Does laser hair removal hurt?
The majority of patients have few problems tolerating the procedure. Discomfort ranges in intensity and has been described as everything from many small pinpricks to the snap of a rubber band to the sensation of a hot pinprick.  Our lasers have patented cooling devices, and we use the Zimmer chiller to help cool the skin. Any discomfort after treatment usually feels like a sun burn.

How much does it cost?
Check the price list and remember that we have many "specials." 

How long does each treatment session last?
Depending on the area to be done, the treatment could last anywhere from ten minutes to one hour. Underarms, backs of the neck, and bikini areas are usually treated in 15 minutes or less, while large areas like full legs or a full back can take up to an hour or more.

What will the treated area look like after treatment?
It will probably be a little red, and the hair follicles may "welt" up, looking like goose bumps on the skin for approximately one to two hours. However, this effect can last for up to a couple of days in some patients.

What is the average number of treatments needed?
Most people require 6 to 8 treatments with a waiting period of 5 weeks between treatments.  Only about one-third of our hair is growing at any given time, and hair responds best to laser treatment when it is growing. For these reasons, it always takes multiple treatments to successfully treat unwanted hair.

Is laser hair removal permanent?
Laser hair removal has been in use for some time, and stable hair loss has been reported as far back as seven years. HOWEVER, most patients experience an 80% to 90% reduction in the amount of hair in a given area after the series of treatments. Also note that significant hormonal changes always effect hair growth, including puberty, menopause, and polycystic ovary disease.

Why does the laser not work well on blond, gray or red hair?
The laser energy interacts with pigment or melanin in the hair root, and blond, gray and red hair usually contain insufficient melanin or contain a form of melanin (pheomelanin) that does not absorb light well. Be sure to come in before your hair goes gray! We have used our BBL, however, to treat lighter colored hair, and after several treatments have seen reductions of about 40%.

What kind of lasers do you use and are they safe?
We use a Candela Gentlelase™ Alexandrite laser, a Sciton™ BBL, and a Sciton™ ND:Yag laser.  They have all been cleared by the FDA and are very safe. 

Will my insurance company pay for my laser treatments?
Insurance companies will not pay for laser treatment, and we will not bill any insurance companies.  We require payment at the time of treatment, and we accept Visa, MasterCard, cash, and checks.

Can I receive laser treatments if I am pregnant?
It is the policy of Dry Creek Laser & Asthetics not to perform laser treatments on pregnant women.  Omnilux™ treatments, however, are safe for pregnant women.

Can I receive laser treatments if my skin is tanned, if I visit tanning booths, or if I plan to tan in the future?
No! You must stay out of the sun for at least two weeks before laser treatment.

Can my minor children receive laser treatment?
Yes. They must be accompanied by a parent during their first treatment. After that, you may fill out a form that will allow them to come without you. Please keep in mind that hormones play a large role in hair growth. If your child has not yet gone through puberty, any hair removed now may grow back during or after puberty.

What is your Refer-A-Friend Policy?
For every friend you refer to our laser institute who buys a laser treatment, you will receive $10 off your next laser procedure. You can refer as many friends as you would like!

Should I shave before I come in for treatment?
You should shave 24 to 48 hours in advance of your treatment. Please don't pluck or wax more than six weeks before treatment. The hair root has to be present for the laser to work, so if you have removed the root with waxing, plucking, or electrolysis, then there is nothing for the laser energy to interact with.

Can any area of the body be treated?
Yes, with the following exceptions: eyelashes, shaping of the eyebrows, and male genitalia. It is the policy of this office not to treat male genitalia unless treatment is necessitated by a medical condition. These patients must be seen by Dr. Sharp prior to treatment.

What are possible side effects of laser hair removal?
Side effects can include blistering, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation or scarring. Risks of these side effects are minimized if you follow treatment instructions closely.

For more information, call our office or visit the Sciton™ and Candela™ websites: www.sciton.com www.candelaser.com