellulite in problem areas. 

Sometimes when we do lose a lot of weight, or as we age, we start to get “saggy” skin on our thighs that increase the appearance of cellutlite. Venus Freeze is the go-to treatment for those looking to tighten and firm areas of the body.

This month only: Get 2 Free Peels with any Venus Freeze Package. 

Our new Venus Freeze treatments use radio-frequency to tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Check out the before and after photo below.

 

 

Ready to start your leg transformation? Schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our patient care coordinators to see what treatment plan is right for you. Call us at 939-3110 or schedule and appointment below. 

How does Laser Hair Removal work?

Laser Hair Removal systems emit a gentle beam of light that passes through the skin to the hair follicle. The light is absorbed by the pigment, which damages the follicle enough to retard future growth.

Am I a candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

Laser works best on pale skin and dark coarse hair. The closer you are to this combination the better the results will generally be.

When can I expect to see results from Laser Hair Removal?

After treatment is completed, within 2-3 weeks, you should experience shedding of all treated hair. At first, the hair will look like it’s growing back in, but it is just coming through the skin to shed. Shedding starts in about 1 week and can last until 3 weeks post-treatment.  Exfoliating and/or scrubbing gently in the shower with a loofa can help speed up the process. After shedding finishes, you might experience little black dots still “stuck” in the skin, these are common and will shed eventually.

After shedding occurs, you should experience a hair-free period for a few weeks, until the next set of hair follicles that were dormant start to grow in. This usually happens within 6-8 weeks post-treatment. You will continue this process until the remaining hairs are too fine for laser to target, or until you have reached you desired reduction. Repeated Laser Hair Removal treatments are necessary to capture all the hairs in their various stages of growth.

How much does laser hair removal cost?

Laser hair removal prices in Boise vary, depending on the area being treated. Packages range from $400+ depending on the area. When compared to a life time of waxing or shaving – laser hair removal can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. Not including the time you spend shaving and waxing each month. Take a look at the infographic below. 

 

How long does the Laser Hair Removal treatment take?

The time involved with Laser Hair Removal treatment varies from person to person with skin, hair coloring and coarseness of hair all affecting the time. With this procedure numerous hairs are removed at the same time. The amount of time needed depends on the size of the area to be treated. The lip usually takes less than one minute; other areas, such as the leg, may take significantly longer.

Why are repeated Laser Hair Removal sessions necessary?

Hair goes through multiple growth cycles. Laser Hair Removal treatments work best on hair that is in an active growth stage. While one Laser Hair Removal treatment may have long lasting effects, repeated treatments are necessary for best results to capture all the hairs as they enter a new growth stage.

Ask us about our Laser Hair Removal Membership Packages!

Is Laser Hair Removal permanent?

The general opinion is that Laser Hair Removal is permanent, and the Food and Drug Administration approved it as “permanent reduction.”  Generally, this means that you shouldn’t expect laser treatments to remove every single hair from an area. Most will also need touch-up treatments 1-2 times a year after the initial set of treatments for any new growth your body develops with age and hormonal changes.

Is Laser Hair Removal safe?

Yes. The laser uses a wavelength of light which passes through the skin. Unlike x-rays, there is no residual radiation left in the body.Skin may appear pink or red after treatment. This disappears, in some cases after some minutes, in other cases up to 6 hours to a few days.

Is Laser Hair Removal painful?

This varies from person to person depending on their sensitivity. Some have described the sensation of Laser Hair Removal to a slight burning sensation or a rubber band snapping on the skin. At Silk Touch, we provide numbing that makes the experience comfortable and almost pain free.