Laser 101

UNDERSTANDING LASER HAIR REMOVAL AT SIMPLICITY IS THE FIRST STEP TO HELPING CLIENTS HAVE A GREAT EXPERIENCE

HOW DOES LASER HAIR REMOVAL WORK?

The simple answer is that lasers emit a pulse of light, which is absorbed by the pigmentation and blood vessels of the hair follicle. When that light is absorbed by the hair follicle, it is converted to heat, which then destroys the follicle.

When the hair follicle is destroyed, it is unable to regrow hair. Because of the unique properties of each laser wavelength, the tissue surrounding the hair follicle is untouched, simply leaving you smooth.

DO SIMPLICITY’S LASERS TREAT ALL COLORS OF HAIR?

Thanks to the technology at Simplicity Laser, almost everybody is a great candidate for laser hair removal. We can treat all skin colors and hair types, but not all hair colors. Laser hair removal is less effective on clients with red, blonde or grey body hair because the pigmentation of these hair colors is not targeted by the laser.

WHAT TYPE OF LASERS DOES SIMPLICITY USE?

Using a combination of the ND:YAG and Alexandrite laser technologies, Simplicity ensures you have a safer, faster, and more effective treatment. These are the leading lasers on the market and provide the best results.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS DOES IT TAKE TO GET FULL RESULTS?

The majority of clients need approximately 10 to 12 treatments to accomplish permanent results. However, the specific number of treatments needed to achieve the full effect of laser hair removal varies greatly from person to person, and also varies between body parts. If at any time a client has questions about their progress or results, we can schedule a client review with their client manager who will go over their chart and progress with them.

WHY ARE SO MANY TREATMENTS NEEDED?

Not all of your hair actively grows all the time. Hair follicles transition through active and dormant stages. With each treatment the entire skin surface is covered, but only those follicles that are actively growing will be impacted by the laser pulses. When a follicle is dormant, the laser light cannot be absorbed, and the follicle is left undamaged. Only about 10% to 15% of a persons hair is actively growing at any given time, so multiple treatments are necessary to ensure we treat every single hair follicle.

HOW LONG DOES A LASER HAIR REMOVAL SESSION TAKE?

Appointment times will depend on the areas that are being treated, however all body areas can be completed in 30 minutes or less. Because there is no down time with laser hair removal, clients can easily be treated and go back to work, school or other obligations immediately. We make sure clients are given a thorough treatment and can get in and out as efficiently as possible.

IS LASER HAIR REMOVAL PERMANENT?

Yes, laser hair removal is FDA approved as a permanent hair reduction treatment. Most Simplicity members can expect to achieve 70% to 90% permanent hair reduction after the recommended 10-12 treatments. It will be less effective on red, blonde or grey hair. In addition, hormonal changes can potentially cause regrowth.

IS LASER HAIR REMOVAL SAFE?

Absolutely! Simplicity’s Lasers are FDA approved for all areas of the body and all skin types. All Simplicity laser technicians are laser certified and receive ongoing training and evaluation. Quality control and re-training are priorities at Simplicity.

IS LASER HAIR REMOVAL PAINFUL?

Most people tolerate treatment very well. Many customers have compared it to a rubber band snapping against the skin. Compared to waxing the treatment has very little discomfort, however, everyone’s pain tolerance is different.

Because Simplicity invests in the best technology, we also provide a system that blows -20 degree air on the treatment area for increased comfort. If a client still finds it uncomfortable, we have an over-the-counter topical numbing cream that contains 4% lidocaine available for purchase.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS FROM LASER HAIR REMOVAL?

When performed by trained and experienced practitioners, side effects from laser hair removal are uncommon. Potential reactions include hyperpigmentation (darkening of skin), hypopigmentation

(lightening of skin) or a histamine reaction (allergic reaction to the heat). Both conditions are temporary and can be easily treated with topical creams.

WHAT BODY AREAS CAN BE TREATED?

At Simplicity, we can treat any body area for both men and women. The most popular areas for women include upper lip, underarms, bikini line and legs. The most popular areas for men include the back of the neck, back, chest and abdomen. Technicians will not treat over tattoos or any open sores.

WHO WILL PREFORM THE TREATMENT?

A certified Simplicity laser technician will perform each treatment. Each clinic also has a doctor as the medical director to ensure safety.

SHOULD I BE WORRIED ABOUT RADIATION?

No. There are two basic types of radiation: (1) Non-ionizing radiation, and (2) ionizing radiation. Hair removal lasers produce non-ionizing radiation, which is simply heat and light, and is FDA approved for your skin. Ionizing radiation, which represents x-rays, ultraviolet, and nuclear radiation is a completely different type of radiation, and is not produced by hair removal lasers.

WHAT SHOULD CLIENTS EXPECT AFTER TREATMENT?

After treatment, the treated area may be red or pink and feel similar to a sunburn. These reactions will resolve within 24 hours. Simplicity’s Restorative Gel or Aloe Vera helps skin heal faster. Within the first 3 treatments clients may not see a drastic change in hair growth, however the hair will grow softer and slower. After 4-7 treatments clients will start to see a significant reduction of hair sometimes see- ing hair fall out. They will also begin to see patchiness in regrowth areas and notice a difference in the texture of the hair. After 12-16 treatments clients will see the most significant reduction. Regrowth will be minimal and extremely fine and clients may experience redness or mild swelling after each treatment.

CAN I GET TREATED IF I AM PREGNANT?

Simplicity does not treat women who are pregnant. Though there have not been any studies show- ing laser harms the unborn child, we prefer not to take the risk. If a client becomes pregnant, they can call in and Simplicity will put their membership on hold until they are ready to begin treatments again.

CAN I GET TREATED IF I’M BREASTFEEDING?

Simplicity treats breastfeeding mothers; however, the client cannot use numbing cream because it contains lidocaine, which can be transferred to the milk supply and slow the baby’s heart rate.

IS THERE A TREATMENT AGE LIMIT?

Simplicity will treat anyone 18 years or older. Laser hair removal is largely ineffective for children under 18 because of the hormonal changes. It is also ineffective because of children’s accelerated rate of healing, which repairs the hair follicle after it is damaged by the laser, causing hair to regrow.

WHAT FACTORS CAN DISQUALIFY ME FROM TREATMENT?

Simplicity does not treat anyone who has epilepsy and/or cancer. If a client has had cancer, they must wait a year before they can be treated. In addition, any client that has used Accutane, or similar products that cause extreme photosensitivity, in the last 6 months CANNOT have laser hair removal treatments. Clients who are currently taking antibiotics also cannot be treated. Clients must wait 7-10 days after finishing this type of medication before being treated. See pre- and post-treatment instructions for more details on treatment restrictions.