BBL and Laser Hair Removal FAQs
BBL and Laser Hair Removal FAQs
1. What is laser hair removal?
Permanent hair reduction can be achieved by light based technology including laser hair removal or hair removal with Broad Band Light (BBL) or Intense Pulse Light (IPL) technology. At Premier Skin Care Center we utilize the state of the art Sciton BBL technology that targets hair follicles for the purpose of selectively destroying them while leaving the surrounding tissue (skin) intact. The purpose of the BBL hair removal procedure is to diminish or remove unwanted hair from the face and or body.
2. What is the difference between BBL/IPL and Laser hair removal?
BBL (or IPL) is a broad band light that emits energy in consistent and carefully timed pulses. Laser hair removal technology emits light in a sudden burst of energy. BBL hair removal is typically more comfortable than laser hair removal.
3. How does BBL hair removal work?
BBL or IPL hair removal works by emitting pulses of intense light into the targeted hair follicles. The light is then absorbed by the pigment in the follicles and is converted to heat. The heat loosens the hair and disrupts the cells responsible for growing new hair.
4. Does BBL (IPL) hair removal work?
Yes, BBL hair removal is very effective at reducing unwanted hair. Although it is more accurate to call Laser hair removal or BBL (IPL) hair removal permanent hair reduction rather than removal. 100% removal cannot be guaranteed with any hair removal technology but significant permanent hair reduction is achieved with BBL hair removal.
5. Is laser hair removal permanent?
Laser hair removal or BBL hair removal is considered permanent. Once the hair follicle is killed, it can no longer grow.
6. Does hair ever come back after laser removal?
The hair that is in the active growing phase when the Laser hair removal or BBL hair removal treatment is performed does not come back once it is killed, but new hair growth may occur from follicles that were not in the active growing phase and that is the reason why 6-8 sessions are recommended to achieve the hair reduction that patient's desire.
7. Are hairs that pop out during laser hair removal permanently gone?
Hairs that pop out from the skin after treatment indicates that those hair follicles have been killed and generally do not come back.
8. What happens to the hair that is already growing when you have laser hair removal?
It is normal for some hair to continue to grow after a BBL hair removal treatment. Some of these hairs are being released from the recently disrupted follicle, and some are from dormant follicles that were not in the active phase at the time of the BBL hair removal treatment. This normal hair cycle is why BBL hair removal consists of 6-8 recommended treatment sessions per treatment area, approximately 4-6 weeks apart depending on the area that is being treated.
9. How many laser hair removal treatments are needed?
Since hair follicles grow and regrow in a cyclical fashion and only growing follicles are affected by BBL or Laser hair removal treatments, all hair removal technologies require multiple sessions to ensure maximum effectiveness. Typically, patients will need to have 6 – 8 BBL hair removal treatments to achieve their goals, however, depending on the hair texture and color and the patient's skin type several more session at times may be required. We provide a 15% discount on packages of 6 or more hair removal treatments at Premier Skin Care Center, a leading provider of hair removal in the Kansas City area.
10. How many laser hair removal treatments are needed for the upper lip area?
The minimum number of treatments for upper lip hair reduction is 6 to ensure that all hair follicles are treated in the active growth phase, however, typically more than 6 BBL hair removal treatments are necessary for the upper lip because the hair on the face is finer and lighter which may require more treatments.
11. What happens during a BBL hair removal treatment?
During the initial hair removal consult, the esthetician will review your medical history including any medications you may be taking, known allergies, sun and tanning exposure history, pregnancy history and any medical conditions you may have.
12. Medications to avoid before BBL or laser hair reduction treatments:
Certain medications or preparations such antibiotics or St. John's Wort, may make your skin more sensitive to light. Additionally, the use of skin care products such as Retin-A, Differin, Renova, glycolic or alpha-hydroxy acid preparations can cause you skin to be more sensitive than normal to light based therapies and should be discontinued a week before BBL or laser hair removal.
If there are no contraindications to undergoing BBL hair removal , the esthetician will shave the treatment area if it has not already been shaved, and then will apply a cool, conducting gel to the treatment area to help cool the outer skin layer and to provide optimum skin contact with the BBL treatment head for maximum effectiveness. She will then gently apply the surface of the BBL treatment head in a systematic manner to the entire treatment area. She will periodically ask if you are doing ok and depending on your response and the response she observes as she provides the treatment she will adjust the BBL settings accordingly to achieve the most effective result with the least amount of discomfort.
13. What occurs during a laser bikini line hair removal?
In addition to the above steps for BBL hair removal, the esthetician may ask the patient if she would like a topical anesthetic agent for bikini hair removal treatments. Most women do not need a topical numbing agent for bikini hair removal but if the area to be treated is a Brazilian hair removal treatment, most women will opt for a numbing cream to be applied to the treatment area. This is routinely done as long as there are no allergies to the anesthetic agent.
14. How long do hair removal treatments take?
Smaller areas such as the lip and chin take as little as 5 minutes. Underarms and bikini hair removal treatments take approximately 15 minutes. Larger treatment areas such as the back, arms or legs take longer, from 30 to 45 minutes (for both arms or both legs).
