Laser and IPL FAQs
Laser Hair Removal FAQs
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal works by delivering concentrated light energy to the hair follicles, which damages them and inhibits future hair growth. The laser targets melanin, the pigment that gives hair its color, which absorbs the light energy and converts it to heat. The heat then destroys the hair follicle, preventing hair growth.
What machine do you use?
Hope Primary Care uses the ALPHA. This provides the latest technology in permanent hair reduction using a laser that heats the hair follicle. The ALPHA also provides 3D IPL Technology maintains adequate blood flow by controlling the cooling intensity and avoiding vasoconstriction.
Is laser hair removal painful?
Most patients experience only mild discomfort during laser hair removal treatment. You may feel a slight stinging or snapping sensation, similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin. However, the sensation is generally well-tolerated and does not require anesthesia.
How many laser hair removal sessions will I need?
The number of laser hair removal sessions needed varies depending on several factors, including the patient’s hair type, skin color, and the treatment area. Typically, patients require multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart to achieve optimal results. Most patients receive the desired results after six sessions, but sometimes more treatments are needed.
Is laser hair removal safe?
Laser hair removal is generally safe and effective when performed by a licensed and experienced professional. However, like any medical procedure, there are some risks and potential side effects, including skin irritation, redness, and temporary pigment changes. We take every precaution to minimize these risks and ensure our patients’ safety.
Does my skin tone or hair color matter?
The technology within our machine is able to target different color hair with a wide range of skin tones!
How do I prepare for my appointment?
Stop waxing and plucking at least six weeks before your treatment date. Do not bleach hair in the two weeks leading up to treatment, but instead shave the treatment area within 24 hours before the appointment. Avoid applying any topical products the day of your appointment. Do not apply sunless tanner for the two weeks prior to your treatment date. This includes the tanning bed.
What to expect post-treatment?
You will notice your hair falling out in the days following your treatment. You may experience some redness and irritation. You can apply ice packs to the area to relieve discomfort. It is important to apply sunscreen to the area for two weeks and avoid direct sunlight.
How much should I tip?
Hope Primary Care is a Medical Clinic therefore gratuities are prohibited. Prices listed here are the price you will pay. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are accepted for payment for some services.
If you have any additional questions or would like to schedule a consultation for laser hair removal or any of our other services, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 901-512-4632. Our team is dedicated to providing safe, effective, and personalized treatments to help you achieve healthy, beautiful skin.
IPL Treatment FAQs
What is IPL treatment?
IPL treatment is a non-invasive light-based therapy that uses a broad spectrum of wavelengths to target various skin concerns, including hyperpigmentation, sun damage, age spots, acne scars, and rosacea. Intense pulsed light, or IPL, emits multiple wavelengths into your skin and targets melanin-producing cells that rise to the surface and pigmented areas. The light is converted to heat energy and destroys those melanin-producing cells. They’re brought to the surface and then flake off, revealing revitalized skin. The same technology works for eliminating acne, vascular lesions, sun damage, freckles and spider veins. We can treat almost anywhere on your body!
What machine do you use?
We use the Alpha machine for our IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatments. The Alpha machine is a state-of-the-art device that delivers precise, targeted bursts of light to the skin to treat a variety of concerns, including sun damage, and skin discoloration. This machine features advanced cooling technology to minimize discomfort during the treatment, and its customizable settings allow us to tailor the treatment to meet the unique needs of each patient.
Is IPL treatment painful?
Most patients experience only mild discomfort during IPL treatment. You may feel a slight stinging or tingling sensation, but the treatment is generally well-tolerated and requires no anesthesia.
How many IPL treatments will I need?
Multiple treatments may be needed to achieve the desired results, spaced several weeks apart to allow the skin time to heal between sessions. Your esthetician will be able to give you a better idea of how long your specific treatment plan will take during your consultation.
Is IPL treatment safe?
IPL treatment is generally safe when performed by a licensed and experienced provider. However, like any medical procedure, there are some risks and potential side effects, including skin irritation, redness, and temporary pigment changes. We take every precaution to minimize these risks and ensure our patients’ safety.
How do I prepare for my appointment?
Avoid applying any topical products the day of your appointment. Do not apply sunless tanner for the two weeks prior to your treatment date. This includes the tanning bed.
How long is each appointment?
The length of an IPL treatment can vary depending on the area being treated and the specific concerns being addressed. In general, a session can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. During the treatment, the esthetician will use the IPL handpiece to deliver pulses of light to the skin, targeting areas of discoloration or redness.
What to expect post-treatment?
After an IPL treatment, you may experience some mild redness, swelling, or discomfort in the treated area. These side effects are usually temporary and should subside within a few hours to a few days. It is also common to experience some darkening of the treated areas, which may flake off over time as the skin naturally exfoliates.
To minimize your risk of complications after an IPL treatment, it is important to follow all post-treatment instructions provided by your esthetician. This may include avoiding sun exposure, applying ice or cooling gel to the treated area, and using gentle skincare products until your skin has fully healed.
It is also important to note that the results of an IPL treatment may not be immediate. It can take several weeks or even months for the full effects of the treatment to become apparent. During this time, it is important to be patient and consistent with your skincare routine to ensure the best possible outcome.
How much should I tip?
Hope Primary Care is a Medical Clinic therefore gratuities are prohibited. Prices listed here are the price you will pay. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are accepted for payment for some services.
If you have any additional questions or would like to schedule a consultation for IPL treatment or any of our other services, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 901-512-4632. Our team is dedicated to providing safe, effective, and personalized treatments to help you achieve healthy, beautiful skin.