Are you tired of having to shave nearly every day? Is the pain of waxing just not your thing? Have you had it with messy hair removal lotions and ointments? Are you looking for a permanent solution that will allow you to not worry about body hair? Are you put off by the time, pain, and expense of electrolysis? Then laser hair removal is for you!

At TMD Medi-Spa, we perform laser hair removal with a combination of laser & light devices, including the Starlux IPL and the Comet diode laser. These devices use high-intensity light to destroy hair follicles and achieve permanent hair removal!

In order to understand how laser hair removal works, it is important to understand how hair growth works. Hair goes through different growth phases during its life cycle: anagen (active growth), catagen (resting stage), and telogen (terminal phase). The skin surface is just the “tip of the iceberg” and there may be three times as many hair follicles beneath the skin surface that are simply in a different stage of the cycle. Follicles are most affected by the laser in the anagen (active growth) stage. That means that with each treatment a fraction of the total hairs is treated. With multiple laser treatments, remaining hairs that are still able to grow are finer and slower-growing.

How does the laser get rid of my hair?

The IPL and the diode use laser light to damage the hair follicle. This disables the follicle from growing hair, which means that gradually over several treatments, there is a permanent reduction in the amount of hair in that area.

What kind of results can I expect from the treatment?

Each treatment will result in less hair coming back, as well as hair growing progressively lighter in color, finer, and slower-growing with each treatment. It takes more than 1 treatment to affect all the follicles growing in an area. Most people achieve satisfactory clearance after 6-8 treatments, but individual results vary depending on medical and genetic factors. Darker and coarser hair typically responds faster to treatment than lighter and finer hair.

How frequently do I need treatments?

The treatments are usually performed every 1-3 months, but this depends on individual factors that we will discuss with you during your free consultation.

Who performs the treatments?

Your treatments will be performed by our Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner.

Does the treatment hurt?

Treatment with the IPL is virtually painless. Our patients are pleasantly surprised by this! The sensation with the Comet is often described as a “pinch”, or “snapping” feeling.

What happens after each treatment?

Temporary pinkness in the skin lasts a very short time, and most people return to work or normal activities immediately after treatment. The treated area will “shed” some hairs over the next 2-4 weeks, and you may experience a period of hairlessness in the area while you wait for your next treatment. As with any laser treatment, it is important to protect the skin from the sun after treatment so that darkening of the treated skin does not occur.

Am I a good candidate for laser hair removal?

Anyone who wants a permanent solution to shaving, waxing, plucking, or electrolysis is a candidate. Our multiple lasers allow us to treat the widest array of skin and hair colors. Fine as well as coarse hair can be treated as well. During your consultation, we will go over your specific treatment plan and expectations.

How should I prepare for the treatment?

It is best to shave a day or more before your appointment so that very short stubble can be seen. This makes it easier to treat every hair.

One of our satisfied clients says:

“Getting the laser hair removal was one of the best things I have ever done for myself!!! I have darker skin and thought that I could never have it done, but after my treatments at Tattoo MD, I am virtually hair free!!”
- Ciara Hunter, Hairstylist

Check out lots more info on our laser hair removal blog!