15. Is laser hair removal safe?
Yes, LHR or BBL hair removal is a very safe procedure. The procedure, however, should be as administered in a medical licensed facility by a certified, experienced provider. BBL Hair Removal is safe to be used on all body parts, including the face, neck, décolletage, back, underarms, bikini line, legs and arms.
16. How dangerous is laser to the eye if you have hair removal?
Light from a laser or broad band light technology can be harmful to the eyes and wearing special safety eyewear is necessary at all times during either a laser or BBL hair removal procedure. When having BBL treatments, protective eyewear is provided to every patient to insure eye safety. The eyewear that is provided is specific to the treatment being done to ensure that proper eyewear is used for the specific wavelength involved in the treatment.
17. Does laser hair removal hurt? How bad does laser hair removal feel?
LHR or Broad Band Light hair removal is not a pain free procedure, but most patients tolerate the treatments very well with little discomfort. It has been said that the BBL hair removal treatment feels like a band snapping effect or pin pricks with a warm sensation. Treatments are adjusted to each patient's pain tolerance. Laser hair removal is commonly more painful than BBL hair removal.
18. Can pregnant women undergo laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal, IPL or BBL hair removal is not recommended for pregnant women. There have been no studies evaluating hair removal in pregnant women.
19. How effective is BBL hair removal?
BBL hair removal is a very effective procedure to dramatically and significantly reduce unwanted hair on a permanent basis if patients are properly selected based on their hair color. BBL or Laser hair removal does not tend to work well on extremely light colored hair.
If you are unsure if you would be a good candidate for BBL hair removal contact our office at (913) 782-0707 today and schedule a complimentary hair removal consultation with our experienced esthetician.
20. How effective is Laser hair removal or BBL hair removal after one treatment?
BBL or laser hair removal is effective after one treatment but one treatment only will NOT treat all the hair follicles in the treated area because hair grows in 3 different stages. You will see a significant reduction after one treatment, but patients need at least 6 treatments to ensure that all follicles are treated when they are in their active growing phase over the course of a series of treatments. BBL or laser hair removal only works on hair that is in an active growing stage. At any given time an average of 30% of our hair may be at rest. When this hair becomes active again it will grow and further hair removal treatments will be needed.
21. Can BBL hair removal affect areas not treated?
No, BBL hair removal can not affect non treated areas.
22. How much does laser hair removal cost?
Laser and BBL hair removal treatments in the Kansas City area costs vary from clinic to clinic and depends on the size of the area to be treated. Premier Skin Care Center has very competitive pricing on all BBL hair removal packages. Call us today at (913) 782-0707 to learn more about BBL hair removal treatments and their cost or to schedule a complimentary hair removal consultation.
23. Do you tip for laser hair removal?
No, typically in a medical esthetic practice such as Premier Skin Care Center, it is not customary to tip.
24. Can laser hair removal be covered by insurance?
LHR or BBL hair removal is typically considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by most insurance companies.
25. Who does laser hair removal treatments?
Laser or BBL hair removal can be done by estheticians, nurses or physicians certified in laser or Broad Band Light technology. When considering having laser or BBL treatments make sure the staff providing the treatments are certified in laser and BBL technology.
26. Where is laser hair removal done?
Laser hair removal (LHR) or BBL hair removal is performed in physicians' offices, medi-spas and laser centers where a licensed physician provides clinical oversight for the LHR or BBL policies, protocols and procedures.
Premier Skin Care Center is conveniently located in southern Johnson County, KS and our Cosmetic and Skin Care Suite was designed with your privacy in mind; with areas for private check-in, check out, consultation and treatment in a relaxing, friendly environment.
27. How effective is hair laser removal verses electrolysis?
Electrolysis is effective at removing unwanted hair, however, it is very time consuming since it removes only one hair at a time and typically it is more painful than BBL hair removal.
28. Does laser hair removal and BBL hair removal work for men?
Yes, both are as effective in men or women for reducing unwanted hair.
29. Does BBL hair removal work for white hair?
Since the laser looks for dark pigment to kill the hair follicle, white hair is hard to see, so BBL hair removal is Not recommended for white hair, however it can be effective for gray, coarse hair.
30. Does laser hair removal work on the pubic area?
LHR or BBL hair removal works on all areas of the body that has unwanted hair including the face, chest, abdomen, pubic area,(bikini and brazillian areas), legs, arms, hands and feet.
31. Can Laser hair removal work for blonde hair?
Prospective clients frequently ask "does laser hair removal or BBL hair removal work on blonde hair?" BBL hair removal works best on dark to medium hair color. The lighter the hair the more difficult it is to treat, and this is specifically the case with blonde or white hair. (All Laser, IPL or BBL hair removal technology is poor at treating blonde hair, despite what some hair removal companies suggest.)
32. Can you get laser hair removal on pubic hair, buttocks or on the testicles?
You can undergo LHR or BBL hair removal on any part of the body that has hair including the pubic and buttock area and on the testicles.
33. Can you have laser hair removal on head hair?
Yes you can have laser hair or BBL hair removal done on head hair, but keep in mind, it is considered to be permanent.
34. Can you remove your forehead baby hair by laser hair removal?
No, vellous hair (baby fine hair) cannot be removed by laser or IPL/BBL technology.
35. Can a woman get laser hair removal on their chest?
Yes, it is safe to get laser hair removal or BBL hair removal on the décolletage and breast areas.
36. Can laser hair removal be done to the entire vaginal area?
LHR or BBL hair removal can be done on the area of the external female genitalia, in the area that Brazilian waxes treat.
37. Will laser hair removal harm tattoos?
LHR or BBL hair removal is not indicated in areas of tattoos since the laser looks for pigment, and may cause burns in the area of a tattoo or cause fading of the tattoo.
38. How long should I wait in between laser hair removal sessions?
It varies depending on the location of the body but typically at 4 to 6 week intervals.
39. How do you know if the laser technician is properly removing hair during laser hair removal treatments?
Clients frequently ask how you know if laser hair removal or BBL hair removal is working during the hair removal session. The esthetician will monitor the response you have to the treatment. Patients with coarse hair may experience edema (swelling) around the hair follicles which is called peri-follicular edema or sometimes referred to as a "chicken skin appearance". Peri-follicular edema is a sign that the hair follicle has been affected and is a measure that the treatment is successful.
Another sign that the hair removal treatment is working is a slight odor when the hair follicle is being destroyed.
40. How do you know if your laser hair removal is done right?
For hair removal treatments that are effective you should notice a reduction in the amount of hair and the coarseness of the hair immediately after the first treatment. You won't have to shave as much and you may have less problems with razor burn or ingrown hairs. As the next treatment date approaches you will then notice more hair which reflects new hair growth in follicles that were dormant during the previous treatment.
41. Can I sunbathe before or after BBL hair removal?
No, you should avoid sunbathing, tanning beds and self tanning products prior to and after BBL hair removal treatments because this technology looks for color (pigment) and this could put you at risk for complications such as burning the skin if you are tan.
42. Can I shave before a laser hair removal consult?
"Should I shave before laser hair removal" or "how do you groom before laser hair removal" are frequently asked questions. Before an initial LHR or BBL hair removal consult, it is best to leave an area unshaved so that the esthetician can see what color and texture your hair is, which will help determine if you are a good candidate for hair reduction therapies.
Once it is decided that you are a good candidate for BBL hair removal, for maximum effectiveness it is recommended you shave the area to be treated prior to your BBL hair removal treatment. However, you should avoid waxing, tweezing and bleaching the hair prior to hair removal treatments and during the course of treatment because these grooming activities can decrease the effectiveness of the Laser or BBL hair removal treatments. Hair needs to be present in the follicle for laser or BBL treatments to be most effective. Since waxing or plucking pulls hair out of the follicle, recently waxed or plucked areas will not be suitable for treating.
43. Can I leave a little bit of stubble before laser hair removal?
Generally a little stubble is recommended so the laser can see the hair follicle better, but no more than the thickness of your fingernail.
44. Can I shave after LHR?
You may shave the treated area after 3 days following a BBL hair removal treatment, but do not pluck or wax or use a chemical exfoliate between hair removal treatments. Following BBL hair removal treatments the skin in the treated area may be a bit sensitive so it is best NOT to shave or trim the treated area for the first 3 days.
45. Are infections common after hair removal?
Infections are not usual after BBL hair removal treatments; however herpes simplex virus infections around the mouth can occur following treatments in both individuals with a prior history of oral herpes simplex (sometimes referred to as "fever blisters") and in individuals with no prior history of the virus. Should an oral herpes infection occur our physicians can prescribe an antiviral agent such as Acylovir.
46. After laser hair removal my legs are really red, is this normal?
Erythema, or redness in the area of hair removal treatment may occur. Generally, the redness will only last several hours. Additionally, edema (or swelling) may occur around the hair follicles and is called peri-follicular edema and is a sign that the hair follicle has been successfully treated in coarse-haired individuals.
47. Can you develop hives from laser hair removal?
Uticaria (itching) or a hive-like appearance is also associated with the thermal light affecting the surrounding skin following a BBL hair removal procedure. These symptoms usually subside in a few to several hours. A cool compress placed on the area provides comfort. The treated area should be cared for delicately for at least 12 hours following BBL hair removal; limited activity is advised as well as no hot tubs, steam, sauna, or shower use during this time.
True allergic systemic reactions are rare.
48. Can laser hair removal cause cancer?
Laser hair removal has never been shown to cause cancer.
49. Does Laser hair removal or BBL hair removal work on patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
Yes, Laser hair removal or BBL hair removal are effective hair reduction therapies for women with PCOS who deal with the problem of hirsutism or unwanted hair growth. Many women we treat who have PCOS are quite pleased with the results of BBL hair removal. It is advised that women with PCOS should consult their primary care provider regarding medications to help keep their hormones in a more normal state so that new hair growth will be minimized.